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5 body parts where you should NOT get a tattoo

TOI Lifestyle Desk
| etimes.in | Last updated on - May 3, 2025, 15:00 IST
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1/6

Understand the fading risks

Tattoos might be more common than ever, but one must never take the process lightly. A tattoo is a permanent mark made on the skin with special tattoo ink. A handheld machine, similar to a sewing machine, creates the tattoo with a very fine needle. With every puncture, the needle inserts tiny drops of ink into the top layer of your skin. It might cause a small amount of bleeding with minimal pain. Before making the decision, carefully choose the location of your tattoo, as some places on our bodies can make the tattoo fade much faster, leading to a waste of time and money. Read on to learn more about these body parts.

2/6

Hand tattoos

The skin on our hands makes it difficult for ink to stick properly because of the continued use of body oils and moisturisers. Coloured ink does not remain bright, and black just stops looking bold. Without UV protection, direct UV rays cause the ink to fade much faster when they fall on our hands. Furthermore, our hand skin has muscle underneath that leads to faster fading, making the tattoo look pale and old.
(Image Credits: Pinterest)

3/6

Inside of upper arms and armpits

It is a simple fact that this particular area has larger sweat glands, which will make your tattoo fade out. Also, the simple fact that we move our arms constantly means that, because of the friction on the inside, the ink starts fading a little every day, and within six months, you’ll see the tattoo turning grey. However, a handful of people opt for armpits and inside the upper arm area because it is not always visible to others.
(Image Credits: Pinterest)

4/6

Elbow tattoos

A common place opted for by both men and women, the outer side of the elbow fades more quickly than some other parts. The constant bending of our arms and frequent leaning on desks or tables at work accelerate the fading of the tattoo. Because of the use of moisturisers and body oils as well, elbow tattoos start looking grey in shade within a year.
(Image Credits: Pinterest)

5/6

Feet tattoos

Tattoos on your feet are more susceptible to fading because of our constant use of socks and shoes, which rub against them at all times. If we were to live barefoot for the rest of our lives, it would probably keep the colour for a while, but because of washing your feet and sock sweat, witness the change in a mere six months.
(Image Credits: Pinterest)

6/6

Palms

Tattooing your palm is a waste of money since the ink won't stick as the skin hardens. Because of the continuous washing of our hands with soap, it gets difficult for the ink to stay easily on the area, making the tattoo turn grey or blur in shade.
(Image Credits: Pinterest)

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Copyright © Jun 2, 2026, 08.15PM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service