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.
Section: What to wear, by placement →
Inner forearm, upper arm, shoulder, back and ribs hold fine work well.
A ribs, back or thigh tattoo is entirely under your control — nobody sees it unless you choose to show it.
Hands, feet, the inner elbow and the ribcage all carry a disproportionate number of nerve endings for their size — it's the same reason they're ticklish.
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…
Ribs, sternum and spine — among the most painful spots, with long sessions.
How to choose a tattoo artist: match the style, read a portfolio properly, check healed work and hygiene, and spot red flags before you book.
Placement Awkward or sensitive areas — ribs, hands, neck, spine — are slower to work on, and the session may need breaks.
Many classic ornamental placements — sternum, spine, ribs, hands — sit over bone and are among the more painful spots (see the pain by placement guide).
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.