Post-appointment, preserve the vibrant color of your new ink by taking the right precautions, including keeping it covered for the first few days. Take a break from vigorous exercise for a week, skip prolonged sun exposure for a month, and always apply SPF to your tattoo whenever you’re out in the sun. “Keep it clean and moisturized,” says Stojanoska.. “Washing with antibacterial soap and applying a non-scented lotion (or ointment) twice a day will be enough for the tattoo to heal flawlessly.”
Ahead, discover the various interpretations of watercolor tattoos, from small and delicate to bold and bright.
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Vibrant Sleeve
@julesboho.tattoo
Make a sleeve really stand out with the brightest, most saturated colors. Boho opted for lots of rich purples on this floral half-sleeve, with the lifelike blooms surrounded by more abstract, diffused shapes.
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Lifelike Florals
@abii_tattoo
Floral tattoos really shine with the watercolor technique, as it makes them look even more vivid and vibrant but still painterly. “Designs with flowing, organic shapes like flowers, animals, and abstract scenes work especially well with watercolor techniques because they suit the soft, gradient color transitions,” Natural explains.
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Fine Line & Watercolor
@alitattoos
Pair a more delicate fine line piece with brightly colored watercolor elements. We love how this landscape feels both natural and fantastical.
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Art-Inspired
@julesboho.tattoo
A watercolor tattoo is a work of art in itself, but it’s even cooler when an artist pays homage to a famous masterpiece, as Boho did with this “Starry Night” half-sleeve.
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Shoulder Details
@amanda.mypreciousink
This shoulder-hugging floral design is delicately pretty. “Watercolor tattoos are often perceived as more subtle and visually light compared to bold traditional tattoos, making them a popular choice for those looking to express themselves through a more personalized, art-inspired form of tattooing,” Natural shares.
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Bold Backpiece
@julesboho.tattoo
A classic rose design practically explodes with the addition of watercolor techniques.
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Peach Perfect
If florals and landscapes aren’t your thing, try fruit! This cheeky peach is colorful and adorable.
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Delicate Dandelion
@amanda.mypreciousink
Doesn’t this piece look like it could just float away? “Be aware that watercolor tattoos are a lot of freehand work,” says Boho. “Make sure you can trust your artist one hundred percent.”
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Meaningful Moment
@inna_nameless
This mother-and-child portrait is infused with diffused primary colors, enhancing its sentimental meaning.
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Cute Kitties
@inna_nameless
Add whimsy to an adorable cartoon-style animal tattoo with an equally cheerful bright color.
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Baby Butterflies
@graffittoo
You don’t have to go big and bold with your watercolor tattoo design. Small, subtle, delicate pieces also shine with the technique.
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