5 Spots On The Body Where Tattoos Are More Likely To Fade

Tattoos are permanent, but that doesn’t mean they’ll stay looking good forever. Every tattoo fades, but how much it does depend on how much you protect it, your lifestyle, and where on the body it’s located. Some locations, unfortunately, fade faster than others, so if you want your tattoo to stay looking fresh and avoid going in for retouches, avoid these 5 spots.

Hands

Your hands are used every single day, for almost everything. They take a lot of wear, which unfortunately means your tattoo will too. Not only are your hands exposed to the sun a lot, the skin on there also doesn’t take ink well which leads to blurring and fading. Little finger tats may be trendy, but they won’t stay Instagramable forever.

Feet

Like hands, feet take a lot of wear too. Ink here is more susceptible to fading because of constantly rubbing from socks and shoes. Barefoot would help, but then your feet would be exposed to sunlight which also causes fading so no matter what expect your foot tat to fade more quickly than other places.

Elbows

Not only do elbow tattoos hurt, but they also fade pretty easily. Outer elbow tattoos especially. The skin there is constantly being bent and rubbed up against, plus it’s usually exposed to the elements.

Arms

Arms generally get more sunlight than other parts of the body. Most people expose their arms during the warmer months, but this sun exposure and UV rays lead to fading. Inner arms aren’t any better because they’re constantly being rubbed up against your body or clothing.

Face

Although face tattoos are a little taboo still, the rising popularity of cosmetic tattoos (such as eyebrow microblading) means more people are getting inked there. Just know that your face gets a lot of sun exposure, which causes fading. If you have a face tattoo, permanent or semi-permanent, use a face moisturizer with some SPF in it to limit fading.

Places That Fade The Least

The good news is that not every spot on the body fades as much or as quickly. Of course, it all depends on what areas of the body get exposed to the elements and rubbed up against the most, but these areas generally fade less.

·            Inner Forearm

·            Upper Chest

·            Back of Neck

·            Lower Back

Conclusion

Fading is something that will happen to every tattoo, no matter how well you take care of it. How much it fades though depends on your body, your lifestyle, how much sunlight it gets, and where on the body it is located. You can decrease fading by keeping the tattoo moisturized, protected from the sun (by clothing and sunscreen), and avoid tight clothing that would rub against it.

At the end of the day though, don’t stress too much about fading. Tattoo artists can always go in and add more ink to freshen it up later on. Take care of yourself and enjoy your tattoo! If you want to learn more feel free to contact us or book an appointment.

Tattoo Questions: Can I Get My Own Art Tattooed?

We get asked this question a lot in our Toronto tattoo shop. Here is everything you need to know about potentially getting your own artwork tattooed on yourself.

Not All Art Works As Tattoos
Tattoos are a whole other art form in itself. That means that not every drawing will translate well into a tattoo. Don’t be afraid to show your design to the artist, but just know that they’ll likely have to make a few changes to make it looks its best.

It Will Have To Be Redrawn
Even if your artwork can perfectly be turned into a tattoo, that tattoo artist will still have to redraw it. They may have to alter the proportions of the body, or simply redraw it onto the stencil that will be their guide.

Art Style Will Impact Your Artist
Like art, tattoos have different styles. What type of art do you create? This will impact what tattoo artist can best translate it into a tattoo. Finding one with a similar aesthetic will be key to getting the best results.

You’ll Have To Pay The Same Amount
This may seem unfair, but the design is only a portion of what you’re paying the tattoo artist for. The price also covers the equipment, the ink, the artist’s skill, and their time. You may have saved them a few minutes by creating the initial design, but all of the other work is left to them.

Don’t Be Offended If We Say No
If we say no to your tattoo design it isn’t a personal insult. Some tattoos just won’t work. Tattoo artists work for years to reach a level of skill and expertise so if they say it won’t work, they’re not lying to you and it’s not because they don’t like the artwork.

If It Has Meaning, Let Us Know
We understand that tattoos are personal and not everyone feels comfortable opening up. Tattoo artists are like therapist though in that many people do open up to them. Let us know if a piece of artwork has some meaning so that if we have to make any changes we can make sure to still capture what’s so special about it. We don’t want to press you for the whole story, but a little insight will ensure your tattoo artist delivers something that you’ll love.

Some Artists Won’t Under Any Circumstances
You know what they say about artists. Some tattoo artists have worked in the industry so long that they only do their own original work. It’s not personal; they just have reached a place in their career where they can be a bit picky about what they do. Most artists are open to tattoos clients work though; just ask ahead when booking to be sure.

Conclusion
The answer to the question isn’t straightforward. You can get your own artwork tattooed but it may be to be changed and altered for the best outcome. Book a consultation with a tattoo artist in our downtown Toronto tattoo shop today to get started!

Cuticle Tattoos 101

Yet another tattoo trend we can credit Rihanna for bringing into popularity. The Queen of Cool first sported cuticle tattoos back in 2013, and since then they have taken over Instagram. These tiny tattoos are just the latest in tattoo trends.

Location
The name says a lot, but cuticle tattoos aren’t actually on the cuticle. Rather, they’re placed around the nail. People usually opt to stick close to the nail but some people have taken to extending the design up the fingers and even across the whole hand. One choice people interested in these tattoos have to make it how many fingers they want to be done. Some get a few, some get only one hand, and others get them all done. It’s all up to you!

Pain
Here’s the bad news- the hands hurt to get tattoos. That pain only increases for that area on the finger. Hands and fingers are mostly bone and skin, with very little fat to cushion. The area near the nail is even more bony and sensitive. Ever gotten a hangnail? Imagine that pain times a thousand.

Time
Since most cuticle tattoos are small and have simple designs, the process can be done quickly. Make sure that you find an artist skilled in small tattoos though so that they don’t make any mistakes and can work in the small area.

Design
There is no single design for cuticle tattoos. Some popular designs are geometric shapes, lines, dots, and henna-style designs. Due to the small space simpler designs tend to work best.

Aftercare
It’s super important to follow all aftercare instructions. Since your hands usually come in contact with germs and objects first, it’s important that you keep your new ink clean and dry.

Conclusion
Cuticle tattoos act like jewelry, elevating whatever outfit one is wearing. They can hurt though, and it’s pretty costly for a small tattoo. Some people are opting for alternatives like temporary tattoos or nail art to get the design. If you want to book an appointment please contact us today!

Stick and Poke Tattoos 101

Stick and Poke tattoos are all the rage right now. As a professional tattoo shop, we get a little wary about them. They can turn out wonderful, but there is risk involved too since it isn’t be done by a trained professional. This style was once dominated by jails, but it has since become a hit with a new demographic- college kids. We can’t necessarily recommend these tattoos, but here is everything you should know about them.

History
Hand poke tattoos are rooted in the historical practice of tattooing. Back before tattoo guns were a thing people got tattoos in the same way that stick and poke tattoos are done- by sticking a sharp object with ink on it into the skin. Some areas in the world still practice tattooing in this way. Angelina Jolie is famous for her tiger back tattoo that was done by Thai monks using their form of sick and poke tattooing. Western countries stopped practicing this style once tattoo guns became widespread, but they still persisted in the jail system. This style used to be referred to as “jail house” tattoos. Now with college kids adopting this style, that stigma has dropped.

What is it?
The name of this style says it all. A sharp object is dipped into ink and then poked into the skin. People used a number of sharp objects, such as sewing needles, safety pins, or even tattoo needles just not connected to the machine. There isn’t standard ink used for this style. Most inks used for hand poke tattoos isn’t FDA regulated so be warned. Sometimes people even used regular pen ink.

Artist
Stick and poke is a style that can be done by anyone, from traditional monks to professional tattoo artists. However, the current style has more of a DIY notion to it, with it usually being done by a non-professional individual. These people are usually talented, and some even do it for a living. They aren’t trained, licensed or work out of a shop though so there is more risk than a standard professional tattoo. Hand poke tattoos are usually done in a more intimate setting, like a home, and done by friends so there is more meaning behind them.

Hygiene
The biggest concern about sick and poke tattoos is the sterilization and sanitization of the equipment used. Professional tattoo artists are held to certain standards, even more so if they work out of a tattoo shop. All equipment is cleaned and sterilized regularly. With hand poke tattoos there is always a risk that the needle isn’t clean. Using a needle that isn’t new opens up the risk of contracting a disease such as hepatitis or HIV.

No matter who’s doing the tattoos, make sure that everything is cleaned properly. Never use the same needle as someone else too. Also, make sure you follow the same aftercare advice that you would for a professional tattoo. Keeping it clean helps prevent infection.

Pain
A huge downside to hand poke tattoos is that they hurt even more than professional ones. Having a machine do a tattoo means that the process goes by quicker. When it’s done by hand, every line and dot have to be done individually. It takes longer and more practice to get the ink right. The ink used also isn’t the best, meaning it takes more layer to get the ink to show. What all of this means is that it will hurt, no matter where it’s done.

Time
Another downside is time. Stick and Poke tattoos take longer to complete. Everything has to be done by hand, more layers of ink are required, and the design comes to life one dot at a time. What would usually take a few minutes can take up to hours.

Design and Size
The DIY aspect of hand poke tattoos can give you some ideas for what designs are popular. Doodle designs are common, especially on a smaller scale. Some people have become incredibly talented and skilled in this style though. They can create large, intricate tattoos that look like a machine did them.

Fading
There is an art to placing ink in the right part of the skin for tattoos. This is part of what’s covered and practiced when a professional tattoo artist gets trained. When the ink is placed too close to the surface, it won’t hold. If it’s placed too deep then it will blur and bleed. It takes skill to hit the sweet spot for ink placement. Due to this, and the lack of FDA approved ink used, stick and poke tattoos tend to fade more. This isn’t always the case, but most hand poke tattoos fade more often and quicker than professional ones. For some people though, this is actually a benefit.

Price
Price is the number one reason people are drawn to hand poke tattoos. A professional tattoo can cost hundreds of dollars while stick and poke tattoos are either free or significantly cheaper. People who have a talent for this style and have made a name for themselves may get a higher price, but the majority of people use friends who don’t charge anything.

As professionals, we don’t advocate these tattoos but they can turn out super cool. Make sure you get everything sanitized before getting a hand poke tattoo. If you have any questions or want to discuss a professional tattoo, contact us.

Day of Tattoo Preparations

To make sure you have the most enjoyable time possible and the best quality work, be sure to follow these preparation tips before heading to your Toronto tattoo shop. Being prepared on the day of getting your tattoo is extremely important.

Tip 1: Eat a big meal before

This will make sure you are energized, awake, and full. You don’t want your stomach growling and distracting your tattoo artist to you?

Tip 2: Drink lots of water

Your body gets put under stress when you’re getting a tattoo. Make sure it’s at full fighting power by staying hydrated.

Tip 3: Avoid alcohol

Alcohol acts like a blood thinner. It will also impact your ability to follow directs and make good judgment. Don’t wake up with both a hangover and a tattoo you regret. Don’t drink alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting inked.

Tip 4: Don’t take any painkillers

Painkillers like aspirin are actually blood thinners. Avoid taking them at least 48 hours before. Thinner blood means more bleeding during the process.

Tip 5: Pack snacks, water, and cash

If you’re getting a large tattoo expect to be there for a while. Pack snack and water to keep you going. Also remember to bring cash to tip your tattoo artist for their time and talent.

Tip 6: Wear comfortable clothing

You might want to look cute for your post-tattoo Instagram picture, but trust us, wear comfortable clothing. You’re going to be sitting for a while so you want to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible.

Tip 7: Stretch

Sitting in the same position for a long time will take its toll. Stretch beforehand to get your body ready. Even the most comfortable position will start to hurt after holding it still for a long time.

Tip 8: Stay calm and relaxed

Staying calm and relaxed is extremely important. When you’re anxious, your tattoo artist is anxious. Not only will stress make your muscle tense up but you’ll begin to fidget. Bring along something to distract you from what’s going on, like a good or a game.

Tip 9: Set aside extra time

Not even the most experienced tattoo artist can tell you exactly when your tattoo will be finished. Always set aside more time than you think you’ll nee. You don’t want your tattoo to be rushed- trust us.

Tip 10: Bring along company

Most people love to bring along company for getting tattoos. Bring someone that will help distract you from the pain. Make sure they’re supportive, encouraging, and calm.

Make getting a new tattoo as simple as possible by following these day of preparation tips. 

Take Care of Your New Tattoo This Winter

At our Toronto Tattoo Shop, there’s a never-ending debate over the best time of year to get a new tattoo. The warm summer months mean sweating, the sun, and swimming- all things that pose a risk to your new ink. The cool winter months also have a set of problems. Here are some tips to take care of your tattoo if you decide to get inked this winter.

Cool Air

Cool air is nature gif to tattoos. It not only prevents sweating but it also promotes healing. The problem with it cool air though is that all people want to do in the winter is escape it. Piling on layers and running from heated building to heated building only suffocates your new ink. So if you’re getting a new tattoo this winter make sure to expose it to fresh air for at least two hours a day (not including when you’re sleeping).

Moisturizing

            Getting a tattoo will irritate your skin so one of the best ways to keep your new ink healthy is to moisturize it with ointment or lotion. It’s understandable that you’d want to wear long sleeves and pants (not to mention the necessary socks, boots, jackets, scarves, hats etc.). Make sure you wear clothing that provides easy access to your tattoo so that you can moisturize it at least three times a day.

Clean

Everyone knows you have to wash and pat dry a tattoo as it heals. It helps keeps the area from becoming infected. This theoretically is as easy to do in winter as it is in summer months. However, it’s easy to skimp on the cleaning when you don’t have the constant sweating from the summer heat to remind you. Just because you don’t sweat as much in the winter doesn’t mean you can wash your tattoo any less.

Water

            Swimming and submersion into the water don't seem to be as obvious of a concern during the winter. If you go on vacation to somewhere warm or up to your cottage for the weekend keep in mind that water isn’t good more new tattoos. Avoid getting into pools, hot tubs and baths to help your new ink heal.     

       

Clothing

            Clothing during the winter months proposes a unique challenge for new tattoos. Make sure that you don’t get inked in a place where clothing will be rubbing up against it. Lose clothing is always preferred to help the healing process.            

            Winter is not worse than summer for getting new tattoos. It’s just a different set of problems. Always be sure to keep your ink clean, dry and exposed to fresh air. Talk to your tattoo artist about the best ways to care for your tattoo and go to them if you have any concerns.