Dan Vallance

Foot Tattoos

Watch Your Step: Everything You Need to Know About Foot Tattoos

Foot tattoos are unique, sexy, and are easy to hide, but are they really the perfect tattoo? This guide will list the pros and cons of a foot tattoo.

Are you set on the perfect foot tattoo to decorate your dogs?

There are some important things you should know before you take the plunge —and pain is just the beginning.

Foot tattoos are unique, sexy, and are easy to hide, but are they really the perfect tattoo? This guide will list the pros and cons of a foot tattoo.

Do Foot Tattoos Hurt?

It’s well known within the tattoo industry that foot tattoos are among the most painful.

This is because, in order to insert the pigment permanently into your skin, your tattoo artist drives a needle beneath the skin’s surface. Obviously this is going to hurt on any part of your body. But places that have more nerve endings, like your foot, are going to hurt a lot more.

There are two elements to tattoos which include the linework and shading. Both can create an intense burning sensation from the needle scratching your skin. Unlike other parts of your body where flesh or muscle will help to dull the pain.

Your feet have more exposed nerve endings in your feet, over 7,000 nerve endings to be exact. At times you may feel your bones vibrating. Brace yourself for some intense pain if you’re set on a foot tattoo. If it’s your first one you might want to keep it simpler.

The other aspect that makes a foot tattoo a challenge is that your feet tend to react quickly to stimulation. Which is why if you get tickled on your feet your reflex is to kick out.

To stop yourself from jerking you’re going to have the urge to tense your body. This can lead to more pain.

This can be a problem when you’re trying to stay completely still during a tattoo. A skilled tattoo artist will expect this and be able to react accordingly.

Why Tiny Foot Tattoos Are a Bad Idea

If you’re frustrated with a tattoo artist for not giving you a tiny tattoo on your foot, then we can explain. Foot tattoos tend to bleed over time. So something very small can begin to smudge on the parts of your foot you use the most.

Ultimately they’re saving future you from a blobby mess on your foot years down the road. Make sure you find the right tattoo artist. Some will refuse to do foot tattoos at all since they can be dangerous if infected and also fade faster in the wrong places.

Where Should You Get One?

As we mentioned, getting a foot tattoo in the wrong place can lead to it fading or smudging. So where should you get a foot tattoo?

The problem is most areas on your foot are used. For example, the sides of your feet tend to rub on your shoes all day. The top of your foot is an option but it will hurt more.

Ankle tattoos need extra care to prevent them from fading in the sun. Ultimately you’ll have to find the best spot for your design as well as your body. Work with a professional to find your ideal placement.

You will also need to decide the orientation of your tattoo. Such as if the tattoo should face you right side up or be facing other people. This is all personal preference.

Care for Your Foot Tattoo

During the time when your foot tattoo is healing it’s going to be difficult to wear shoes. For this reason, you may want to plan to get your foot tattoo during the summer months or when it’s warmer. This will allow you to wear flip flops, sandals, or ballet flats.

At the same time, you don’t want to expose your tattoo to the sun for too long. In fact, your tattoo is going to need a lifetime of sunscreen applications to protect it and keep it from fading.

Yes, this is true for most tattoos that are exposed. But your foot can be especially prone to direct sunlight when wearing sandals and showing it off. So you need to be extra careful.

It’s important to strictly follow the directions of your tattoo artist. Since a tattoo is an open wound, not caring for it appropriately could lead to serious infection.

Foot tattoos are even more prone to infections than others. You won’t be able to submerge your tattoo in water or expose it to the sun for at least two weeks.

Surprise You Have A Foot Tattoo!

Foot Tattoos

The fun thing about a foot tattoo is once you’ve gotten through the pain and aftercare you’re going to be really excited each time you see it. That’s because you may forget sometimes that you even have a foot tattoo.

Foot tattoos are subtle and you probably won’t notice it every day. So when it catches your eye from time to time, it’ll be like a special surprise you get to experience again and again.

The only thing about the excitement of having a tattoo is it will make you want another one!

Despite the pain, foot tattoos are aesthetically pleasing and increasingly popular. Once you have one you’ll want to show it off to all your friends and family.

Ready to Get Inked?

Foot tattoos may be a bit more painful but they sure look amazing when completed. Once you get through a couple of weeks, you’ll be dying to get a matching one on your other foot!

If you’d like to speak with a professional tattoo artist who can provide you with the delicate foot tattoo you’re dreaming of, then check out our two locations. Our artists are highly skilled and professional.

Want to learn more about types of tattoos and piercings? Along with what to expect? Check out our blog for expert advice.

To learn more, contact us here.

Facial Tattoos

Fierce Facial Tattoos for Females: 10 Instagrammers to Get Inspiration From

Fierce Facial Tattoos for Females: 10 Instagrammers to Get Inspiration

Thinking about facial tattoos? Get inspiration from these beautiful women with face tats and learn where to find inspiration.

Humans have been marking their bodies for thousands of years. The first evidence of tattoos is from 5200 years ago.

Two tourists noticed a corpse that would become known as Iceman. It was nestled in the glaciers in the alps.

As it turns out, Iceman had 61 tattoos.

Tattoos have been part of rich tribal history, from Samoan to Egyptian to Maori and many more. Tattoos are part of the culture that shapes and defines people. Many of these cultures had facial tattoos.

For a long time, tattoos on the face were seen as unprofessional and linked to criminals. But the tone is changing. Here are 10 women on Instagram who show you facial ink is beautiful.

1. btweddle – Freckle Tattoos

Love freckles but don’t have any of your own? You could always get them tattooed. btweddle fills her feed with natural-looking freckle facial tattoos. She also does brows, so get your inspiration there too.

2. kathisoul – Delicate Leaf

Bigger than invisible but don’t want it to take over your entire face? Take a peek at kathisoul’s account. This fierce woman loves her ink, but her styles are tasteful, delicate, and feminine.

She even has a face tattoo just below her cheekbone of a leaf. It helps to highlight her face’s strong features.

3. badluckjessie – Geometric

badluckjessie describes herself as “22 and still emo” and a “cat mum of 2.” She fills her feed with stylish photographs showing off her tattoos, and her cats. She likes to add a lot of photos where she’s just chilling in nature.

She has a delicate geometric diamond star face tattoo right on her temple. It accessorizes her appearance like a stylish hair clip. But she’s got plenty of other tattoos to draw inspiration from as well.

4. eli_zh_hh – Simple and Small

eli-zh_hh, or Eli B, posts a lot of selfies. That makes it easy to see how her delicate anchor and moon face tattoos look in all kinds of different styles.

On top of her chic and stylish face tattoo, she’s got plenty of other ink to draw inspiration. She has everything from two full sleeves, to an owl tattoo on her shin. She likes to show off her ink in plenty of dazzling styles.

5. amysdreadhouse1 – Small Floral Pieces

Amy Rose August is a synthetic dreadlocks stylist, with stunning dreads herself. She also sports two small facial tattoos, one just in front of each ear. One is a small delicate flower, the other is an intricate mandala pattern.

But with both tattoos, they’re small, harder to notice, and easy to hide – if she wants too.

She likes to fill her feed with fashion shots of her dreadlocks and shots of her other tattoos as well.

6. zebyzcie.mialosmaczek – Delicate Floral

zebyzcie.mialosmaczek likes to fill her feed with hashtags like #grunge and #vscogirl. While many people with face tattoos have a ton of other ink, zebyzcie.mailosmaczek doesn’t.

Instead, she has a simple, straight-lined six-petaled flower with berries on one cheek. It looks like it might even be this #vscogirl’s first tattoo.

7. flower.friendly – Tribal Tattoos

flower.friendly is an Instagrammer who specializes in healthy living. She likes to post natural-looking photos of herself while she’s out living her best life.

She has a detailed intricate tribal tattoo that branches down from her forehead. She has even more ink coming up along her chin.

Her tattoos continue onto her neck and down her arms. This amazing woman is full of natural beauty that speaks to a more spiritual lifestyle.

Many cultures valued tattoos as part of their heritage or a right of passage. If your cultural ancestry valued tattoos, consider getting tribal tattoos. It can be a sign that links you to your ancestors.

8. courtney_rose_art – Simple Chin Tattoo

Courtney Rose has two thin lines along her chin. They’re barely there, but they add symmetry and delicate statement to her face.

She likes to fill her feed with her sketches that follow a similar simplistic style. Many of them have repetitive patterns or an old folklore tone.

9. yasminlh95 – Rose

Yasmin is a cake maker from Nottingham and a mother to a little girl. She doesn’t seem like the type of woman who would be decked out in neck and face tattoos.

But she is. Yasmin sports stunning geometric patterns along her neck. She has a beautifully detailed rose up along her temple.

She fills her feed with selfies, cakes, and shots of her daughter living her best life.

10. cigno.sg – Full Water Color Art

This fashion model is covered in tattoos, all of which are full color. She even has a full-color tattoo that runs up the side of her face. The tattoo continues onto her head too.

She fills her feed with glamor shots of her tattoos. There are plenty of amazing styles to draw inspiration from.

Facial Tattoos Are Losing Their Stigma and Can Be Pretty Cool

Facial Tattoos

Facial tattoos aren’t as stigmatized as they used to be. They’re almost becoming trendy!

Maybe you want to get some ink to fake some freckles or go all out with a massive tribal tattoo, there’s a tattoo for you.

All of these amazing women found a style that worked for them and went for it. They love their face tattoos, and they got them to express parts of who they are.

Facial or not, tattoos are expressions of self. They’re decorations for our meat sack. After all, you only have one life. So you might as well make it beautiful.

Ready to get some ink? Contact us today!

To learn more, contact us here.

Tattoo Numbing Cream

Some Pain, All Gain: Is Tattoo Numbing Cream Worth It and Does it Work?

When you’re getting a tattoo it’s natural to be scared of the pain, but chances are it’ll be okay. Learn about tattoo numbing cream and why you don’t need it.

Getting a tattoo hurts. There’s no sugarcoating it.

If you want a tattoo, you’ll have to accept that the process will be uncomfortable.

Depending on who you talk to, you’ll get different opinions on the pain. Some people will say the pain isn’t bad, while others may describe it as the worse pain they ever experienced. This is because everyone handles pain differently.

However, there are plenty of people looking for pain-free ways to get a tattoo. One of these methods growing in popularity is tattoo numbing cream.

Some people swear it works. Others will tell you it’s a waste of time and money.

If you’re considering tattoo numbing cream for your next tattoo, you might want to think again. Find out numbing creams are worth your time and money.

What is Tattoo Numbing Cream?

In a nutshell, tattoo numbing cream is a topical cream that numbs the area of skin where it’s applied. There are different types of numbing creams with different levels of potency to make getting a tattoo less painful.

The mildest and safest of the numbing creams are “nerve deadeners.” Don’t worry, they won’t cause any damage. A common ingredient is lidocaine, which dulls discomfort on the surface of the skin.

Since this type of numbing cream doesn’t sink below the surface of the skin, it isn’t very effective for a tattoo. Most people will often mix it with other creams.

The more potent numbing creams are “nerve blockers.” Common active ingredients include tetracaine and benzocaine. They work by preventing pain signals from reaching your brain.

However, your nerves will still register pain. Even though the medication blocks the pain signals from your brain, you can still feel some discomfort. People will often mix a nerve deadener like lidocaine with a nerve blocker.

The most effective creams are “vasoconstrictors,” such as epinephrine. They constrict your blood vessels causing less bleeding and less swelling.

To make this type of numbing cream last longer, people will mix vasoconstrictors with nerve blockers or nerve deadeners. The only problem with this cream is it may affect the healing process of your tattoo.

Despite these options, there is much disagreement on whether tattoo numbing creams work.

Why People Don’t Like Tattoo Numbing Creams

Your tattoo artist probably does not like tattoo numbing creams and may refuse using them.

The main reason is tattoo numbing creams can mess up your tattoo. The cream makes your skin slippery causing the tattoo process to become more difficult. Numbing creams used after can also affect how the tattoo heals.

Many tattoo artists and tattoo enthusiasts believe the pain of a tattoo is a right of passage. The pain and irritation will make the tattoo more meaningful.

Others have experience with tattoo numbing and will tell you they just don’t work. Even if the numbing cream works in the beginning, they rarely last for the whole tattoo process.

Is it possible they used weaker numbing creams? Sure, it’s possible. But in most cases, the numbing creams won’t work as well as you hoped.

FDA Warnings

The FDA disapproves of tattoo numbing creams. The primary reason is doctors and other medical specialists should use and apply numbing creams. They know how to choose the right type of numbing cream and how to apply it.

The next issue the FDA has with numbing creams are the side-effects. There’s a risk you may experience an allergic reaction.

Leaving a numbing cream on for too long, using too much, or using the cream on damaged skin can cause the cream to enter your bloodstream. In severe cases, this can cause seizures, difficulty breathing, and comas.

If you must use a numbing cream, use only those approved by the FDA or recommended by a medical professional. Otherwise, skip them for your next tattoo.

Minimize Tattoo Pain Without Numbing Creams

Don’t worry, you can still lower the pain without resorting to tattoo numbing creams. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to tolerate the pain better than you thought.

Tip 1: Drink Plenty of Water

Before your next tattoo session, drink plenty of water. Good hydration helps with ink absorption and the healing process. Staying hydrated will also lower your chances of getting dizzy or passing out.

Tip 2: Avoid Caffeine

Unfortunately, drinking caffeine, whether it be a coffee, tea, or soda can leave you dehydrated. If possible, don’t drink any caffeine on the day of your tattoo appointment.

Tip 3: Avoid Alcohol

If you think drinking a few shots before you get your tattoo will help, think again. Alcohol causes your blood to thin which makes you bleed more during the process and affect how your skin absorbs the ink.

You also don’t want to wake up to a surprise tattoo after a long night of partying.

Tip 4: Eat a Good Meal

You don’t have to eat right before your appointment, but you’ll want a healthy meal sometime before. A healthy meal will keep your blood sugar up and help prevent you from passing out.

Tip 5: Avoid Pain Relievers

Taking pain relievers before you get your tattoo can cause blood thinning and more bleeding. If you must, wait until after you get your tattoo. Talk with your tattoo artist to find out how long to wait and what pain relievers they recommend.

Tip 6: Pick a Less Painful Area

Tattoos hurt less in some areas of your body and hurt more in other parts. When getting your first tattoo, pick a place that’s less painful such as:

- Shoulder
- Butt
- Arms
- Calves
- Thighs (but not the inside)
- Other fleshy or muscular areas

The more painful areas include:

- Wrists
- Ribs
- Knees
- Ankles
- Neck
- Other bony or areas with sensitive skin

Tip 7: Find Distractions

Often easier said than done but staying distracted will help keep your mind off the pain. Many tattoo artists are happy to talk with you to keep you distracted. In some cases, bring a book or your phone to keep your mind busy.

Ready for a Tattoo?

The pain you feel during a tattoo is only temporary. After a while, it becomes more of an annoying ache than sharp pain. If you want a quality tattoo with minimal side-effects, skip the tattoo numbing cream on your next tattoo.

Have a design in mind for your next tattoo? Let’s chat. We’ll help you find a great design and get you scheduled for your next or first tattoo.

To learn more, contact us here.

Head Tattoo

The Bald & the Beautiful: 9 Amazing Head Tattoo Ideas for Shaved Heads

Is your head your canvas? Then get it inked! Here are 9 amazing head tattoo ideas for shaved or bald heads!

Did you know that 46 percent of Americans have tattoos? You may feel surprised by this statistic. After all, many of them keep them well-hidden beneath their work clothes.

Of course, some tattoos prove harder to cover. Like neck tattoos, the “job breakers” of the body art industry. While hard to conceal, you have to give the people who get them props for being gutsy with their ink.

That said, if you’re looking for tattoo placement that’s even more brazen, consider a head tattoo. It doesn’t get much more in-your-face than an inked out scalp, and it represents one of the prime canvases of the human body.

What’s more, if you suddenly go super-conservative, grow your hair out. Of course, if you’re balding, you don’t necessarily have this luxury, but a beanie works, too.

Read on for tattoo ideas for shaved heads that’ll blow your mind and leave you jonesing for your next visit to the parlor.

Head Tattoo Ideas

While gaining in popularity, head tattoos also remain less trendy than other parts of the body, such as the lower back and upper arms. So, they let you showcase your love of body art in a singular way.

While head tattoos for men remain far more common, women are now starting to get in on the act, too. Some of the sweetest designs out there today include head tattoos for women, such as vibrant flower designs.

Of course, head tattoos are just as diverse as the people who get them. That means you’ll find everything from traditional Sailor Jerry-inspired birds and roses to thick tribal lines and intricate Celtic knotwork.

There’s also a growing body of wicked head tattoos that make you do a double-take. Whether it’s because of their realism or the artful way their 3D designs play with your eyes, head art is taking it to the next level.

Tribal Head Tattoos

Tribal or indigenous tattoo designs remain just as popular as ever, for men and women alike. They are generally done in all black and feature thick, uncompromising lines.

These bold lines give tribal tattoos a sense of clarity that may lack in more intricate designs, at least from a distance. The symbols associated with tribal tattoos have been passed down for millennia.

So, it’s essential to understand the culture of a design you’re considering. You should also research the significance of the symbology. For example, Polynesian art proves very different than Marquesan designs.

Many of these designs also prove gender-specific. Examples of this include the tattoos worn by Berber women in North Africa or the Inupiaq matriarchs of Alaska.

If you trace your cultural heritage to one of these groups, then opting for a tribal tattoo can come with deeper meaning. It’s an excellent way to display pride in your heritage.

Blackwork Head Tattoos

If you’re intrigued by tribal artwork, but don’t feel a particular cultural pull to the designs, why not go with Blackwork? A fresh take on the tribal style, it features bold, black lines in a variety of geometric shapes and patterns.

Think of it kind of like traditional Moroccan henna tattoos, only crisper and darker. These pieces prove mesmerizing and look amazing on the scalp.

Traditional Head Art

The body art of sailors, soldiers, and counterculture freaks, Traditional tattoo designs remain iconic. Also known as Old School tattoos, their designs are deeply rooted in American culture, particularly military culture.

Whether you’ve served or you’re obsessed with vintage culture, they make an excellent option for head art. You’ve also got plenty of artists to choose from including:

Sailor Jerry
Ed Hardy
Lyle Tuttle
Bert Grimm

Traditional tattoos feature bold lines and vibrant colors, which makes them ideal for head placement. If you want to commemorate time served in the military or you want to rock a vintage vibe, then this is the body art for you.

Realistic Portraits

Let’s get this out of the way upfront. Realistic tattoos are going to cost you. After all, the best ones require incredible feats of artistic skill coupled with countless hours spent in the tattoo chair.

And if you appreciate realistic ink, then you don’t want to settle for anything but the best. Whether you opt for a portrait of a loved one or your favorite celebrity, realistic portraits range from black and gray to vibrantly colored.

Some artists do fantastic work when it comes to vivid images of animals, too. When it comes to realism, do your research before choosing a tattoo artist.

Fortunately, your scalp will give them plenty of room to create a work of art. Just be prepared to spend serious time and money acquiring one of these masterpieces. That said, it’ll prove well worth it.

You may choose to keep your head shaved forever.

Watercolor Head Art

Right now, watercolor tattoos represent a significant trend in the body art world. So, why not combine them with another top trend, head tattoos?

You’ve got nearly endless options when it comes to designs for the watercolor method. Some people opt for there favorite Impressionist painting, while others want koi fish or a flower.

Because of their fine quality and lack of thick lines, they also make an excellent option for women. They appear both fragile and feminine.

New School Tattoos

If you’re looking for bold artwork with a distinct comic-book energy, then New School tattoos will rock your world. They prove intricate and often feature fantasy scenes with vivid color.

Because these pieces prove so detailed, giving your artists plenty of room to work proves crucial to a great finished product. Fortunately, your scalp can accommodate the extra room they’ll need.

Ready for Some Ink?

Whether you go with an elaborate Blackwork design or a New School piece, you’ve got plenty of options when it comes to the artwork that will look amazing on your head.

Because your head represents a beautiful, big canvas, no matter which tattoo design you choose, your tattooist will have plenty of room for artistic license.

Ready for your next trip to the tattoo chair? Contact us today to set up an appointment.

To learn more, contact us here.