Thinking About Getting a Head Tattoo? Here’s What to Know

If you want to turn heads, a head tattoo is a bold choice. That said, any tattoo you decide to get requires thorough consideration. There are things that you need to know about getting a head tattoo, some things that you may not have thought about. Let’s discuss everything you need to know about a head tattoo, as well as where you should go to get a head tattoo in Philadelphia.

Key Takeaways

 

• Head tattoos can be painful due to nerve endings and bone proximity. Discuss pain management with your artist.
• Consider how a head tattoo may affect job prospects and social perception, especially in professional settings.
• Placement affects appearance and pain; larger tattoos may need multiple sessions and careful consideration.
• Proper aftercare, sun protection, and potential touch-ups are crucial for preserving a head tattoo’s quality.
• Consult a professional tattoo artist to discuss design, placement, and concerns before deciding on a head tattoo.

Consider the Pain Factor of Getting a Head Tattoo

Pain is very much a personal thing, meaning that one person is going to experience it differently. If you have already been tattooed, you may have felt nothing. When it comes to the head, however, you can expect to feel some pain, regardless of your pain tolerance. Head tattoos are painful due to the abundance of nerve endings across the scalp and also the proximity to bone (the skull). This is true for any place with less skin, such as the scalp, temple, and around the ears.

Many tattoo artists will not let first timers get a tattoo in a super sensitive area, like the head or sides of the neck. This should be kept in mind. Furthermore, even if you are experienced in getting inked, you will need to mentally prepare yourself for the discomfort and pain. If necessary, consider discussing pain management techniques with a professional tattoo artist. Some options include topical numbing creams and over-the-counter pain relievers.

Social Acceptance and the Work Place

Before committing to a head tattoo, consider how it may be perceived in various social contexts, including professional environments, family settings, and social circles. Even though tattoos are becoming more acceptable throughout the country, there is still some stigma associated with head tattoos. This is especially true in industries that require a professional look, such as finance, law, or customer-facing roles that may have strict rules about appearance. For example, if you want to be a card dealer in a casino, you may not be able to have tattoos on the hands, face, neck, or head, as those can be distracting.

Assess your workplace’s tattoo policy and consider the potential impact on your career advancement and interactions with colleagues and clients. In some cases, you may need to strategically choose a design or placement that can be easily covered if necessary.

Tattoo Placement and Size

Tattoos comes in all shapes and sizes and levels of complexity. When you are planning out a head tattoo, the placement and sizes matters—a lot. The placement and size of your head tattoo can significantly influence its overall appearance and how it interacts with your facial features and hairline. Furthermore, the placement and size will influence the level of pain you experience.

If you plan on getting a small tattoo along your hairline, for example, you may be able to get it done within a single session. A larger tattoo that covers the entire skull or extends to the face or ear may require multiple sessions, especially if it is a complex design that requires linework and shading. Tattoos requiring multiple sessions may be challenging to conceal. Plus, you will have to walk around with a bald head, so that may mean wearing hats to keep the healing tattoo safe.

Balance your desire for intricate detailing with practical considerations like visibility and potential discomfort during prolonged tattooing sessions.

Maintaining a Head Tattoo

Head tattoos may be one of the most difficult to protect. That is because your head is often exposed to the elements. In other words, proper aftercare is crucial for preserving the quality and longevity of your head tattoo. Follow your tattoo artist’s instructions for cleaning, moisturizing, and protecting the tattooed area to prevent infection and promote healing.

Sun protection is especially important for head tattoos, as UV exposure can cause fading and distortion of the tattoo over time. Wear hats or use sunscreen with a high SPF to shield the tattoo from direct sunlight.

You will also want to consider the possibility of touch-ups later on. Due to sun exposure and hair growth, head tattoos often fade much more quickly than tattoos in places covered by clothing.

Contact Oracle Tattoo Gallery in Philadelphia About Your Head Tattoo Today

Head tattoos are not for everyone, and they are definitely a prime example of self-expression. You will want to consider the various factors described in this article and have a consultation with a professional tattoo artist. From there, you can make an informed decision and decide if a head tattoo is the right one for you.

If you have an idea in mind, get in touch with Oracle Tattoo Gallery in Philadelphia, PA? All of our tattoos are custom and done by masters of the art. You can schedule your initial consultation by calling us at 215-638-1601 or by filling out the online form.