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.
Ribs, sternum and spine — among the most painful spots, with long sessions.
Placement Awkward or sensitive areas — ribs, hands, neck, spine — are slower to work on, and the session may need breaks.
Where there's no muscle or fat between skin and bone — shins, ribs, spine, kneecaps, ankles, the top of the foot — the needle's vibration has nowhere to…
Areas where skin sits almost directly on bone or cartilage — ribs, spine, hand, collarbone, ankle & foot — tend to be more intense.
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.