3 Layers of Skin

Where Does Tattoo Ink Go? Understanding the Right Layer of Skin

If you’ve ever wondered how tattoos stay in your skin permanently, the answer lies just beneath the surface—literally. Tattoo ink needs to be deposited into the dermis, the second layer of skin, to stay crisp and long-lasting.

The epidermis, which is the outer layer, is constantly shedding and regenerating. If ink only reaches this layer, it will fade quickly or disappear entirely. That’s why surface-level scratches or stick-and-pokes that don’t reach deep enough tend to vanish over time.

Going too deep into the hypodermis (the fatty layer beneath the dermis) can cause ink to blur or "blow out," leading to a smudged appearance.

The dermis offers the perfect balance. It’s thick enough to hold the ink in place, yet stable enough to prevent it from spreading. Plus, its network of collagen and blood vessels helps the ink stay vibrant over time.

In short: for a tattoo to last and heal well, the ink must be placed in the dermis. That’s why skilled technique and proper needle depth are so important in tattooing.