Are Knuckle Tattoos a Good Idea? The Pros and Cons

Michael Hollman
Tagged: placement
There are few placements as iconic or as polarizing as knuckle tattoos. They are a bold, upfront statement—a style deeply rooted in tattoo history that has seen a massive resurgence...

How Badly Does a Tattoo on Your Sideburn or Face Hurt?

Michael Hollman
Tagged: pain placement
Getting a face tattoo is one of the most significant commitments a person can make in their tattoo journey. A design on the sideburn, temple, or cheek is a bold...

Behind the Knee ("Ditch") Tattoo Pain: A Survival Guide

Michael Hollman
In the tattoo world, certain placements are spoken of with a mix of reverence and fear. They are the "boss levels" of tattooing, the ultimate tests of a client's endurance....

Healing a Foot Tattoo: A Complete Survival Guide

Michael Hollman
A foot tattoo is a bold and beautiful choice, but it is famous in the tattoo world for being a double threat: it's one of the most painful tattoos to...

What Does a Perfectly Healed Tattoo Look Like? A Guide to the Final Result

Michael Hollman
Tagged: aftercare
You've successfully navigated the entire healing journey. You survived the initial soreness, you resisted the urge to scratch the maddening itch, and you patiently watched the last of the peeling...

The Vaseline Paradox: Why Tattoo Artists Use It, But You Shouldn't

Michael Hollman
Tagged: aftercare artist
You're in the studio, watching your artist work. You notice they are using a petroleum-based product like Vaseline on your skin as they tattoo. But then, at the end of...

Can You Use Vaseline or Aquaphor on a New Tattoo?

Michael Hollman
Tagged: aftercare
You're standing in the pharmacy aisle, ready to buy your tattoo aftercare supplies. You remember hearing the classic advice from a friend or an old forum: "Just grab a tub of...

Should You Let a New Tattoo "Breathe"? A Guide to Healing

Michael Hollman
Tagged: aftercare
You're navigating the crucial first few days of the tattoo healing stages. As you research how to care for a new tattoo, you'll inevitably come across a common piece of advice:...

Can Friction from Clothing Ruin a New Tattoo?

Michael Hollman
Tagged: aftercare
You've just left the studio with a beautiful new tattoo. You're focused on the crucial aftercare process, but as you get dressed, you're faced with a practical and often overlooked...

Why Do Some Tattoos Scab More Than Others? A Healing Guide

Michael Hollman
Tagged: aftercare
You and a friend get tattooed on the same day. You follow the same aftercare instructions, but as you move through the tattoo healing stages, you notice a major difference. Your...

Can You Be Allergic to Tattoo Aftercare Products?

Michael Hollman
Tagged: aftercare health
You're a week into the tattoo healing stages, and a red, bumpy, and incredibly itchy rash has appeared on your new tattoo. Your first thought is likely panic: "Am I having...

How to Care for a Tattoo After a Touch-Up Session

Michael Hollman
Tagged: aftercare artist
You've just left the studio after a touch-up session. The lines are crisper, the colors are more vibrant, and your tattoo finally looks as perfect as you envisioned. It's easy...