About Lucky Eddie Expertise I can answer general questions about tattoo procedures, sterilization techniques, pigments, pricing, apprenticeships, and also help you make an informed decision about tattoo shops and tattoo artists.
Experience I am a professional tattoo artist working in California. I served a proper apprenticeship, and have worked in shops around the central California area for years until last year I opened my own tattoo studio.
Organizations National Tattoo Association
Education/Credentials I Served an apprenticeship under an award winning 'old timer' artist.
Expert: Lucky Eddie Date: 9/23/2006 Subject: head tattoo?
Question Lucky Eddie,
I am considering getting a tattoo sometime later this winter and am doing as much research as possible to ensure long-lasting satisfaction. One thing I haven't had luck finding information on is head tattoos. I really want to get a "plus" sign (+, the symbol of the Red Cross, it's also on the Switzerland flag, a very general stubby equilatteral cross) and I would like it to be on the back of my head.
I've been told this is a pretty sensitive place, but I am not really worried about that. I'm more worried about how it will look and what effects my hair will have on the tattoo and vice versa. I am a female and I have had long hair all of my life, but I want to shave it all off and keep it shaved or short for a few years. I have brown hair by the way, about medium-darkness.
I'm not getting the tattoo for show's worth, I will get others in more visible places but this one is complicated and I just want to have it as a special reminder or "souvenir" type thing.
Any advice you could give me will be greatly appreciated. I just want to know about head tattoos and whether there are certain places on the head that are particularly sensitive (say the lower back end of the skull?). Should I continue to shave my hair completely off after I get the tattoo and if so for how long? Or does it even matter?
And yeah, that's about it. Thank you!
Answer Hi Mae!
Head tattoos are tricky. The skin on the head is very different than the skin on the rest of the body, it doesn't hold as well, and it will fade a lot faster. Having said that, the design you've picked out seems to be a good one. nice and simple, a perfect head tattoo.
Hair makes no difference to a well healed tattoo. You can shave your head, or not, it won't matter. But what you CANT do is shave your head for a while . . at least a month after you get the tattoo. It will irritate it while it's healing and that would affect the appearance. Also, if you shave your head, be sure to put sun screen on it, as your head is ALWAYS exposed to the sun, and the sun is a tattoos mortal enemy.
The MOST important piece of advise i can give you is this: please, please, please, research your tattoo artist! I can't stress this enough. There are a couple types of artist you're going to be seeing.
1) The professional street shop: While they do good work, often times most tattoo shops won't tattoo your hands, face, head, or neck. especially if you don't have A LOT of visible tattoos.
2) The garage guy, or home tattoo artists: They will usually tattoo you anywhere you want it. But this is VERY BAD. Usually they don't have proper sterile equipment, and even if they say they do, don't believe them. They need to have an auto-clave, if they say they have one, make them prove it. Then, ask to see spore test results for the past couple of years. even then, dont get tattooed ANYWHERE besides a tattoo shop.
3) A Custom street tattoo shop: This is your best bet. Artists here usually work on their own terms and split up rent, so there's no "boss". Usually they will tattoo your head if you have other tattoos.
WHEREVER you go: Ask to see examples of past head tattoos. Tattoos on the head are VERY difficult and you want someone with experience!
As far as pain goes, I've heard everything from no pain, to worst pain ever. I have the base of my skull tattooed, and it wasn't pleasant, but i lived through it. I'm sure anywhere you get it it's going to feel like a tattoo. not great, but not horrible either. and they're done so quick!
Sorry for such a long response, but this is a VERY important issue! I hope this information has helped out, and your tattoo turns out just like you want it! =)
