Many people nowadays seek out “Fine Line” tattoos for a variety of reasons, including the fact that they are subtle and delicate, allowing you to participate in tattoo culture without committing to the heavier aesthetic of more traditional tattoos. They can also provide more size flexibility because, in general, the thinner the line, the smaller the tattoo can be. They put less strain on the skin than a bolder tattoo, so they heal faster.

The only thing that truly distinguishes a tattoo as “Fine Line” is the needle gauge used by the artist to create the tattoo’s foundational linework. Artists who specialise in this technique typically use round liner needles or a single needle to achieve the thin hair-like appearance.

These tattoos are usually done in black and grey ink, but this is not always the case.

There are numerous tattoo styles that can be created with fine lines; continue reading to learn about the most common ones.