Tattoo Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction

"Myths that are believed in tend to become true".

Tattoos have been around for centuries, and in that time, plenty of myths and misconceptions have developed around them. Whether you're considering your first tattoo or you're a seasoned collector, you've likely heard some of these myths. But how many of them are actually true?

In this blog, we’re going to debunk some of the most common tattoo myths, clear up confusion, and provide factual information so you can approach your tattoo experience with confidence. From concerns about pain to the safety of tattoo ink, let’s set the record straight!

Myth 1: Tattoos Hurt More Over Bones

Let’s start with one of the most common questions we get: “Do tattoos hurt more when placed over bones?”

It’s true that getting a tattoo isn’t exactly a pain-free experience, but the idea that tattoos hurt more over bones like the ribs, ankles, or elbows isn’t always accurate. While areas with thinner skin and less muscle can feel more uncomfortable, pain levels are subjective and vary from person to person.

Fact: Pain perception depends on your individual pain tolerance, the experience of your tattoo artist, and even your mental preparation. Some people find the vibrations over bony areas more intense, while others might breeze through it with minimal discomfort.

Pro Tip: If you’re worried about pain, communicate with your artist. They can help manage the process by adjusting their technique, offering breaks, or using numbing creams when appropriate. Many clients who were nervous about pain often tell us afterwards it wasn’t as bad as they thought!

Myth 2: Tattoo Ink is Toxic

A big concern for some people, especially those new to the world of tattoos, is the belief that tattoo ink is toxic or harmful to the body.

Fact: Tattoo inks used by professional artists are carefully regulated and tested for safety. Reputable studios only use high-quality, non-toxic inks made from ingredients that are safe for the skin. The myth that tattoo ink contains harmful chemicals or toxins likely comes from outdated practices or poor-quality ink used by less reputable artists in the past.

Safety Tip: To ensure your tattoo ink is safe, always go to a professional, licensed studio that adheres to safety standards. At our studio, we use vegan-friendly, non-toxic inks that meet strict regulations.

Did You Know?: Most modern tattoo inks are plant-based, free from animal products, and designed to be hypoallergenic. You can read more about ink safety on The National Health Service (NHS) website.

Myth 3: You Can’t Donate Blood After Getting a Tattoo

This myth has been circulating for years and understandably makes many people hesitant to get inked. The rumour goes that once you have a tattoo, you’re permanently disqualified from donating blood.

Fact: This is false. You can absolutely donate blood after getting a tattoo—there's just a short waiting period. In the UK, the NHS recommends waiting four months after getting tattooed before donating blood, to ensure there’s no risk of infection.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to donate blood, it’s a good idea to check the requirements of your local blood donation service. Different countries and organisations have slightly different guidelines, but tattoos don’t prevent you from being a donor for life.

For further guidance on blood donation after getting inked, you can visit the NHS Blood and Transplant website.

Myth 4: Tattoos Stretch and Warp as You Age

One of the most persistent myths is that your tattoo will inevitably stretch, sag, or look terrible as you get older. Many people worry that gaining weight, losing weight, or natural aging will distort their ink.

Fact: Tattoos are remarkably resilient. While skin does change with age, well-placed tattoos will generally age quite gracefully. It’s true that significant weight fluctuations or extreme sun exposure can affect your tattoo’s appearance, but regular touch-ups and proper aftercare can keep your tattoo looking sharp for decades.

Pro Tip: Tattoos placed on areas of the body where the skin naturally stretches less (like the upper arm, back, or thigh) tend to hold up better over time. Keeping your skin moisturised and using sunscreen will also help maintain your tattoo’s appearance.

Myth 5: Tattoos Are Permanent, So You’re Stuck With Them Forever

Yes, tattoos are intended to be permanent, but the notion that you’re “stuck with them forever” isn’t entirely true. If you’re worried about making a lifelong commitment to a particular design, it’s worth knowing that modern technology offers more flexibility.

Fact: Tattoo removal has come a long way in recent years. Thanks to advances in laser removal technology, it’s now possible to remove tattoos almost completely, depending on the ink colour and how deep the ink was placed.

Pro Tip: While it’s always best to choose a design you’re confident you’ll love forever, knowing that removal is an option can offer peace of mind. To learn more about tattoo removal and aftercare, you can check out Tattoo Removal Guide

Myth 6: Only Certain Skin Tones Can Get Colourful Tattoos

There’s a harmful myth that people with darker skin tones can’t get vibrant, colourful tattoos, and that tattoos won’t show up well on their skin.

Fact: Tattooing is an art form that can be tailored to any skin tone. Experienced tattoo artists know how to work with different skin types and tones, selecting appropriate inks and adjusting their technique to ensure that the colours pop. While some shades may appear differently on darker skin than on lighter skin, with the right artist, you can get stunning, vibrant tattoos regardless of your skin tone.

Pro Tip: If you’re worried about how a tattoo might look on your skin, ask your tattoo artist for advice. They’ll be able to show you examples of their work on similar skin tones and recommend colours that will work best for your design.

Myth 7: You Can’t Get a Job if You Have Visible Tattoos

This is a myth that lingers from the past, when tattoos were often associated with rebellious or unprofessional behaviour. But in modern times, the workplace is much more accepting of tattoos than ever before.

Fact: Many employers today, especially in creative fields or modern industries, don’t mind tattoos at all. In fact, some companies even encourage personal expression. While it’s true that certain industries (like finance or law) may have stricter rules, attitudes towards tattoos are becoming more relaxed across the board.

Pro Tip: If you’re concerned about visible tattoos affecting your career, consider choosing a placement that’s easy to cover with clothing, such as the torso, back, or upper arms. However, in most cases, visible tattoos are not the barrier they once were.

Myth 8: You Can’t Breastfeed After Getting a Tattoo

This myth is based on the idea that tattoo ink could enter your bloodstream and affect your ability to safely breastfeed.

Fact: There’s no evidence to suggest that tattoos affect breastfeeding. Tattoo ink stays in the dermis layer of the skin and doesn’t enter the bloodstream. However, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, most tattoo artists will advise you to wait until after you’ve given birth or finished breastfeeding to get a new tattoo as a precaution.

Pro Tip: If you already have tattoos and are breastfeeding, you can rest assured that your ink won’t affect your baby. You can find more information on tattoos and breastfeeding on La Leche League.

Final Thoughts: The Truth About Tattoos

There are countless myths about tattoos, but most of them are outdated or simply not true. Whether it’s the pain factor, concerns about ink safety, or long-term effects, tattoos are much safer and more versatile than many people realise.

If you’ve been holding back on getting a tattoo because of one of these myths, it’s time to let go of the misconceptions and embrace the facts. Tattoos are a form of personal expression, and with the right aftercare, they can last a lifetime.

If you’re still unsure or have any questions, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way. Feel free to contact us today, and we’ll help you turn your tattoo idea into a reality.

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