Artist Receives ‘Special Request’ to Tattoo Realistic Fingernails on Man Who Lost Part of His Fingers

A man recently walked into a New York City tattoo shop with a highly unusual request — and the tattoo artist was ready to take it on.

Todd, a client at Inked Tattoo Shop in NYC, asked for realistic fingernail tattoos to replace what he had lost after part of his fingers were amputated 15 years ago.

Farid Hadechini, a 40-year-old tattoo artist based in Brooklyn, stepped up to the challenge, despite never having attempted something like this before, he told PEOPLE in an exclusive interview.

“I’ve done a lot of finger tattoos and understand how tricky that area can be,” he explained. “But this wasn’t just about aesthetics — it was about restoration. That gave it a different emotional weight and made it feel really meaningful.”

Hadechini said he felt an immediate bond with his client and that Todd remained calm and trusting throughout the process.

“It became a moment to honor the past and the body — and a life shaped by unique experiences,” he said.

The detailed session lasted about three hours. Hadechini made sure to capture the smallest details to give the illusion of real fingernails.

“It wasn’t about sketching what I think a finger looks like — it was about studying closely. Our bodies tell stories through our skin, hands, and eyes. You can learn a lot about someone by truly looking,” he said.

Todd was thrilled with the final result and shared photos of his new tattoos with his family.

Finger tattoos aren’t easy, Hadechini noted. They’re delicate, prone to fading, and can be quite painful to ink.

“I kept checking in to see if he was in pain because it’s such a sensitive spot,” Hadechini said. “But he was fine — clearly a strong guy and handled it really well.”

The shop and artist later posted a carousel on Instagram with Todd’s story, alongside photos and videos of the process. Commenters praised Hadechini’s precision, with many unable to believe the nails were tattoos at all — calling his work “magic.”

As for the overwhelming response online, Hadechini reflected on how deeply the story resonated.

“It’s surreal, honestly,” he said. “But I think it speaks to the emotional power behind this kind of work. It’s a reminder that inspiring others through a single story is a powerful way to connect — and that brings me joy.”

With a decade of experience in the industry, Hadechini says tattooing has profoundly impacted his life.

“The gratitude I feel for the people I work with is beyond words,” he said. “In today’s world, it’s getting harder to really connect. But through tattooing, I get to help someone honor a memory, express an identity, or find closure — and that means everything to me.”

“And watching a new idea take shape on someone’s body, line by line, is something I never take for granted.”