Welcome to the vibrant and dynamic world of tattoos! From intricate line work to bold and attention-grabbing designs it’s impossible to ignore the magnetic appeal of body art.
As tattoos today continue to gain popularity there’s been an unfortunate rise in myths and misconceptions surrounding this expressive art form.
But fear not because we’re here to debunk the persistent tattoo myths and separate fact from fiction once and for all!
So buckle up and get comfortable as we embark on this inky journey of discovery together!
Tattoo Myths Debunked!
Do Tattoos Always Fade Over Time?
Are you thinking about getting a tattoo? Well, it’s natural to wonder if that awesome ink you’re considering will stay looking fresh forever or fade away with time. The truth is tattoos do fade but there are ways to keep them looking fab for longer.
Your skin’s made up of layers and when the top layer called the epidermis sheds and renews itself the ink underneath starts to break down and look a bit faded.
How fast this happens will depend on stuff like your skin type and the tattoo’s color and design. But also how well you look after your new tattoo. Some tattoos start to fade after just a few years while others might take a decade or more.
To keep your tattoo looking fresh it’s important to take care of your skin. You need to keep it moisturized and protected from the sun by slapping on some sunscreen with a high SPF when you’re out and about. This helps stop the sun from breaking down the ink.
You should also avoid scrubbing your tattoo too hard in the shower and stay away from harsh chemicals that might mess with your skin.
If your tattoo starts to look a bit sad you can get it touched up to bring it back to life. A common myth swirling around on the internet is that all tattoos will inevitably fade and lose their original sharpness.
While it’s true that tattoos do change over time there’s no need to hit the panic button! Several factors contribute to how a tattoo ages. Those factors including ink quality, the tattoo’s location on the body and even your skin type.
To keep your tattoo looking fresh and vibrant follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions religiously. Proper aftercare is incredibly important. Particularly in the first few weeks.
Yet after the initial healing stage you should wear sunscreen to protect your ink from harmful UV rays. And you should moisturize your skin regularly.
Only Criminals and Rebels Get Tattoos?
The age-old question, ‘Can only rebellious people get tattoos?’ is rooted in an outdated and unfounded stereotype.
Contrary to the belief that only rebels or criminals choose to adorn their bodies with tattoos, people from all walks of life and backgrounds are now embracing this form of art.
The perception of tattoos has shifted significantly over the years. Making it essential to dispel this antiquated notion. Not all tattoo collectors are rebellious, wild or involved in criminality.
In today’s diverse and ever-changing world tattoos are no longer reserved for a particular personality type or lifestyle. Individuals with varying interests, professions and life experiences choose to get inked for a myriad of reasons.
Some may opt for tattoos to celebrate significant milestones or achievements in their lives. Like graduating from college, completing a marathon or overcoming a personal challenge. Others may choose tattoos as a means to honor a loved one who has passed away or to pay tribute to their cultural heritage.
Tattoos can also serve as a symbol of commitment to a partner or a shared experience with a friend. They can be a symbolic representation of one’s personal beliefs and values.
My own negative space blackout sleeve is an ode to my grandmother. It’s a symbolic repressentation and reminder of the grief I felt when she passed. And not only am I not a rebel or a criminal, I have 8 university degrees.
Do Tattoos Hurt a Lot?
While it’s true that getting a tattoo can be painful it’s important to understand that the level of pain experienced varies from person to person.
The degree of discomfort you’ll feel during the tattooing process depends on several factors including your individual pain tolerance and the tattoo’s location and size. Even the skill of the tattoo artist can influence the sensation you’ll experience when getting a tattoo.
Pain is inherently subjective. Which means that what might be uncomfortable for one person could be quite tolerable for another. I’ve seen skinny nerds get tattooed in places that make big burly bikers cry.
Some individuals may find the process of getting a tattoo more uncomfortable than others due to their unique pain thresholds. And factors like anxiety, stress and exhaustion can exacerbate the perception of pain by decreasing a persons pain tolerance.
So it’s essential to approach the tattooing experience with a calm and relaxed mindset. And you should always be well rested and have a hearty meal before getting a tattoo.
The location of the tattoo will play a significant role in determining the level of discomfort during the process. Areas with more fat or muscle like the upper arms, thighs or buttocks might be less painful because they provide a cushion between the skin and the underlying bone.
On the other hand bonier spots like the ribs, spine, ankles or collarbone tend to be more sensitive and may cause more discomfort. The ante cubital fossa (funny bone) was the most painful spot for me.
If you’re concerned about pain when getting tattooed don’t hesitate to have a chat with your tattoo artist. Your tattooist can provide valuable advice and tips on managing pain and discomfort when getting tattooed.
Most tattooists will recommend a tattoo numbing product be used. Particularly if you’ve chosen a painful spot or are overly sensitive to pain. With a numbing cream you wont feel anything.
Are Tattoos Bad for Your Health?
When executed by a professional artist in a clean and sterile environment tattoos are safe. However there is a risk of infection if proper aftercare isn’t followed diligently.
To minimize this risk make sure to always choose a reputable artist working in a clean and sterile shop. Always adhere to your tattooists aftercare instructions.
Furthermore, be aware that some individuals might be allergic to tattoo ink. If you suspect you might have an allergy to tattoo inks it’s wise to consult a dermatologist before committing to getting inked.
Do Colored Tattoos Fade Faster Than Black Tattoos?
A common misconception among tattoo enthusiasts is that colored tattoos fade faster than their black counterparts.
While it’s true that certain lighter colors like yellow, pink and white might be more prone to fading, it’s not accurate to assume that all colored tattoos will experience this issue.
In fact other colors such as blue and green tend to last just as long as black ink. How long a tattoo lasts depends on the quality of the ink, the skill of the tattoo artist and individual skin types.
The key to maintaining your tattoo’s vibrancy regardless of the colors used in your design lies in proper tattoo aftercare. And diligent sun protection.
Following your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions is essential to ensure that your tattoo heals correctly and maintains its brightness, sharpness and vibrancy for year to come. You want to avoid actions that can cause ink drop.
To avoid ink drop and fading during the healing process you should keep the tattoo clean, use a professional aftercare cream and avoid excessive sun exposure during the healing process.
Can’t Find a Job with Tattoos?
It’s no secret that some industries and companies enforce strict dress codes or tattoo policies. Which can lead to concerns about whether having visible tattoos will negatively impact one’s employment prospects.
However it’s essential to recognize that society’s views on tattoos have evolved significantly in recent years. And the societal perception of tattoos does continue to evolve and become more accepting day by day. Having ink should not automatically disqualify you from finding employment.
As tattoos become more mainstream a growing number of employers no longer view them as unprofessional or inappropriate for the workplace.
While some fields like law or finance may still enforce conservative appearance standards, many other industries are increasingly embracing tattooed employees.
Creative fields like advertising, design and technology often have more relaxed dress codes and are generally more accepting of visible tattoos.
Before applying for a job it’s essential to research the company culture to determine whether your tattoos might be an issue.
By carefully considering the industry, company values and the specific job requirements you can better gauge how your tattoos might be perceived by potential employers.
If your tattoos aren’t on your face, hands or neck it really is easy to hide them in more conservative workplaces and customer service environments. Customer facing roles are often the most conservative.
Can Tattoos Be Easily Removed?
Tattoo removal is indeed possible but it’s not as straightforward as some might think. Laser removal is the most common method and typically requires multiple sessions depending on the tattoo’s size, color and your skin type.
The process of tattoo removal can be expensive and might not result in complete removal. Therefore it’s crucial to think carefully before getting inked. And be sure that you fully understand the long-term commitment involved in having a tattoo.
If you’ve gone and had a tattoo done that you now want removed, be sure to avoid tattoo removal creams. They’re all junk and some a downright dangerous.
Afterthought
Dispelling these tattoo myths helps set the record straight and demonstrates that tattoos are an incredibly diverse and beautiful form of self-expression.
When we understand the facts we can appreciate the artistry and significance behind each person’s unique tattoo journey. Tattoos and the people with them shouldn’t be judged without the facts.
So whether you’re contemplating getting your first tattoo or you already proudly wear your body art, remember to embrace the truth, celebrate your individuality and let the ink speak for itself.
Embrace your unique individuality and express yourself with tattoos!
