How do you know if you tattoo deep enough?

Author: Howard Champlin  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 9, 2025

A good rule of thumb is that tattoo ink should be deposited 16th of an inch (1-2mm) from the surface of the skin, trapping it in the dermal layer. However, there is no “one size fits all” depth. Your client and the placement of the tattoo will affect the depth of the dermis.

How do I know if I'm tattooing deep enough?

Pinch the skin on the back of your hand tightly. If your needle is reaching further than half way across (if youre floating ur needle then obviously account for that) the pinch of skin you have in your fingers, youre going too deep.

How do I know if my tattoo artist didn't go deep enough?

If the lines split, you're going too deep. Faded lines or not completed? Too light of a pass or too fast. If the mag snags, you're going too deep. Mag looks scratchy? Too fast or too light.

What happens if a tattoo needle doesn't go deep enough?

If the needle doesn't go deep enough, the tattoo may fade quickly within a few weeks. Achieving the right depth is crucial for a successful and long-lasting tattoo. This usually means that the needle should penetrate about 1-2 mm (usually closer to 2 mm) or about 1/16 of an inch into the skin.

Why do tattoo artists use Vaseline while tattooing?

Basic Lubrication: Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, is commonly used as a lubricant during tattoo sessions. It provides a basic level of lubrication, allowing the tattoo needle to glide smoothly over the skin and reducing friction.

How To Tattoo At The Right Depth

How to tell if a tattoo was done too deep?

If the needle is going too deep into the skin, it can cause more trauma and damage to the skin than necessary, which can lead to more pain and bleeding. Another sign that a tattoo is too deep is excessive scabbing and peeling during the healing process.

What does the swallow tattoo mean?

The History and Symbolism of Swallow Tattoos

In the past, sailors would get a swallow tattoo to signify that they had traveled a specific distance or had returned home safely after a long journey. Swallows, known for their migration habits, became a symbol of loyalty, hope, and the promise of return.

How do you tell if you got a bad tattoo?

The lines of a tattoo must be crisp, straight, and constant throughout the tattoo. Wonky lines are a big indicator of an unskilled artist. How a tattoo heals is a huge sign of a good tattoo vs a bad tattoo. If a tattoo scars, blows out or straight up falls out of the skin, it's a bad tattoo.

Do fine line tattoos always blowout?

When it comes to Micro tattoos, less is always more. Yes, it is possible to get a highly detailed Fine Line tattoo, but it won't look good for as long. Eventually it'll blow out and get muddy, and not all tattoos can be reworked or recovered if they're super small.

What does tattoo ink rejection look like?

The reaction usually appears as an inflamed red rash or may sometimes be scaly and flaky (exfoliative dermatitis). Red tattoo pigments cause the most reactions, particularly those made from mercury sulfide (cinnabar).

Can a tattoo needle hit a vein?

While not likely, there is a possibility that a tattoo needle could go too far and puncture the hypodermis and rupture a vein. Tattoos typically do not puncture regular veins, but there is a higher risk of encountering more problems with spider veins. So, yes, you technically could try to tattoo over a spider vein.

How do you know if your tattoo artist didn't go deep enough?

I'm a tattoo artist – here are the 5 tell-tale signs your ink's...
  1. Scar-like raised lines or ink fading mean your artist hasn't placed their needle at the right depth.
  2. Raised lines mean your tattoo has scarredCredit: Inked.
  3. Extreme fading means your tattoo artist didn't go deep enoughCredit: Inked.

What does a 13 tattoo mean?

Whether as a permanent piece of body art or a temporary expression, a 13 tattoo is a declaration of one's stand against superstition, a badge of luck, and a symbol of the mysterious tapestry that is life.

What does the hula girl tattoo mean?

Hula girl and/or palm tree: On occasion, hula girls would be rendered in a risqué fashion; both tattoos indicated service in Hawaii. Pig and rooster: This combination—pig on top of the left foot, rooster on top of the right—was thought to prevent drowning.

What is a tongue tattoo?

The ultimate fun for kids: a tongue tattoo. No worries, they are not permanent. :) They are made from sweetened Oblaten wafers. Simply press wafer on tongue, hold for a few second and the edible ink (made from natural color) sticks to the tongue.

Am I tattooing deep enough?

You want to deposit the ink into the dermis, which is the second layer of skin, and typically, the dermis is around 1.5 to 2 millimeters deep. A penny is 1.5 millimeters thick, so you can use this as a visual. for how deep the needle should go into the skin. Because of this, you want your needle hang to be.

Can you oversaturate a tattoo?

While your tattoo is healing, it's important you only moisturise the area once the skin is totally dry. In fact, not drying your tattoo properly after washing and before moisturising is one of the main causes of over-moisturised tattoos.

What to wipe with while tattooing?

Use MD Wipe Outz premium DRY tattoo towels during and after tattoo sessions as a superior replacement for paper towels. Wipe Outz towels are superior to basic paper towels because they produce no lint or frustrating needle clogs. Their softness leads to less irritated skin and better healed tattoos.

Why do tattoo artists dip needle in water?

You may notice your artist dip the needle in water during the session. This is called a dip cap which helps clean, blend, dry, or dilute ink. Artists do this for smoother ink flow and to reduce friction. This allows more precise and comfortable tattooing.

Do you put anything on skin before tattooing?

Staying well hydrated leading up to being tattooed, will put your skin in better condition. It helps your skin become more resilient which helps allow the tattoo ink application easier. Also, do not forget to moisturize your skin prior to your tattoo session.

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