34 finger tattoos to inspire your next inking, plus how to look after your design

You can always ask your tattoo artist for specific soap and moisturiser recommendations during your appointment (they should be running you through the aftercare process regardless) but if you simply forget, just keep it simple when shopping for aftercare supplies. Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara recommends sticking to fragrance-free products to avoid further irritation to a healing tattoo, as do Palm and Mor.

Unscented soap and moisturiser is a standard aftercare combo that basically all tattoo artists share — but Gohara recommends adding one more product to the mix for added healing power. “Lube up with barrier repair creams,” she says. “I love Avène Ciclafate+ Restorative Protective Cream.”

Whatever you do, don’t pick or scratch your tattoos

Tattoos can get super itchy during the healing process, so this one’s easier said than done — but it’s a good rule of thumb for all tattoos. Picking and scratching a tattoo that’s still healing can compromise the integrity of the colours or the crispness of the lines (take it from this writer, who’s mucked up several tattoos just by picking them).

Moisturisers and barrier creams can help keep itching at bay, otherwise, it’s not a terrible idea to keep hand tattoos covered (this also provides the added benefit of shielding that fresh tattoo from daily wear and tear).

“The skin should be kept covered and moist while healing,” Palm recommends. Of course, this isn’t super easy for the bendy parts of the hand like the palm or fingers, but the back of the hand can benefit greatly from a flexible, breathable covering. “I prefer Hypafix for a bandage,” Palm says. “A hydrogel bandage is also a good option, especially if wetwork is unavoidable.”

Don’t forget sunscreen

Another aspect of finger tattoos that make them so tricky is the fact that they’re frequently exposed to the sun, and that’s never good for a tattoo. “Ink can immediately begin to fade with UV light exposure,” Gohara says.

Obviously, the best solution to that is to stock up on sunscreen and apply it liberally throughout the day. Gohara recommends looking for a physical sunscreen that’s at least an SPF 30. Some Allure editor and frequent dermatologist recommendations include EltaMD Active, Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen, and Neutrogena Clear Body Lotion SPF 30.

If you’re ready to get inked, here are 34 pretty finger tattoos to inspire your design

1. White heart