What You Need to Know About Collarbone Tattoos

What You Need to Know About Collarbone Tattoos

Looking for a trendy tattoo option? Rather than going for the popular spot like the arms, back, and legs, there is a more creative option. Collarbone tattoos can give you a serious edge, regardless of the design you choose. The location of the tattoo can be subtle, sultry, edgy, or elegant. Whether you’re getting your first tattoo or you’re an inked-up veteran, there are a few things you need to know about collarbone tattoos before going under the needle.

1. Collarbone Tattoos Hurt

As most people are already aware, getting a tattoo anywhere on your body is going to be painful. But those who have gotten collarbone tattoos will tell you that it’s one of the more challenging locations. The collarbone is highly sensitive because there is a lack of fatty tissue. Plus, the bone itself is right beneath the skin, which also increases the amount of pain.

Some people have reported that getting the collarbone tattooed almost feels like the neck is also getting tattooed, due to the vibrations from the needle.

This could be a boon for a first-timer because any tattoo after getting your clavicle inked won’t hurt nearly as much. Now, if you opt for the fleshier area just beneath the bone, you won’t feel nearly as much pain as you would covering the bone. Either way, be ready for some stinging.

Don’t want to feel the pain at all? You can call up your tattoo artist and ask about using numbing cream.

2. Placement Is Essential

The location of a tattoo can make or break the design. So think about exactly where you want your collarbone tattoo placed. Does it go directly on the bone? Under the bone or above it? Inking anywhere on the bone is going to be the most uncomfortable, but the end result will be one of a kind.

Other things to ask yourself include:

• What kind of shirts do you wear most often? Your preferred style of clothing can detract from your tattoo if the collar covers it.
• If you’re getting a text tattoo, do you want one long uninterrupted statement or a larger paragraph? The size of the tattoo also influences placement.

You might also want to consider extensions of the tattoo. You might want to make the tattoo larger than just along the collarbone. For instance, the ink could descend down to the chest muscles or along the neckline. Ultimately, you have the last say in how you want your tattoo to look, so be sure to assess the pros and cons of all the placement options and how each one would look on you.

3. Various Designs and Styles Available

Collarbone tattoos are a statement piece. Not only are clavicle pieces highly visible, but they also grab attention, regardless of their design. This is why you can opt for a delicate cursive script or a small picture and get the same result as you would a chest piece that extends towards or past the collarbones.

In other words, the collarbones are a versatile place. You can get inspiring words or sentimental symbols. Flying birds, music notes, and feathers are all popular choices. If you’re looking for a collarbone tattoo that uses wording, make sure you are going to a reputable tattoo shop in Philadelphia, like Oracle Tattoo. An artist who does exemplary line work is exactly what you’ll need!

4. The Healing Process Has Special Considerations

Getting a tattoo on the clavicle will feel like any other tattoo—but maybe a bit more painful. However, that doesn’t mean the healing time is going to be longer. As with most tattoos, you can take precautionary steps to ensure that your ink doesn’t get infected.

How to Heal a Collarbone Tattoo

1. Keep the wrapping from the tattoo shop on your collarbone until you get home.
2. Gently remove the wrapping, wash it with some soap and water, and then apply some ointment.
3. Re-wrap your tattoo before bedtime or whenever you plan on moving around or playing a contact sport.
4. Apply antibacterial ointment to the tattoo twice a day and wash it with water and unscented soap a few times throughout the day.
5. Repeat this process for a couple of weeks. Continue applying unscented lotion to the tattoo to keep the skin moisturized. Avoid swimming, hot water, and sunshine during the healing process to protect your tattoo from fading, pain, and infections.

Special Considerations For Clavicle Tattoos

After getting your snazzy new collarbone tattoo, there are a few aftercare concerns you need to know about:

• During the first couple of weeks, avoid using heavy backpacks, purses, book bags, and totes on the shoulder.
• Before going to sleep, apply some lotion or wrap the tattoo. New ink has a habit of sticking to bedding.
• If you wear bras, you are going to want to purchase a strapless bra to use while the tattoo heals. Wear off-shoulder tops, halter tops, or go shirtless as often as you can.

Wrapping Up

A collarbone tattoo is a huge statement piece, even if the size is small. Because the collarbone has bone, you can expect any tattoo in this region to be more painful than others done in fleshier places. If you can sit through the pain, though, you’ll have an incredible piece of art that is forever yours to enjoy.