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!

Nose Tattoos 101

Some tattoo trends are more out there than other’s, and this is one of them. Facial tattoos have a long history, but now some people are getting just nose tattoos and this trend is taking off. Demons, skulls, and tribal ink, this location is the newest hotspot.

Who’s Getting Them?
Right now this trend is pretty limited to those into body modification and hardcore tattooist. Facial tattoos are extremely taboo, especially in Western countries. They’re often associated with criminals and jails. Some people have embraced facial tattoos, but get them in more discrete locations where they can be hidden like on the skull, behind the ear, or along the hairline. But there’s no hiding a nose tattoo.

Controversy
Tattoos aren’t really in the taboo zone anymore. Most of society and most work places are pretty accepting of them as long as they aren’t of anything offensive. But facial tattoos are still pretty taboo. So if you’re interested in a nose tattoo just know that you may not get a job because of it.

Pain and Time
The bad news about nose tattoos is that they will hurt a lot. Even people that have multiple tattoos say they’re extremely painful. They compare it to getting punching in the face with a sharp object repeatedly. If you’ve ever had your nose pierced, just image that pain but times a thousand.

The other bad news about nose tattoos is that they aren’t quick. While they’re usually pretty small, the shape and curves of the nose can take awhile for the design to be completed.

Design
Due to the shape of noses, some designs look better than others. Skulls and demons seem to be popular and compliment the nose well. Tribal designs, like Maori and Samoan tattoos, are also popular. Some people are doing more geometrical designs, with straight lines and triangles.

Artist
Any tattoo should be done by professionals, but especially facial tattoos. There are no hiding facial tattoos, especially nose ones. Make sure you find an artist that has done face tattoos before and is skilled in the style you like. Look at portfolios and discuss the design beforehand. We should note that not every tattoo shop will do facial tattoos. Some places find them too controversial so they refuse them.

Contact us or visit our tattoo shop to talk about getting a tattoo today.

7 Questions People With Tattoos Always Get Asked

1.    “Did it hurt?”

The simple answer to this question is, “duh”. All tattoos hurt, but the amount of pain depends on a lot of things. Some locations on the body hurt more. Design, size, the length of time, and personal pain tolerance are also factors.

2.    “Don’t you respect yourself?”

This question is so rude and judgmental it almost doesn’t even deserve a response. People need to let go of the outdated thinking that tattoos are related to rebellion and criminals.

3.    “Do you regret them?"

Some people do regret their tattoos, but most don’t. The longer you live with a tattoo the more meaning it takes on. It becomes less about the design, or even the original meaning, and becomes a marker for who you were during the period of time when you got it done.

4.    “How will you feel about then when you’re old?”

People’s bodies change when they age. Skin gets looser, wrinkles take over, and all of this does impact a tattoo. Maybe your tattoos will be faded and distorted by wrinkles but how great will it be to reminisce about your youth when you’re older?

5.    “What does your tattoo mean?”

Here’s the thing- sometimes tattoos don’t have meaning behind them. I know, shocking right? Sometimes they do, but not everyone is willing to share those stories. It’s ultimately up to the person who has the tattoo if they’re willing to share the story behind their tattoo (if there is one). If they don’t want to then respect that. 

6.    “What do your parents and grandparents think about them?”

This question assumes that everyone’s parents and grandparents think the same. Some parents are against them, other’s annoyed, some amused, and some for them. The same with grandparents. We aren’t the first generation to get tattooed so chances are that some parents and grandparents are tattooed themselves.

7.    “Would you ever get them removed?”

Tattoo removal is expensive, painful, and not guaranteed to work. Asking someone if they’re getting a tattoo removed implies that you think they should. If someone does want to change their tattoo there are tons of options out there today from removal to cover-ups.

Contact a Toronto Tattoo Shop to book your next appointment. 

Oral Piercing Types

Tongue and mouth piercings have been gaining popularity recently. They are still far more taboo and out there compared to other piercings (like the ears, nose, and lip). But if you’re looking for an oral piercing here are all the options available.

Tongue Piercings

Tongue Piercing

The most common oral piercing is the standard tongue piercing. It’s also known as the midline tongue piercing since it is placed vertically through the middle of the tongue.

Horizontal Tongue Piercing

Horizontal tongue piercings are also known as snake eyes. This piercing does horizontally through the tongue using a curved barbell. This is a controversial piercing; some Toronto piercers don’t even do it since it can cause severe tongue damage.

Venom Bites

Venom bites are identical looking to snake eyes but much safer. This piercing is two separate piercings placed side by side.

Angel Bites

Angle bites are the vertical version of venom bites. Two (or more) piercings are placed one in front of the other along the middle of the tongue.

Tongue Frenulum Piercing

This piercing isn’t for everyone. It involves piercing the web of skin under the tongue, which is why it’s also called the tongue web piercing. Some people like this piercing since they can keep it hidden.

Tongue Tip Piercing

As you probably guessed by the name, this piercing is done on the tip of the tongue. It’s a horizontal piercing, not a vertical one, and is classified as a surface piercing.

Side Tongue Piercing

Instead of a standard midline piercing in the center of the tongue, some people are opting for side tongue piercings. These piercings are placed on either the left or the right side, making it an off-centered tongue piercing.

Other Oral Piercings

Uvula Piercing

You know that little dangly thing in the back of your throat? That’s called your uvula and it can be pierced too. It’s a risky and rare piercing, since touching it can activate one’s gag reflex.

Upper Frenulum Piercing

A frenulum is the skin that connects the lip to the gums. Getting the upper frenulum piercing is also known as vampire piercings.

Smiley

Out of all of the oral piercings, smiley piercings are probably the most popular after standard tongue ones. A smiley piercing is when the tissue beneath the lip bow is pierced.

Frown

This piercing is the opposite of the smiley piercing. It’s known as the frown since it’s the bottom central tissue connecting the lip to the gum pierced instead of the top.

Dental Piercing

When people say piercings we think of skin or cartilage. But dental piercings are becoming a hot new thing. It’s when a small hole is drilled into your tooth with a dental drill where jewelry is placed.

Gum Piercings

Gum piercings are so new that most piercers probably haven’t heard of them. The jury is still out on them but it involves piercing the actual gums. Ouch!

Contact a Toronto Tattoo Shop today to book your next oral piercing appointment.

Best Mental Health Tattoos to Get This Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a month dedicated to shining light on mental health issues and illness. The goal of Mental Health Awareness Month is to create solidarity among people who suffer from mental illnesses and to reduce the stigma surrounding them. Multiple celebrities in recently years have opened up about their own mental health struggles, which has greatly contributed to this cause.

There’s no better way to commemorate your journey or recovery from mental health issues than through a tattoo. Here are a few ideas others have gotten to mark their mental health battles.

Semicolon: Semicolon tattoos started because of Project Semicolon, an organization that aims to create solidarity and end suicide. A semicolon is used when an author decided against ending a sentence and chose to continue it. Much like someone choosing to continue life over suicide.

Chemicals: Chemical imbalances in the brain are thought to be a big cause of mental illness. Specifically, lower levels of serotonin and dopamine are thought to cause depression. People have taken to reclaiming these chemicals by getting molecules for them tattooed on their body.

Motivational Words: Simple motivational words like “breathe”, “fearless”, or “strong” can be enough for some people. They are permanent reminds for those that need them. If a word resonates with you and helps you get through your mental illness then consider tattooing it. 

Carpe Diem: While carpe diem, Latin for “seize the day”, has become a bit of a cliché the message is still a good one. If you feel stuck by your mental illness this phrase could be what you need to nudge you to keep moving.

Anchor: With mental illness, it can feel like you are being dragged away. An anchor is a symbolic way to keep grounded. Anchors keep ships from drifting away and it can do the same for you.

Inspiration Quote: Sometimes a quote touches people deeply. It can be their motivation to keep going. Whether it’s from Harry Potter or poetry if a quote inspires you and helps you through your mental health battles it might be worth getting it tattooed.

Birds: Birds represent freedom, which is a positive message for people that have recovered from mental health problems. It symbolically shows that there is a light at the end of the dark tunnel.

Scars: Self-harming scars can be a lasting representation of a dark time. People have now taken to incorporating these scars into tattoo designs. This beautiful way of reclaiming them turns them from something dark and ugly into something beautiful and inspirational.

Other: Whatever speaks to you, whether it’s a word, a quote, or a symbolic image, it would make a beautiful tattoo. Tattoos are a great way to create permanent reminders about life and the mental health issues. Contact our Toronto Tattoo Shop to discuss getting a mental health related tattoo this Mental Health Awareness Month.

Tattoo Stretching

The body is a constantly changing thing. We grow taller, gain weight, put on muscle, and stretch out our skin. Because of the ever-changing canvas that is our body, many people have questions about tattoos stretching. It’s one of the most asked questions we get asked as a Toronto tattoo shop. So we’ve decided to answer the burning question, do tattoos stretch?

Do Tattoos Stretch?

The simple answer to this question is yes. The answer to the follow-up question, why is that it depends. Tattoos are inked into the skin and as the skin stretches so does the ink. This can cause stretch marks or make the design look distorted. The good news is that most tattoos don’t stretch, even as the body changes. Location makes a big impact on if a tattoo stretches. Tattoos on the wrists, hands, feet, ankles, or neck don’t tend to be affected. Stomach, arm, legs and breasts are more prone to stretching though. The larger the tattoo the less likely the stretching is noticed but with smaller tattoos, the changes can be extremely visible.

Causes of Stretching

There are a few things that cause the skin and tattoos to stretch. Some of them can be avoided but others are a natural occurrence. Here are a few of the most common causes.

Muscle Building

Working out and gaining muscle is a big trend today. However, this can affect your tattoos to be careful. Building muscle slowly usually won’t affect a tattoo but rapid gaining or losing or muscle mass will likely cause a tattoo to stretch.

Weight

Just like with muscle, quickly gaining or losing weight will cause your skin to stretch. This will impact the tattoo if it’s in certain locations. The skin could sag or create stretch marks, which can affect the design. If you’re trying to change your weight do it slowly. It’s not only healthier but it won’t change your tattoo as much.

Pregnancy

As a baby grows inside of a woman her body goes through extraordinary changes to accommodate it. Part of this is the stomach stretching and growing. A tattoo in this location can be affected looking distorted or stretched out. Stretch marks may also be lasting markers on her body due to pregnancy. These can impact a tattoo design but the good new is usually they don’t, at least not for long.

Age

It’s perfectly natural for skin to become less taut as we age. This is what causes the skin to wrinkle and sag. Unfortunately, this also impacts tattoos on the body. There’s not much that can be done about this but many people say their tattoos still look good even as they get older.

How To Prevent Stretching

Sometimes stretching can’t be prevented but gaining or losing weight or muscle slowly is the best way to try to combat this. Although, your skin is pretty resilient, so don’t worry too much about tattoo stretching. If you have any questions or concerns contact us or visit our downtown tattoo shop.

Underboob Tattoos 101

Everything you need to know about underboob tattoos

At our Toronto Tattoo Shop underboob tattoos have become a hit trend. It all started in 2012 when Rihanna got an underboob tattoo of the Egyptian goddess Isis in honor of her late grandmother. Rihanna, a celebrity icon that already oozed coolness, suddenly became even cooler. Since then this location has only become more popular as each year passed.

Underboob Placement

This location is hard to define since it over creeps into chest, sternum, stomach and rib regions. There’s a defining shape to underboob tattoos though that mirror Rihanna’s iconic one. Underboobs tattoos tend to be symmetrical, sweeping into arches under the breasts.

Design and Look

Part of the reason this tattoo location has become so trendy is that a lot of them look the same. Even a one of a kind tattoo looks similar to others because they all have the same shapes. There’s a natural shape to the underboob region that requires this similar shape.

Designs tend to follow certain patterns for this region. Half mandalas, chandelier or jewelry pieces, and creatures with feathers are all popular. Octopuses are rising in popularity as well. The design has to look good with the natural curves of this area.

Pain

There’s a downside to this trendy location- they’re painful to get, like really painful. The skin in this area is more sensitive and thinner than other areas. There’s also more bone in this region, especially on the sternum and ribs. All tattoos hurt but if you have a low pain tolerance consider getting a tattoo in another location.

Artist

The thing about trendy tattoos is that you have to pick the right artist and shop to get them done at. A trendy spot or style typically hasn’t been around as long meaning not everyone has skill in it. Look at an artist’s portfolio or a tattoo shop’s Instagram to find an artist that has experience and skill in underboob tattoos.

Controversy

We should let you know that there’s some controversy about underboob tattoos. You should never let anyone dictate what goes on your body but it’s still a good idea to know what people are saying about them ahead of time. Underboob tattoos are often called the “new tramp stamps”. The location is risqué and a little trashy to some people.

The only opinion that should matter when it comes to tattoos is your own. Just make sure that you’ll be happy with your tattoo, not just weeks and months afterward but years. This location is hard to do cover up tattoos and to get removed.

Conclusion

Underboob tattoos are a beautiful and bold trendy location for people that want to make a statement. Make sure you find the right artist, design, and tattoo shop to get yours done at.