Straight answers to the things that stop people booking a tattoo — from the first idea to a healed tattoo. Each guide points you at real, credited work in the catalogue, and health guides quote dermatologists who specialise in tattoos.
Going back over healing skin damages it.
Usually covered Sometimes visible Almost always visible Upper arm, shoulder, back, chest, stomach, ribs, thigh Forearm, calf, ankle, collarbone, behind the ear Hands, fingers, neck, face See every…
Ages well Softens faster Upper arm, shoulder, back, thigh, calf — little friction, less sun Hands, fingers, feet, ankles, inner lips — constant friction, washing and sun
Neck and face — very visible and hard to take back.
Placement Wear Forearm, hand, upper arm Short or loose sleeves, a tank top underneath Shoulder, upper back, chest A top you can take off or a button-up worn…
Classic choices are the sternum and underbust, the spine, the back of the neck, forearms and hands, shoulders and knees.
Inner forearm, upper arm, shoulder, back and ribs hold fine work well.
More nerves reporting back means more signal, plain and simple, independent of how much padding is underneath.
Read the full guides — Old School and Neo-Traditional — or go back to How to Choose a Tattoo Style for the full picture across every style.
A ribs, back or thigh tattoo is entirely under your control — nobody sees it unless you choose to show it.
If you want the durability of a bold outline with a more classic, stripped-back look, that's the one to compare against.
Nine stages from a vague idea to a healed tattoo. Every guide ends with a link to the next step, so you can read them in order — or jump straight to where you are.
The worries people mention most — and where the honest answer is.
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Health guides quote dermatologists who specialise in tattoos word for word. New to the words? See the tattoo glossary. How guides are written and corrected: editorial policy.