Top Tattoo Styles
Top Tattoo Styles To Consider When Choosing New Ink In 2020
When you’re planning on getting a new tattoo, especially if it’s your first tattoo, you can get a bit too excited about the design and totally forget about researching your tattoo style.
That would be heartbreaking, considering there is a variety of styles out there, with each one cooler than the next. An owl tattooed with the traditional style is a completely different animal than one done with watercolor tattooing.
That’s both literally and figuratively.
Since you don’t know what you don’t know, we’re here to fix that. Keep on reading for a full breakdown of the top tattoo styles you should check out.
Top Tattoo Styles 101: Traditional Tattoo Style
We have to start with our traditions here, with old school tattoos at the forefront.
The traditional style tattoos come under many names. The American traditional, classic, and Western traditional style. All of these names refer to a tattooing style with bold lines, iconic designs, and bright colors.
Whenever you see skulls and roses, then you’re seeing the common design elements present in traditional style tattoos.
The traditional style of tattooing is one of the most well-known and loved aesthetic out there. In addition to its long history, it has huge influencers like Sailor Jerry and others.
Watercolor Tattoo
Flipping the traditional style on its head, we get some interesting styles like watercolor tattooing.
Inverting the bold lines and bright colors of the traditional style, watercolor tattoos look like watercolor pieces of art. They look like they’ve been painted with a brush in liquid pastels.
It creates a stunning effect and looks almost easy. Yet, doing it with ink on the human body takes a rather talented tattooist with high caliber.
If you like blurry soft effects with a touch of whimsy, then make sure to take a look at watercolor tattoos. As it were, the style is currently in vogue and in high demand.
Tribal Tattoo
Nothing can beat the rich history that tribal tattoos just emit effortlessly. Tribal tattoos, which are also called indigenous body art, date back thousands of years.
In addition, they can be broken down into different styles. It follows the separate traditions of tattooing from aboriginal communities on a global scale.
These various styles are compiled under the tribal style. However, industry insiders can easily identify specific types of tattooing patterns according to their source. For example, Zulu tribal tattoos can be rather distinct and different from Maori tattoos.
Realistic “Realism” Tattoo
Classic realism has always been part of the fine arts dating back to the renaissance. It started becoming a tattoo style only around the latter half of the 20th century.
As the demand increased for more realistic tattoos, it bloomed into a fully-fledged style with stunning color or black and grey portraits as a common theme.
In addition, the style encompasses realistic depictions of nature as well as anything that can be photographed. The idea behind the style is a work of art that won’t be out of place in a photograph in terms of style, yet there are surrealist interpretations of portraits that are out of this world.
Japanese Tattoo
Another traditional style of tattoos would be the Japanese style, also called Irezumi.
The Japanese style of tattooing originated around the Edo period (1603-1868), with woodblock prints (ukiyo-e) that were trending at the time among the merchant class.
Therefore, you’ll find that a lot of the common elements in Japanese tattooing to be based on folklore and mythical creatures as well as natural elements, like koi fish and cherry blossoms.
Furthermore, what distinguishes the Japanese tattoo style from the crowd is its ability to tell complete stories in a dramatic piece of colors and waves.
New School Tattoo
Alright, the naming convention is a bit misleading here. New school isn’t actually that new. It gained traction around the late 80s and early 90s, and you can’t really miss it.
In a style that can be described in one word, that is “loud”, it’s identified by its animated aesthetic as well as its heavy portrayal of popular culture and entertainment from that specific time period.
Featuring a lot of exaggeration and cartoonish elements, it can be so much fun to play around this style if you’re aiming for a ‘comic-book’ style tattoo.
Neo Traditional Tattoo
Considered to be the lovechild of the traditional style and Art Nouveau/Deco aesthetics, the neo-traditional style can be a beautiful combination of illustrative qualities and the bright colors of the traditional style.
You’ll find that the core of neo-traditional tattoos will have bold lines and vibrant colors, with the illustrative flair of Art Deco. Yet, the main difference between the two would be the broader color palette and motifs used in neo-traditional tattoos.
Moreover, the imagery can stretch from people to nature-based elements like florals and animals.
Blackwork Tattoo
Last, but certainly not least, we get to the blackwork tattoo style.
Blackwork tattooing is an immensely broad term that includes almost any tattoo that’s created using black ink, and black ink only. With the use of a single color, great tattoo artists can truly play with contrast and placement to produce amazing pieces of art.
In addition, you’ll find all sorts of blackwork tattoos that can span different styles all at once. You can have a nature-themed piece with illustrative flair as well as watercolor elements (using only black ink, of course), and it would still be a blackwork tattoo.
Choose Your Tattoo Style
top tattoo styles
From beautifully intricate neo-traditional tattoos to bold tribal patterns, choosing your tattoo style the most essential step to take before thinking about your motif and color palette. Now that you’re familiar with the top tattoo styles, you’re good to go.
Yet, always remember to do your research. Make sure to schedule a consulting appointment with your tattoo artist, before getting your tattoo done.
Your tattoo artist might have suggestions to enrich your tattoo’s design and bring it to life.
Ready to get your tattoo? Contact us, and we’ll set you right up with suggestions and appointment times.
To learn more, contact us here.
Henderson Tattoo Shop
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Taking A Look At Some Of Today’s Amazing New Tattoo Techniques
Diving into some of the wildest and new tattoo techniques making a splash in 2020. See all the unique things being done with a modern tattoo gun.
Getting a tattoo is one of the most personal decisions you will ever make. Not only is it a permanent marking on your body, but it is also a representation of something significant and unique to you.
The stigma of having a tattoo is long gone. Once only spotted on the muscled arms of bikers or those in the military, they now show up on celebrities, sports figures, and the PTA mom next door.
It is even widely accepted in today’s business environment.
The possibilities are endless and range from the intricate design sleeve no one can ignore, to the subtle and simple piece strategically placed.
Tattoos and tattoo artists have also kept up with the times. There are innovations and new tattoo techniques showing up everywhere.
Let’s take a look at some of the new tattoo technology available today.
The Ink Has Improved
One of the biggest concerns in the past was the long term effects of permanent ink on the skin.
In recent years, there has been an effort made to improve the quality of the ink and the use of high-grade ingredients.
Top tattoo artists look for, and purchase, from ink dealers with a proven reputation for quality ink that reduces any chance for damage to the skin.
Regardless of the look or style you are going for, here are some great tips in tattoo etiquette.
Glow-In-The-Dark Tattoos
Who doesn’t love anything that glows in the dark? Did you know a tattoo could now do that?
Actually, this type of tattoo is used with ink that reacts to UV light, so they don’t really glow in the dark. They are visible only under a blacklight but are still very distinct and cool looking.
The ink for these types of tattoos used to contain phosphorous, but due to health concerns, most tattoo artists have switched to ink that is phosphorous free.
Glow tattoo ideas are very popular with those who are into the club scene and enjoy lighting up the night.
The Disappearing Tattoo
Have you always wanted a tattoo but were afraid in five or ten years you would regret it or think it might not suit your lifestyle then? What if you could get a tattoo that would disappear?
Today that is certainly possible. There are ink brands developed to disappear or fade over time. They are applied the same way, but the ink dissolves naturally.
You can request a timeline from around one year to five years. These are approximate times because everyone’s skin is different. Some disappear quicker, and others last longer.
While this may seem like the perfect solution for you, keep in mind that the look of the tattoo will also fade as the ink does. The image may not stay as sharp. However, there are advances made all the time to improve this type of ink as well.
So if you want a tattoo today, but not for your grandchild’s christening, this may be the way to go.
The Healthy Tattoo
For years people with diabetes were warned against getting tattoos. If their blood sugar levels were not properly managed, the tattoo could take longer to heal and could increase the risk of infection.
While proper precautions should be taken by anyone wanting a tattoo, there is actually tattoo technology that can help a diabetic track their insulin levels!
Researchers have developed ink with biomarkers that change colors as the blood sugar levels rise and fall.
There is also ink technology working to alert to other health concerns and monitor kidney function, among other things.
It is absolutely not a substitute for accurate monitoring of a condition but can be a quick reference for someone to handle a situation before it gets worse.
After you go home with your new skin art, here are a few tips to take care of it.
Modern Tattoo Ideas
So you have decided to take the plunge and get a tattoo. You want something cutting edge and modern. Here are some great state-of-the-art tattoo techniques to choose from.
3D Tattoos
If you want a tattoo that literally pops off your skin, then the 3D tattoo is for you!
There is a process known as Tatoue that works with your specific texture and contours of the skin for a creation that is uniquely you.
Stitching Tattoos
Skin stitching is pretty much what it sounds like. It has its origins with the indigenous population in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.
This type of tattoo is more involved and a bit more painful than traditional tattooing. It involves soaking thread in the ink, threading it through a needle, and literally making stitches through the skin.
The thread is removed, but the ink stays, forming the tattoo.
If you are worried about the pain, here is what you should know about tattoo numbing cream.
Watercolor Tattoos
Traditional tattoos were black and often simplistic designs. The artistry of tattoos has taken a huge leap in recent years.
One popular trend now is watercolor tattoos. Almost any design can be transformed by adding the watercolor feature.
Colors of all kinds, from neon to pastel, have opened up the possibilities of skin art.
Dotwork Tattoos
Dotwork tattoos are created by simply using dots to form the image. The shape, depth, and intensity of the dot give this art form a unique look.
While many dotwork styles are done all in black and grey, some color can be thrown in to make a particular feature pop.
Quote Tattoos
Many people have a favorite quote or saying they use for inspiration. What better way to remind yourself of it than by having it as a tattoo!
Quote tattoos are very trendy and can be designed in any font, size, and color to match your personal style.
New Tattoo Techniques – The Choice is Yours
Deciding on a tattoo is an extremely personal choice.
For most, it is a lifelong commitment to body art, and you want to make sure you are pleased with the result.
New tattoo techniques give you a variety of options and styles to pick just the right tattoo to match your lifestyle and personality.
For more information on our tattoo services and designs, reach out.
To learn more, contact us here.
Henderson Tattoo Shop
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Before You Get That Tattoo! 9 Tips for Avoiding Tattoo Regret
9 Tips for Avoiding Tattoo Regret
Tattoos become a permanent part of your skin. Before you get that tattoo, read these nine tips for avoiding tattoo regret.
In movies, tattoo regret is hilarious. There’s Stu from The Hangover waking up in Vegas with a Mike Tyson-like tattoo inked on his face.
Then there’s That skeevy dude from We’re the Millers proudly displaying his “no ragrets” chest tattoo.
Yes, Hollywood’s take on tattoo regret is epically hilarious. But in real life, not so much. So how do you quiet that little voice in the back of your mind may be asking, will I regret getting a tattoo? Or even more concerningly…will I have ragrats?
Read on for some answers to help quiet that voice down.
1. You Want a Skilled Artist
When asked the top reason why they dislike the tattoo they regretted, forty percent of people said it’s because they don’t like how it looks.
Place quality above everything. Because even if you regret it later, at least it’ll be Grade A quality regret. Do your research on what shop you’re planning to get your ink from, and then after that research, do some additional research. Read Yelp reviews like they are books on the New York Times bestseller list!
You don’t want to go around for the rest of your life, having people questioning if that’s a pineapple or a squid on your shoulder.
2. Planning and Preparation Required
Three out four people who only thought about their tattoo for a few weeks regret it. If we’re going to get spicier forty-five percent of people who planned it for a year, regretted within a year. What we can learn from this is that time is no object when it comes to making significant decisions about your body.
3. Beware of Trends and Cliches
Trends are passing, and so is time.
Thirty percent of people say the tattoo they regret was chosen because it was “cool” at the time. Whatever catchphrase or meme that is popular at the moment may leave you facepalming in the future. Choose your tattoo ideas based on your tastes, no one else’s.
4. Make It Meaningful
Twenty-six percent of people say their regretted tattoo was picked purely for aesthetic reasons.
Certain people pick a tattoo design simply because they like looking at it, and years down the line, these people can honestly say they still enjoy looking at it. But just as many people can’t say the same.
Keep in mind; you may want to glance at your tattoo and think of a good memory or read words that encourage you every time you see them.
5. Age Is Not Just a Number
Thirty-seven percent of people who were tatted around ages eighteen to twenty-one regretted their chosen ink. The percentage of regret in people ages twenty to twenty-five was about twenty percent. Past the age of twenty-six, the rate drops to the single digits.
With the human brain not fully developing until age 25, this makes sense. The emotionally-driven receptors propel your choices in your mind during this time, not the logic-driven ones.
6. Location, Location, Location
If you’re eyeing a job in office administration one day, a gigantic tattoo of a tarantula on your forehead probably won’t do you any favors.
The old interfering with your career goals warning notwithstanding, tattoo very placement is essential as a general rule of thumb. Some pieces can be better angled or spaced on particular surfaces of the skin than others.
7. Size Matters
Sixty-three percent of people surprisingly say the tattoo they regret the most is a tattoo smaller than the size of a palm. One factor that may go into this is that people usually put serious thought into partial or full sleeve ink.
A second factor could be that most smaller tattoos are chosen to be placed on the more visible parts of the body than a more significant piece. A half-dollar sized tattoo on your wrist may come off as a safe bet until you realize just how much time your wrist spends on display.
8. Impulse and Emotion
One in four people who made an impulse decision to get a tattoo experience almost instant tattoo regret. Tattoos chosen on the heels of an existential crisis or a bad breakup will only serve as a permanent reminder of a difficult time.
Keep in mind no reputable tattoo shop will work on if you’re under the influence of any substances, begging to have lyrics by The Chainsmokers tattooed on your inner thigh.
9. Be Health Conscious
Tattoo ink can cause an allergic reaction for certain people, resulting in your body rejecting the tattoo as a whole. Sometimes the mild inflammation caused by a fresh tattoo can increase the risk of certain skin cancers.
10. Don’t Cut Corners
This isn’t the time to shop around for the lowest price or best deal. You want to be in skilled, safe, and sanitary hands. If you’re on the lookout for a bargain, perhaps you should consider putting off your tattoo until you’ve saved up a bit. “You get what you pay for” is more than a cliche saying, and laser tattoo removal isn’t exactly cheap.
Bonus Reasons for Tattoo Regret
Here are some more reasons that contribute to regrettable ink.
- The majority of people who get inked don’t regret it.
- Seventy-three percent of people multiple tattoos regret at least one of their tattoos.
- Eighteen percent of people over the age of eighteen have body art located on them.
- Exactly twenty-one percent of both men and women confessed it took “no time at all” to decide on the tattoo they’d later regret.
- A survey found that 1.30% of its subjects don’t regret having the image of a stranger tattooed on their body.
- The most common cause of tattoo regret in men is they no longer value its meaning.
- The most common cause of tattoo regret in women is they got bored of it.
- Men are more likely to regret having someone’s name tattooed on them than women.
Achieving Tattoo Thankfulness
If you dedicate some deep thought, time, research, and follow tattoo aftercare instructions to a T, you should be left with no tattoo regret or (fingers crossed) “ragret” about your new tattoo.
Are you ready for your regret-free tattoo? Then contact us today to set up an appointment with a professional tattoo artist in Las Vegas, Henderson, or Lahaina.
To learn more, contact us here.
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11 Small Tattoos With Big Meaning
Looking to get a new tattoo? Or want to get your first tattoo but aren’t sure what to get? Check out these 11 small tattoos with big meaning for inspiration.
Across the country, 36 percent of people have tattoos. Lucky you — you can use their designs to inspire your future ink.
At the very least, you know that you want not only a small piece of body art, but one that has a significant meaning behind it, too. Lots of others have hit the tattoo parlor with the same aim. They’ve walked away with stunning-but-small works of art.
Their tattoos prove that you can convey a heartfelt message with even the tiniest bit of ink. Here are 11 examples, all of which can serve as potential ideas for your next session.
1. Semicolon
The semicolon is a prime example of small tattoos with big meanings. When you read a semicolon, it indicates that the sentence continues after the pause.
As such, semicolon tattoos have come to represent someone who has felt like they might stop but has instead chosen to continue. Semicolon tattoos are often a choice for those who have struggled with their mental health or addiction. It’s also a sign of support for suicide prevention.
2. Paper Crane or Bird
The delicate paper crane is a symbol of peace, and it also represents an easygoing personality. A paper crane would blow with the wind and go with the flow. Once you have it tattooed, it can remind you to do the same.
The same goes for a bird tattoo. A small symbol of a winged creature is also symbolic of freedom.
3. Cross
A tattoo can be extremely meaningful if it aligns with your personal beliefs. In this case, you might consider a small cross tattoo as a nod to your Christian faith.
Of course, there are plenty of spiritual tattoo ideas out there. Your tattoo artist can shrink them down, so they fit behind the ear, on your hand, or somewhere else that requires a small tattoo.
4. Viking Symbol
You might be surprised to see someone suggest you get a Viking tattoo. But this trio of upside-down triangles fits right in on the list of small, meaningful tattoos.
As it turns out, the three shapes are meant to show that you create your own destiny. Need that little reminder on your wrist? Try the Viking symbol tattoo.
5. Line of Elephants
This small tattoo symbol would undoubtedly mean a lot to a mother who’s looking for new ink.
Female elephants take their role as mothers very seriously. They fiercely protect their young and the little ones in their herd. You do the same with your brood, of course.
If you have yet to become a parent, the elephant tattoo could still have meaning to you. Some look to the elephant as a symbol of strength, patience, and honor.
6. The Sun
The world would not exist without the sun. You may feel like a small part of the universe, and technically you are. But a sun tattoo can build you up to feel like the giant star that you are.
Everyone can make a difference and a sun tattoo signifies that you, too, can change the world.
7. Quill and Ink
Do you love to write? If so, a pair of small tattoos can tell the world exactly who you are — a writer.
The quill and ink tattoo would work on your hands or wrists. Or, you could let the motif inspire your next friendship tattoo. You get the quill, and your best friend gets the ink — together, you are complete.
8. Deer With Antlers
Young deer don’t have antlers — it takes years for them to grow. Once they have them, they are strong and protected. They can stand up for themselves against other deer.
Choosing a deer tattoo will show that you, too, have grown up — and grown strong. You can pop the small silhouette of a deer head on the back of your neck, inside of your wrist, or on your foot to remind you of just how powerful you really are.
9. Diamond
On a similar note, you might consider etching a diamond shape into your skin.
In the world of small, meaningful tattoos, the gemstone is of note, and not because of how expensive it is. Instead, a diamond represents superior strength — it’s virtually impossible to scratch or crack a diamond.
Because you’re just as strong, celebrate your resilience with a sweet diamond tattoo.
10. Anchor
When ships reach a harbor, they drop their anchor. The small-but-mighty piece of metal gives them the strength to stay put, even when the water gets choppy.
Who’s your anchor? A small tattoo of the symbol could represent the person who makes you feel stable and secure. Or, you could get it to signify your ability to weather the storm.
11. Heart
The Beatles said it best – “Love is all you need.” As such, you don’t need a big, intricate, or clever tattoo to express yourself. You just need a heart.
Your tiny heart tattoo can represent how much you love your life, family or friends. It’s up to you to decipher the meaning, but a small heart can say a lot. And a small rendition of the shape will remind you that your heart is actually pretty big.
Explore Even More Tattoos With Big Meaning
You don’t need a massive tattoo to send a message — these 11 small tattoos with big meaning prove that. All you have to do is decide which design best represents the story you want to tell, whether it be one of our ideas or one of your own. Then, find a tattoo artist who can bring it to life.
Want to get all of our tips and tricks for finding and getting the perfect tattoo? Keep up with our blog for expert advice.
To learn more, contact us here.
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Unspoken and Spoken Rules for Shops and Customers
Getting a tattoo may not seem like a big deal to some, but there are plenty of things that can go wrong. Respect goes both ways by following tattoo etiquette.
You’ve dreamed, you’ve sketched, you’ve planned, you’ve saved, and now it’s finally time. You’re heading in to get that tattoo you’ve been wanting for a while now. Whether this is your first tattoo or your fifteenth, following proper tattoo etiquette will help you have the best experience possible.
If you’ve never gotten a tattoo before, it can be intimidating to navigate the process without doing something wrong. And if you have gotten tattoos before, you may be doing things to annoy your artist without even realizing it. Read on to learn how to practice proper tattoo etiquette so your next inking experience is as good as possible.
Work with Your Artist
The first part of proper tattoo etiquette comes in the design phase. Your tattoo artist is just that – an artist – so although the tattoo is yours, you need to work with them on the design. Don’t ask them to tattoo in a style that’s wildly different from their usual style, and listen to their recommendations.
Be specific in what you want for the tattoo so they don’t waste time adding details that could have been included in the original design. But don’t be so detailed that you might as well draw the design yourself. Bring reference pictures for them to work with, both from their style and from similar tattoos.
Show Up Clean
When you show up for your tattoo appointment, make sure you’re clean. No one wants to have their face six inches away from someone who smells like a gym. Take a shower, but avoid heavy scents, and don’t worry about shaving the area; the artist will take care of that for you.
And when we say “show up clean,” we don’t just mean your skin. Tattoo artists don’t like tattooing drunk or high clients, and in many cases they may not be allowed to. So stay sober for your appointment and let the artist know about any medications (legal or otherwise) that you’re taking.
Don’t Bring a Party
Getting a tattoo is an important thing, and it may seem like fun to bring friends along with you. You may have an image in your head of chatting with your squad while the artist works, distracting you from the pain. But the truth is that group of friends is just going to wind up taking up space in the lobby.
Most tattoo shops only have room for one other person at their chair, and some may not even allow that. And trying to settle tattoo placement or design by committee is time-consuming for you and frustrating for your artist. Pick one close friend to go with you if you need, or preferably go alone.
Stay Still and Quiet
When your tattoo artist is working, you want to stay as still and quiet as possible. Tattooing takes a lot of concentration, and you don’t want to risk distracting your artist. If you go alone, bring along a book to read or a movie to watch while your artist works.
Follow your artist’s lead on how much to talk during the tattooing process. If they’re chatty, holding a conversation with them is fine, but if they’re quiet, let them concentrate. Also try not to stare at the tattoo while they work; this can be stressful and distract them from what they’re doing.
Tip Your Artist
Tattooing is an art like any other, except that they’re working with a canvas that reacts. This can make it harder to get fine lines just perfect, and once that art is there, there’s no taking it back. So you need to plan to tip your artist as a part of your budget for the tattoo.
Tattoo artist tipping runs on the same general scale as tipping for restaurant staff. If your artist did a fine job, 20 percent is acceptable, and even if you’re not happy with the service, 15 percent is the minimum. If they did an outstanding job, a particularly complex piece, or a small piece that was only their minimum fee, consider tipping closer to 25 or 30 percent.
Get Aftercare Instructions
Once your ink is in place, your job caring for it has only just begun. Taking care of a tattoo is a big part of what determines how it will look once it’s all healed up. Your artist wants that piece to last and turn out just how you both imagined, so ask them for aftercare instructions for the tattoo.
In the first few weeks after you get your tattoo, you may notice ink on your bandage, that it has scabbed over, or that it’s beginning to look a little faded. This is all normal, but make sure you continue to follow your artist’s aftercare instructions. If something seems wrong, do a little research about what’s happening and then don’t be afraid to call your artist to ask them about it.
Be Reasonable About Touch Ups
After some time, many tattoos need a little touching up to look their best. In most cases, this happens after you’ve had the tattoo a long time and the ink has faded or changed color some. In rarer cases, if a tattoo heals wrong, it may need touching up soon after you get it.
Always wait at least thirty days after you get your tattoo to let it heal and see what the final product will look like. Remember that tattoos do fade slightly after they’re done because new skin grows over the top. And if you do decide to go in for a touchup, be kind to your artist; they want the tattoo to look good as much as you do.
Use Proper Tattoo Etiquette
tattoo etiquette
Getting a tattoo is very exciting, and it’s natural to want it to turn out well. Following proper tattoo etiquette will help make sure that happens, as well as making the process better for you and your artist. Remember to respect their expertise and be reasonable in your expectations and you’ll wind up with a piece you can love forever.
If you’d like to start working on your next piece, come see us at Skin Factory Tattoo. We have the best tattoo shops in Las Vegas and Maui and we can help you get ink you’ll love. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your next tattoo.
To learn more, contact us here.
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Watch Your Step: Everything You Need to Know About 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.
Las Vegas Tattoo Shop
Lahaina Tattoo Shop
Big Island Tattoo Shop
