What is the Most Painful Part of a Tattoo to Get? A Definitive Guide

What is the Most Painful Part of a Tattoo to Get? A Definitive Guide

Michael Hollman
Banner Photo: Tattoo by Filip Leu (2010, Switzerland) on Tyson Arndt (@tysonarndt), owner of BIGTIME Walk-In Tattoo in Portland, OR (@bigtimetattoopdx). It's the ultimate question that echoes in every tattoo...
Does a Second Tattoo Session Hurt More Than the First?

Does a Second Tattoo Session Hurt More Than the First?

Michael Hollman
You've successfully completed the first session of your new large-scale tattoo. The outline is down, and you're booked to go back in a few weeks to start the shading and...
Do Tattoos Hurt More if You Are Skinny? A Pain Guide

Do Tattoos Hurt More if You Are Skinny? A Pain Guide

Michael Hollman
You're planning your first tattoo, or maybe just a new piece in a new location. As you research, a common question often comes up, especially for those with a leaner...
Calf Tattoo Pain: A Guide to the Front (Shin) vs. Back

Calf Tattoo Pain: A Guide to the Front (Shin) vs. Back

Michael Hollman
The calf is one of the best canvases on the body for a tattoo. It offers a large, smooth surface that’s perfect for medium to large-sized pieces, and it's easy...
How Long Does a Small Tattoo Take to Get?

How Long Does a Small Tattoo Take to Get?

Michael Hollman
You're ready to get your first tattoo. You've decided on a small, meaningful design—a simple symbol, a short word, or a tiny flower. It seems like it should be a quick...
Can Sunscreen Damage a Healing Tattoo? A Critical Safety Guide

Can Sunscreen Damage a Healing Tattoo? A Critical Safety Guide

Michael Hollman
You’ve just gotten a new tattoo, and you're trying to do everything right during the aftercare. You know that sun exposure is bad for your ink, so your responsible first...
What Are These Small Bumps on My New Tattoo? A Guide to Rashes and Pimples

What Are These Small Bumps on My New Tattoo? A Guide to Rashes and Pimples

Michael Hollman
You're a week into the tattoo healing stages, and you've been doing everything right. But as you're applying your aftercare lotion, you notice something alarming: a breakout of small, red...
Why Does My Tattoo Look Bubbly or "Wet"? A Healing Guide

Why Does My Tattoo Look Bubbly or "Wet"? A Healing Guide

Michael Hollman
You're a few days into the tattoo healing stages, diligently following your aftercare routine. But as you go to apply your moisturizer, you notice something strange. Parts of your tattoo look...
A Beginner's Guide to Tattoo Aftercare Products: What You Really Need

A Beginner's Guide to Tattoo Aftercare Products: What You Really Need

Michael Hollman
You did it. You got your first tattoo, and it looks amazing. Now, as you leave the studio, the most important phase begins: the aftercare. How to care for a new...
A Guide to Foot Tattoo Pain: Top vs. Side vs. Ankle

A Guide to Foot Tattoo Pain: Top vs. Side vs. Ankle

Michael Hollman
A foot tattoo can be an incredibly elegant and striking piece of art. It's a popular choice for a discreet yet meaningful design. But this delicate placement comes with a...
Collarbone Tattoo Pain: What to Expect

Collarbone Tattoo Pain: What to Expect

Michael Hollman
A collarbone tattoo is undeniably elegant. Whether it's a delicate script stretching from side to side, a sprawling floral piece, or symmetrical designs on each clavicle, this placement beautifully accentuates...
How Painful is a Tattoo on the Back of the Neck? A Pain-Level Guide

How Painful is a Tattoo on the Back of the Neck? A Pain-Level Guide

Michael Hollman
A tattoo on the back of the neck, or the nape, is a bold and elegant choice. It can be a powerful statement piece or a delicate secret that can...