How Painful Is a Spine Tattoo? A Pain-Level Guide

Michael Hollman
Elegant, striking, and perfectly aligned with the body's central axis, spine tattoos are a uniquely beautiful and powerful statement. From delicate floral vines cascading downwards to bold geometric patterns, a...

What's the Best Soap to Use on a New Tattoo?

Michael Hollman
You’ve just taken the wrap off your new tattoo, and it's time for that critical first wash. This single step is one of the most important in the entire healing...

Can You Get a Tattoo While on Antibiotics?

Michael Hollman
You have a tattoo appointment that you've been looking forward to for months. But a week before, a nagging sinus infection or a bout of strep throat sends you to...

How Do You Keep a New Tattoo From Fading? A Lifetime Guide

Michael Hollman
You’ve just invested time, money, and a good deal of commitment into a beautiful piece of permanent art. As you admire it in the studio, the lines are perfectly crisp,...

Can You Drink Alcohol After Getting a Tattoo?

Michael Hollman
You've just left the studio with an amazing new tattoo. You’re feeling the adrenaline and excitement, and you want to go out and celebrate your new art with friends. The...

How Long Does Tattoo Itching Last and How Do You Stop It?

Michael Hollman
You've survived the needle. You've made it through the initial soreness and swelling. You think the hardest part is over, and then it begins: the itch. It's a maddening, relentless, and...

Can You Use Numbing Cream Before Getting a Tattoo?

Michael Hollman
Tattoos are an incredible form of art, but they come with an unavoidable reality: needles and pain. For decades, the prevailing attitude in many circles was that you just had...

A Stage-by-Stage Guide to the Tattoo Healing Process

Michael Hollman
Getting a new tattoo is like starting a small, artistic construction project on your skin. Your artist does the hard work of laying the foundation, but it's up to you...

How Long Does It Take for a Tattoo to Look Normal?

Michael Hollman
You’ve just left the studio, and your new tattoo is a masterpiece—the blacks are incredibly dark, the colors are shockingly vibrant, and the lines are razor-sharp. But as anyone with...

Can You Get a Tattoo While Sick with a Cold?

Michael Hollman
The day you've been eagerly waiting for is finally here—your tattoo appointment. You've had it on the calendar for months, you've saved up, and you're excited about your design. But...

How Do You Know If Your Tattoo is Infected? 5 Red Flags to Watch For

Michael Hollman
Your new tattoo is red, it’s warm to the touch, and it’s definitely a little bit sore. For the first few days of healing, this is completely normal. After all,...

When Can You Go Swimming After Getting a New Tattoo?

Michael Hollman
It's a hot August afternoon in Portland, and the call of the Willamette River, a backyard pool, or a trip to the coast is getting stronger by the day. But...