How Long Do Inner Lip Tattoos Last?

When it comes to tattoos, inner lip tattoos are a popular choice, likely because they're so easy to hide. They're perfect if you want to experiment with getting a tattoo but aren't quite ready display permanent art somewhere more visible. 

Back in the early 2010s, Kesha and Miley Cyrus showed off their inner lip tattoos and catapulted them to mega popularity (via Bustle). Since then, tons of celebrities have chosen to ink the inner lip area, including Noah Cyrus, Madison Beer, and Ruby Rose (via Steal Her Style). Even Kendall Jenner decided to partake in the trend one drunken evening and now has the word "meow" inked on the inside of her lower lip, according to Allure.

Due to the surface area of the skin on the inner lip, the tattoos tend to be small and a single word is a common choice for those who choose to go under the needle for some oral ink. While the tiny tattoos may seem simple and easy, there are a few things to consider when you're thinking about adding some art to the area. Aftercare will be extra important as there's a higher risk of infection, and your inner lip tattoo likely won't last forever as most other tattoos do.

Many people, like Kendall Jenner, choose to go for an inner lip tattoo on a whim (via Allure). For those who aren't in love with the ink they've chosen after the tattoo is complete, there's some good news. The average inner lip tattoo is expected to start fading after one to five years, making it more of a semipermanent decision, according to Bustle. Board-certified and New York-based dermatologist Dr. Hadley King says that this is because oral skin cells turnover much faster than external skin cells. While the fading will be significant, there is a chance that, even once it's almost fully faded, you will still have a permanent mark on the inside of your lip.

If you want your inner lip tattoo to last, it's important to find an artist who has some experience with the placement. A more experienced artist will be sure to get the ink deeper in your skin, which will make it last much longer. If you'd prefer that the ink fade faster, make sure your artist doesn't go too deep (via Bustle).

As with any tattoo, you'll probably want to put a significant amount of thought into your inner lip tattoo. If you don't, however, it will be pretty easy to hide in the event that you don't like the final product.