You know how the old saying goes — if you can dream it, you can do it. The same holds true for your dream tattoo. Want to cover up a scar or get a meaningful symbol to celebrate overcoming personal battles? With artists specializing in everything from crisp linework and elegant script to multicolored masterpieces, tattoo aesthetics have come a long way and the possibilities are endless.
But there are a few things you need to know before getting inked. Not all tattoos age well, some hurt more than others (after all, needles are creating and filling in your design), and some designs could become ink regret, especially if you don’t let the art heal right. The aftermath of all this comes down to your artist, the placement, and the design. Here’s what to consider when picking the perfect piece, sitting through your appointment, and how to take care of your new ink.
Although there’s no “right” or “wrong” place to get a tattoo, the placement can have a lot of influence on how you’re perceived in the workplace.
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If you work in a formal office setting, you may want to think twice before getting ink on openly visible areas such as your face, neck, hands, fingers, or wrists. Instead, consider locations that are easy to cover with clothing or accessories, including your:
If your workplace is a little more lenient, you may be able to rock a new tattoo behind your ear, on your shoulders, or on your wrists.
You’ll also want to take your pain tolerance into consideration. It’s no secret that getting a tattoo hurts. But how much it hurts depends on where you want it to be. They tend to hurt more in areas that have a lot of nerves and less flesh.
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But before you commit to that trendy underboob chandelier or watercolor-style feather, take a step back and really mull it over. What’s trending right now won’t always be en vogue — so make sure you want it because it looks awesome and not because it’s the hot new thing.
Although all tattoos will fade over time, some designs are more prone to fading than others. For example, lighter colors — like watercolors and pastels — typically fade faster than black and gray inks.
Some styles also fade faster than others. Geometric designs that are heavy on dots and clean lines are usually more susceptible to general wear and tear, especially if they’re in a location that’s constantly rubbing against your clothes or shoes.
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Once you’ve settled on a design and chosen your artist, you’re almost ready for the main event. If you’re getting anything other than script, you’ll need to set up a consultation with your artist. You’ll both use this time to:
Unless you’re heading home to settle in to a Netflix binge, you should keep the dressing on for the next several hours. When it’s time for removal, you’ll clean the tattoo for the first time.
You’ll also want to keep your ink fresh and hydrated. If you’re dealing with itchiness or the skin feels dry, apply a thin layer of your artist’s recommended ointment. You can also use a gentle, unscented lotion.
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Most tattoos heal at the surface layer within the first couple of weeks, but it may be months before it’s healed completely. Don’t worry if your tattoo starts to flake or peel — this is normal (although an infection is not). Peeling usually only lasts for the first week or so.
What if you change your mind? If you decide that you don’t like a small part of the artwork or that you hate the whole dang thing, you may be able to add to it, cover it up, or even remove it entirely. Your artist can talk you through your options and advise you on next steps.
All in all, getting the tattoo is the easy part. Your new ink will be a part of you, as a statement or a secret. Knowing that it’s there, a decision you made and love for life, can be surprisingly reassuring — especially when it’s lovely to look at.
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When Tess Catlett was 13, she wanted nothing more than to dye her hair blue and get a Tinkerbell tattoo on her shoulder blade. Now an editor at
, she’s only checked one of those things off her bucket list — and thank goodness it wasn’t that tattoo. Sound familiar? Share your would-be tattoo horror stories with her on
Has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Noel Cymone Walker is an NYC-based writer specializing in beauty, fashion, travel, and cultural anthropology. She has written and produced visuals for notable publications such as Yahoo Lifestyle, Glamour, Allure, and Ebony.
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Dr. Talakoub is a board-certified dermatologist with a special interest in medical and cosmetic dermatology. She also serves as a columnist for Dermatology News and previously worked as a medical writer for ABC News
The world of tattooing is an intricate realm. What most people don’t realize is that it’s a space where art, health, body strength, technique, etching, shading, and beauty are all on a level playing field. Here at HQ, we love a fresh tattoo just as much as the next person, but we know that proper tattoo aftercare is crucial, if you want your new ink to last. Whether it's your first or your 20th, we've rounded up the best short- and long-term tips from the experts that'll help keep your tattoo care game in tip-top shape—from how to clean it to signs it's time to visit your doctor.
As Finney describes, "It is important to know that a tattoo creates a wound in the skin, so being gentle is important."
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According to Lavriv, tattooing puts a strain on your immune system, and internal preparation is just as important as external aftercare. “A tattoo is an invasive cosmetic procedure, and your immune and lymphatic system will be working hard on healing a fresh tattoo, so partying and anything excessive is not recommended, " she says. In other words: take it easy.
For the first few days post-tattoo, there's one important rule: stay away. Your ink will be wrapped in plastic. Keep it that way. Depending on the size of the tattoo, the wrap might need to stay on for several days, but as a general rule of thumb, you can remove the plastic on day two or three. Ask your artist for specifics.
"I tell patients that it is best to just leave the bandage on that the tattoo artist applied until the next day, " says Finney. "After that point, you should clean it once daily with some warm water and a gentle cleanser."
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After the original bandage your tattoo artist employed to wrap you up post-ink session is removed, do not re-bandage. The plasma from the original tattoo may surface after the first couple of hours, and then it’s time to clean the art and allow it to breathe.
To cleanse the tattoo, use antibacterial soap, such as Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Liquid Soap ($14) or any unscented antibacterial liquid. Avoid using any type of cloth to cleanse the tattoo because it will exfoliate the area—which, remember, is a wound. Next, rinse with warm-to-mild temperature water and pat the area dry with a towel. Allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes before proceeding.
Carter says to always use anointment recommended by the artist who gave you the tattoo. “Every artist has their own aftercare ointment—Shea butter, artificial skin, lotions, etc., ” he explains. “Make sure you don’t over-medicate the tattoo by applying too much ointment, as this could clog the pores and create a rash that would disturb the healing process.”Some tattoo blogs even suggest that it's okay to leave the area free of ointment after the first cleansing or only apply a very thin layer.
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During the first to four days post-tattoo, you'll repeat the process of washing your tattoo about two to five times a day, then follow with a light layer of ointment. Carter explains that a good amount of air is great for the ink during the healing process, so it’s critical to make sure the skin can breathe. On the first night, it’s normal to wrap the area in plastic wrap, so it doesn’t stick to your bedding, but after that, make sure the design is free from coverage and getting ventilation.
Most tattoo artists have their own set of aftercare instructions. But one piece of advice they all have in common is to touch your tattoo with clean hands only. “The most important step would be to clean your hands before you clean your tattoos, ” says Carter. “[I recommend that] you listen to the verbal directions [from your tattooer] first, then refer to the written directions after.” Also, take into consideration that washing your hands shouldn’t be a quick three-second rinse. With soap, rub your palms together for as long as it takes to recite the alphabet.
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