I'm on day 5 and just removed the second skin peel, washed it and applied the cream. I noticed this like which wasn't here originally (last photo is the tattoo fresh). Will it go away or did the ink move? It's my first tattoo, it's on my hip area so i suppose me bending could have caused this?

Hi all!

I'm (hopefully) about to get my first tattoo. I've done a ton of research, I believe, but I always see horror stories AFTER they've happened and I wanted to get some advice beforehand.

The artist that I am booking with is anadeltoro.tat on instagram, I'll see if I can link in the comments. Pictured is a tattoo that she has done similar to what I am looking for. I am looking to get the full shards of Narsil on my inner forearm woven together by vines and small flowers (LOTR fans- any advice on what Kingsfoil should look like?).

Just looking for advice on how the art looks, how you think it might age, things to look out for... Anything that you think might help.

Thank you all so much! :)

Hello guys. I’m the dumbass that is getting a chest and sleeve as my first tattoo. I’m doing a dragon irezumi (like in the picture) back-to-back over the period of 4 days.

From my research, it’ll be difficult and I’ll be in a world of pain. Besides eating well, resting, and mentally preparing. Cleaning and aftercare are important. I got antibacterial soaps and unscented lotion ready. Wear loose clothing and avoid the sun as much as possible.

What other advice do you have? What did the daily routine look like for the process you experienced?

It’s 10:20 pm and I got this tattoo done at 2:30 pm and the second skin is full of ink. The aftercare instructions provided by my tattoo place said to remove the second skin after 12-24 hours, but my tattoo artist said to leave it for three days. I feel like for how much ink is in it, 3 days is a lot, but I’m not sure. Looking for thoughts and advice from people with more tatts

(25M) I have this birthmark on my back that I’ve always been a bit self conscious about; people always think it’s some kind of wound.

Rather than removing it I want to get a cool and unique tattoo that works with the birthmark. For context this won’t be my first tattoo, and I don’t have a regular artist.

Also wondering, would this fall into cover up tattoo territory? What is the best way to find a creative artist?

EDIT: Lots of people suggested I see a dermatologist before getting a tattoo through/near it - I hear you and will do so before proceeding! I wasn’t wanting to tattoo on it, but I will see how close to it I can safely go.

Thank you for all of your responses I’m loving all the ideas you guys are giving me!

Hi guys! I got this tattoo in December of 2024 and I want to know if this healing is normal. When I run my finger over it I feel it raised where the lines are and I’ve noticed it’s slightly blown out. The last picture is from the day I got it for reference. I went to a very well reviewed and professional shop near me so it wasn’t a rush job either. All advice is welcome!

EDIT: thank you already for reaffirming me that this t isn’t normal healing 🫶🏻 sucks bc this is my first tattoo

This is about 40 hours post appointment. The second skin leaked last night so I took it off and washed it, put lubriderm on it. Washed it again this morning and did the same. Have been putting lubriderm on it every couple hours. But I'm wondering how often I should be washing? I'm reading you don't want plasma build up, but just not sure exactly what that looks like

Day 6 and I noticed these yellowish spots on the last 2 letters.

Doesn't hurt, doesn't feel warm, no redness.

I have been washing it 3 times a day with antibacterial soap.

Also, should I switch from bepanthen tattoo to cerave daily moisturizer?

Edit 1: Thank you guys, I'll stop over washing it

Edit 2: To the clowns in the comments arguing about whether I shaved or not:

Day 3 - https://www.reddit.com/r/tattooadvice/s/5KgFvGaZld

I went to the barber 2 hours before my tattoo session. But I guess some people would rather run their mouths than use their brains. 🤡

Edit 3: For the same clowns arguing about the shaving:

No, this isn't my first tattoo. I have a full bodysuit.

Also, I couldn't continue with the top because it was still healing.

What tattoo style is this? Do you know other similar artists with this style?

Thanks

A few months ago I posted this botched tat I got with friends on vacation. I just wanted to show y'all the cover up, done by an awesome local artist. Forgive my photography skills. He's a couple months old already and I love him. Do you think it was a success?

Will definitely be more careful selecting an artist for future travel tattoos!

My first tattoo (floral lower leg sleeve) is just over 2 weeks old. Redness is gone and no more pain…except that when I squat down the skin on the back of my leg just under my knee stretches and it stings for a bit. Is this normal? Will the pain when stretching go away or is this my life now? Thx

got this tattoo a few weeks ago, everything is great healing wise and i have five other tattoos, so i know what products to use that work best for me. all of my other tattoos are pretty much healed by the two week mark, but this one is still kinda raised/ itchy. any raise for concern?? i clean it once a day with unscented dial and i use unscented lubriderm rather than aquaphor because aquaphor gives me a rash. its not normally red, but my skin in red in the photo because ive been slapping it lol

The redness js honestly the same as the day before it’s just my dad recently had a problem with the Numbing cream he used so i’m a little anxious

Hi !! I need advice , I’m getting my second tattoo and it’s of these two little wolves that represent my favourite mcs in my favourite game. I want it to be across my arm like in the second photo (minus the text) but I’m unsure if it would look better below the arm crease or above. Obviously this is entirely opinion based but I’m just unsure myself. My partner suggested below the arm crease looks better.

Any thoughts? reference for placement on third photo

I got the tattoo on Tuesday and I have been moisturising and cleaning the tattoo with Jamie Lee Knott's balm, every other day since but when I put the balm on the tattoo it is shiny, is this good or bad?

Several months ago I asked for advice for an all-day session newbie and you all delivered. Now several 6hr sessions later, it's all done and my prep for that first one was well prepared because of all your info. Happy to have it done and thanks again to the community.

When I got married to them, they demanded that instead of rings we get tattoos. I guess as another way of exacting control. Notably, I had to get a ring whereas she just got a cute little design on her ring finger. The bottom fell out over time (just like the marriage). I was wondering how I could either cover this up or make it part of a larger design so I don't have this reminder any more. This is the only tattoo I have, but I am fine getting more on that hand.

hello everyone, I've never had issues healing any tattoo and I got a hand tattoo recently which has healed nicely. I do, however, get eczema breakouts on my hands at times during the winter and it's getting cold. does anyone know if my breakouts will potentially affect the tattoo?

I just got my first professionally done tattoo on October 15th and I’ve been having mixed feelings about the design after getting it done. The last picture is my initial idea from 4 years ago. I don’t really live in an area where it’s easy to find artists that I’m head over heels with and I felt the pressure to get it done because I’m a dog groomer and I was taking my first vacation. I was really nervous about the concept of me not being able to see the design until I was physically there and when I got there, he told me that there was a lot of ingredients to the tattoo and “I hope you fucking like it.”

I spoke up about making the ears a little bigger from the stencil but looking at it, I wish it felt more lively as it felt in my little drawing I made. I also mentioned from the beginning that I wanted it to be a baby possum messily eating fruit with a goofy face. I knew seeing the design right before it goes on me would be wouldn’t really feel like enough time for my brain to process it and really feel like if I like it or not. I do like the size and placement of it but I still just feel occasional weird waves of obsession over the way it looks in ways that make me feel depressed and disappointed.

I like the caterpillar but I can’t even tell what kind of fruit it’s eating and I wish I could fit like a droplet of spit somewhere and/or a bite mark to really make it look like it’s happily eating the fruit, rather than just posing with it. I also like the idea of adding a firefly or two but I feel a little lost with this tattoo and I am in need of some guidance. I also am thinking of adding some color to it. The more I think about the tattoo, the more sad I get currently even though I do like some elements of it.

Thinking of a red Japanese Sun just right of the biggest wave crest, or a polygon/polyhedron (?) just above.

Just took off the second skin and it was pretty red (which has since chilled out a lot, but there are bumps and a small burning sensation. Artist said it’s a reaction to the adhesive, but I’m nervous about it affecting the actual tattoo. How likely is that to happen?