5 Tattoo Myths That Just Won’t Die
Key takeaways
- Having tattoos does not automatically prevent you from donating blood.
- Tattoo pain varies depending on placement, session length, and the individual.
- You can tattoo some scars once they have fully healed.
- Good design, aftercare, and sun protection can help tattoos age well.
- Tattoo placement matters, and an artist may recommend adjustments to help a design work better on the body.
Tattooing has been around for thousands of years, but somehow the myths surrounding it refuse to disappear.
Some come from outdated information. Others started with a little bit of truth and became exaggerated over time. Then there are tattoo myths that seem to get passed from person to person without anyone stopping to ask whether they’re actually true.
Whether you’re planning your first tattoo or already have a collection, knowing fact from fiction can help you make better decisions about your next piece.
Here are five tattoo myths that just won’t die.
Myth #1: You Can’t Donate Blood If You Have Tattoos
This is one of the most persistent tattoo myths, and fortunately, tattoos don’t automatically prevent you from donating blood. However, eligibility depends on factors like when and where you got your tattoo, and the rules can change. Always check with the blood donation organization beforehand to confirm current requirements.
Blood donation eligibility can depend on factors such as when you received your tattoo, where it was performed, and the requirements of the organization collecting the donation. Rules can also change, so it’s always best to check current eligibility requirements directly with the blood donation organization before making an appointment.
The point is simple: getting tattooed doesn’t mean you’ve permanently given up your ability to donate blood.
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Myth #2: Tattoos Have to Hurt a Lot
Let’s clear something up: tattoos aren’t painless.
But the idea that every tattoo is an unbearable experience isn’t accurate either. Everyone experiences tattoo discomfort differently, with factors like placement, session length, sensitivity, and work type influencing how much it hurts.
Everyone experiences tattoo discomfort differently. Placement plays a major role, as do session length, individual sensitivity, and the type of work.
Areas with less padding or more prominent bone can feel more sensitive, while other locations may be considerably easier for some clients.
Pain is worth considering, but it shouldn’t necessarily determine where you place a tattoo you plan to wear for the rest of your life.
If you’re still deciding on placement, our guide to choosing the right tattoo placement covers several other factors to consider before you book.
Myth #3: You Can’t Tattoo Over Scars
The reality is more complicated than a simple yes or no.
Some scars can be tattooed, but scar tissue isn’t the same as unaffected skin. The scar’s age, texture, location, and condition affect whether tattooing is suitable and how the final tattoo will look. Always consult an experienced tattoo artist in person before proceeding.
A scar generally needs adequate time to mature before an artist should consider working over it. Even then, the best approach is to have an experienced tattoo artist look at the area in person.
If you’re considering a tattoo over a scar, start with a conversation rather than assuming it can or can’t be done.
Myth #4: All Tattoos Eventually Turn Into Blurry Messes
Your tattoo will change over time because your skin changes over time. That doesn’t mean every tattoo is destined to become an unrecognizable blur.
How a tattoo ages depends on several factors, including the original design, line weight, spacing, placement, application, aftercare, and long-term sun exposure.
That last one is especially important here in Hawaii.
Once a tattoo is completely healed, protecting it from excessive UV exposure can help preserve its appearance. Good long-term tattoo care doesn’t end when the initial healing process is over.
A well-designed, professionally applied tattoo that is properly cared for can continue looking great for many years.
Myth #5: A Good Tattoo Artist Can Put Any Design Anywhere
Placement isn’t simply about finding an empty patch of skin.
The human body has curves, joints, muscles, and areas that constantly move. A design that looks great on flat paper may need adjustment when placed on an arm, shoulder, rib cage, leg, or another part of the body.
Tattoo size matters too.
Portraits, lettering, American Traditional pieces, ornamental designs, and other tattoo styles all interact with the body differently.
An experienced artist considers how the tattoo flows with your anatomy, how readable the design will be, and how the placement may affect the tattoo over time.
If your artist recommends moving the stencil slightly, changing the orientation, or adjusting the size, there’s usually a reason.
The goal isn’t just to make the tattoo fit. It’s to make the tattoo belong there.
Good Tattoos Start With Good Information
Tattoo advice is everywhere online. Unfortunately, not all of it deserves repeating.
If something you’ve heard about tattooing sounds questionable, ask an experienced tattoo artist rather than letting an old myth decide for you, so you feel supported and confident in your choices.
At Loyalty Tattoo Kailua, we want our clients to understand the process and feel confident about the tattoos they’re getting, knowing our artists value and address their questions and concerns.
Have a tattoo idea or a question you’ve been wondering about? Stop by Loyalty Tattoo Kailua and talk with our team.
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