Everything You Need To Know Before Getting A Sleeve Tattoo
Sleeve tattoos are the perfect way to express yourself. If you want to get one, you need to consider a few things. Having a sleeve tattoo is a huge commitment, and it is not always the best choice for some people. Before you book an appointment with one of your favorite Philadelphia tattoo shops, here is everything you need to know about these tattoos.
What Is a Sleeve Tattoo?
Sleeve tattoos are impressive pieces of artwork. These tattoos are either a collection of small tattoos or a large one covering most of an individual’s arm. Men and women both love these styles of tattoos. With a large canvas, a tattoo artist can create a stunning design.
While you might think a sleeve tattoo is just one type of style, there are four different varieties of these tattoos. They differ according to how they cover the arm.
The full sleeve is the most common type of tattoo. As you may have guessed, it covers the entire arm, starting at the top of the shoulders and coming down to the wrist.
A half sleeve will start at the top of the shoulder and extend down to the elbow. A quarter sleeve is another option. With this style, the tattoos begin at the top of the shoulder and come down to the midway point of the elbow.
Finally, the hikae is a Japanese-style sleeve tattoo. These tattoos will cover the chest and extend to the wrist or elbow.
Sleeve tattoos are a commitment. If you want to get this ink for your body, you need to prepare before your tattooing session.
Make A Plan For Your Sleeve Tattoo
Not all tattoos are the same. Sleeve tattoos are unique. Since this ink covers more skin than others, it often features more elaborate artwork. You will want to work with an experienced tattoo artist during the planning phase.
Take the time to discuss what you want and give the artist a few of your ideas. You need to collaborate with the artist to create a great design for that area of your body. By working together, you can finalize all of the little details for the sessions.
Don’t think you can just show up and ask for a sleeve tattoo in one day. The final design will take a bit of time, often requiring multiple sessions. Careful planning can help you prevent any regrets with your new ink.
The Sleeve Tattoo Process
After you have finalized the design, you can start the next stage of the process. At the first session, the artist will sketch out an outline of the final design over your arm. Next, the artist will draw the tattoo in detail. These steps can occur over one or two sessions.
After that, you can expect to start the shading process. Adding color and other finishing touches are usually left for the last session. With that, you will have a beautiful piece of art on your arm that you can enjoy for years to come.
You can expect each session to last from three to five hours. However, that timeline will depend on you and the tattoo artist. Some artists like to work in shorter sessions. A sleeve tattoo’s process can take a few weeks to several months. If you are looking for a quick job, this is not the tattoo for you.
Sleeve Tattoo Aftercare
After you have finished a session, you need to take care of the arm. You can apply most of these tips to all tattoos, no matter where they are on your body.
You never want to remove the bandage immediately after a session. It is important to follow the instructions of the artist. When it comes time to wash the skin, always use antibacterial soap and gently dry the area. You can apply a bit of lotion, but you should never use a thick layer of cream. The skin needs to breathe to promote healthy healing.
The newly inked area must be washed and moisturized around two to three times a day until the peeling stops. Finally, never pick at the scabs or peeling skin. If you do, it can introduce bacteria into the irritated skin.
Healing sleeve tattoos will limit your movement for a time. It could take around six months until the whole tattoo is completely healed. If you want to get a sleeve tattoo, you need to adjust your schedule.
Is A Sleeve Tattoo The Right Choice For You?
Tattooing on the arm doesn’t inflict too much pain, and there is plenty of space to draw. It is a great place to make a statement. Remember that this type of tattoo needs to be planned, and it will take time to complete. However, in the end, it is worth it for many people.
Are you looking for local tattoo shops near me? If you are ready to get a sleeve tattoo, reach out to Oracle Tattoo Gallery. We have experienced and highly trained artists from the Philadelphia area. Our gallery offers a variety of styles, including those sleeve tattoo designs. Schedule a consultation by calling 215-638-1601.
