Finger tattoos; stop them from fading

[Itdoesntmatteranyway]

Firstly; I know a lot of people on Mumsnet hate tattoos and while I fully respect and appreciate your opinion, I will take it as read that if you don’t reply you don’t like them. I’m late 40s and in a professional role so I’ve made my own decision on this one, while I appreciate it is not to everyone’s taste.
I have a few tattoos already but about 6 weeks ago I decided to have 3 tattoos on my fingers; one on the outside of my thumb and two on the sides of the next two fingers. They don’t go past the knuckle so are not on a ‘bend’ or anything. The thumb one is fine but the other two have needed topping up twice now, as they have faded (one more than other). Tattooist very honest in saying this happens and so far has topped up for free but does anyone have any tips to help stop this happening to avoid going back again anytime soon?
Thanks

Following as I want one but every tattooist was very clear that they dont last 😪

Do you wear gloves when washing up?
Maybe ask in the tattoos topic too

Thank you I will do. I don’t wear gloves as much as I should so I will definitely do that.
I was expecting them not to last as long as others (I have another on my hand which is fine and I sort of thought it would fade to that level) but literally some parts have just not taken at all. Like I said the tattooist was honest and has topped up for free but I don’t really want to go back every few weeks (and it really hurts where I’ve had it done and numbing cream doesn’t take because there is so little padding before the bone).
I do like them though and they are personal to me I’d just like to protect them as much as possible. We’re having the kitchen done soon and I’m campaigning for a dishwasher so that should help as well!

I have one and I was told it's about protecting it when healing..... Keep it well moisturised and try to keep as straight as possible until scabbing has gone. Easier said than done when it's on your hand 😂 I've not needed mine topped up except in the creases which just took seconds and that healed well

Thank you. I‘m thinking bepanthen and gloves, did you cover yours as well? My tattooist generally doesn’t cover as a rule

One thing I would suggest if you do go for it is mark on your fingers where you would have them, then go about your daily life for a bit and see how much you use that ‘bit’ of finger. I didn’t, and have realised since these are the areas of my fingers I use most (think unlocking doors, holding utensils, using a pen, etc). I also had them done on my dominant hand, again what I wanted but I totally didn’t think about how often things would rub against them in my day to day life!

My tattooist does cover it but only to keep it clean while I'm on my way home
Only advice I give on creams is Bepanthen is fine but be careful with sudocrem etc as its very drying and can affect healing

Agree on Bepanthan; it’s a good barrier cream. Once healed, I’d recommend La Roche Pochay Cicaplast cream. Definitely not Sudocrem - it’s great for loads of things but not tattoos.

I’d also avoid having your hands in water. Obviously that’s not always possible as we all need to wash our hands multiple times a day, but wear gloves for anything like washing up or housework or baths/swimming.

I love finger tattoos, so good luck!