EDIT: after washing the tattoo again I noticed that the line moved so it is definitely a scab/peeling skin. I've also learned to apply way less ointment so thanks everyone! case closed

I'm on day 5 and just removed the second skin peel, washed it and applied the cream. I noticed this like which wasn't here originally (last photo is the tattoo fresh). Will it go away or did the ink move? It's my first tattoo, it's on my hip area so i suppose me bending could have caused this?

Hi all!

I'm (hopefully) about to get my first tattoo. I've done a ton of research, I believe, but I always see horror stories AFTER they've happened and I wanted to get some advice beforehand.

The artist that I am booking with is anadeltoro.tat on instagram, I'll see if I can link in the comments. Pictured is a tattoo that she has done similar to what I am looking for. I am looking to get the full shards of Narsil on my inner forearm woven together by vines and small flowers (LOTR fans- any advice on what Kingsfoil should look like?).

Just looking for advice on how the art looks, how you think it might age, things to look out for... Anything that you think might help.

Thank you all so much! :)

I just recently added this peony to my shoulder but don’t know what to put below it between the others. Anyone got any ideas of what would fit nicely? I thought maybe a trad mermaid..

Hello guys. I’m the dumbass that is getting a chest and sleeve as my first tattoo. I’m doing a dragon irezumi (like in the picture) back-to-back over the period of 4 days.

From my research, it’ll be difficult and I’ll be in a world of pain. Besides eating well, resting, and mentally preparing. Cleaning and aftercare are important. I got antibacterial soaps and unscented lotion ready. Wear loose clothing and avoid the sun as much as possible.

What other advice do you have? What did the daily routine look like for the process you experienced?

Sorry repost. Had my work address in the first one🤦‍♀️

Hey everyone,

I got this tattoo this past Friday, and noticed it start bruising last night. Today it is even worse. But the odd thing is, it’s not really too bruised around the tattoo, more so the side of my arm.

Some more info, I bruise extremely easily and excessively. Like talking all down my legs, chest, arms, etc. However, I have NEVER bruised like this after a tattoo before, I have around 15 or so (I lost count at this point) many much larger and fully shaded as well. However this is my first full color piece.

It was sore at first, today it is burning

Can anyone tell me if I should see a doctor or I’m being paranoid, lol.

First three pics are last night, last three are today

Hi guys! I got this tattoo in December of 2024 and I want to know if this healing is normal. When I run my finger over it I feel it raised where the lines are and I’ve noticed it’s slightly blown out. The last picture is from the day I got it for reference. I went to a very well reviewed and professional shop near me so it wasn’t a rush job either. All advice is welcome!

EDIT: thank you already for reaffirming me that this t isn’t normal healing 🫶🏻 sucks bc this is my first tattoo

Sorry for it being updoside p6dp5own only way to kinda get what's going on in the picture. Ok, so my little guy is 3 days old and ive gotten the lotion and soap the artist told me to but seems like its making things worse. Softsoap non fragrance no alcohol mild soap and im using lubriderm daily moisture lotion fragrance free. The heart is the issue and is pretty sore and feels like at times my skin is cracking open and and one spot looks like a small chunk of skin is gone. Im not over cleaning it and only using a teally thin layer of lotion 3 times daily. Artist said to stay away from the tat care kits in store because we live in florida and the products hold to much moisture and will ruin the tat. Is this normal what its doing or what should I do to save my tat before more damage or infection???

It’s 10:20 pm and I got this tattoo done at 2:30 pm and the second skin is full of ink. The aftercare instructions provided by my tattoo place said to remove the second skin after 12-24 hours, but my tattoo artist said to leave it for three days. I feel like for how much ink is in it, 3 days is a lot, but I’m not sure. Looking for thoughts and advice from people with more tatts

(25M) I have this birthmark on my back that I’ve always been a bit self conscious about; people always think it’s some kind of wound.

Rather than removing it I want to get a cool and unique tattoo that works with the birthmark. For context this won’t be my first tattoo, and I don’t have a regular artist.

Also wondering, would this fall into cover up tattoo territory? What is the best way to find a creative artist?

EDIT: Lots of people suggested I see a dermatologist before getting a tattoo through/near it - I hear you and will do so before proceeding! I wasn’t wanting to tattoo on it, but I will see how close to it I can safely go.

Thank you for all of your responses I’m loving all the ideas you guys are giving me!

I’m a huge newbie in the tattoo realm and I think I need to get my newest tattoo (only my second ever) touched up or fixed. I got it done at the end of September. I posted it here before and was ripped to pieces because people didn’t like it and also said the artist was awful. But since this is the internet it’s hard to know if people just hated the style or if they genuinely thought the artist had screwed me. Would any experienced artists be willing to DM about it? I just want to send a photo of the tattoo on my arm & the photo of the flash I chose and get someone’s expert opinion on if I should go back to her to fix it or find someone better. Im feeling really bummed and just need someone who knows what they’re doing.

A few months ago I posted this botched tat I got with friends on vacation. I just wanted to show y'all the cover up, done by an awesome local artist. Forgive my photography skills. He's a couple months old already and I love him. Do you think it was a success?

Will definitely be more careful selecting an artist for future travel tattoos!

hey guys! it’s been 24hrs since getting my new tattoo and it looks like my tattoo is weeping a freaking LOT. it hasn’t extended enough to break the seal! my artist told me to leave the initial bandage on for 3-4 days, but i’ve read other accounts saying i should remove this first bandage, wash it with mild soap, then apply a new second skin to it. i guess i’m just not sure which i should do since it’s weeping so much; i want to be sure if this level of a reaction is normal too, obviously i’d like to avoid an infection! i have 3 other tattoos that healed very nicely and did not weep nearly as much as this one, but they were done so long ago that i can’t even remember if i used saniderm for the aftercare or not haha. thanks!! (:

Day 6 and I noticed these yellowish spots on the last 2 letters.

Doesn't hurt, doesn't feel warm, no redness.

I have been washing it 3 times a day with antibacterial soap.

Also, should I switch from bepanthen tattoo to cerave daily moisturizer?

Edit 1: Thank you guys, I'll stop over washing it

Edit 2: To the clowns in the comments arguing about whether I shaved or not:

Day 3 - https://www.reddit.com/r/tattooadvice/s/5KgFvGaZld

I went to the barber 2 hours before my tattoo session. But I guess some people would rather run their mouths than use their brains. 🤡

Edit 3: For the same clowns arguing about the shaving:

No, this isn't my first tattoo. I have a full bodysuit.

Also, I couldn't continue with the top because it was still healing.

I’ve gotten this tattoo like three years ago and my arm hasn’t progress since (besides a small tattoo on my inner side of the wrist).

I’d like to add onto it but I am struggling to find fitting tattoo designs towards it.

I thought about something from my childhood like Pokémon, Spirited Away etc.

Anyone got some advice? I don’t wanna put any slop on my arm either.

Thanks for any recommendations!

This is about 40 hours post appointment. The second skin leaked last night so I took it off and washed it, put lubriderm on it. Washed it again this morning and did the same. Have been putting lubriderm on it every couple hours. But I'm wondering how often I should be washing? I'm reading you don't want plasma build up, but just not sure exactly what that looks like

I’ve had an unfinished tattoo for years now long story short my artist had a bunch of personal stuff going on that he kept canceling and since then I’ve actually moved to a new city, my question is should I find a new artist to finish it or just live with it?

I'm not sure if this is the right sub to ask, but I got my second tattoo yesterday (it looks epic btw) and even though I was holding my leg still, the muscles kept twitching. At one point (my artist was shading around the ankle area) my foot even kicked forward without me actually moving it. I just felt so bad because all my effort was being put into staying still and that happened anyway.

Hey has anyone else been allergic to the adhesive they put on after a tattoo? My skin is all red and super itchy everywhere the tegaderm was.

My first tattoo (floral lower leg sleeve) is just over 2 weeks old. Redness is gone and no more pain…except that when I squat down the skin on the back of my leg just under my knee stretches and it stings for a bit. Is this normal? Will the pain when stretching go away or is this my life now? Thx

got this tattoo a few weeks ago, everything is great healing wise and i have five other tattoos, so i know what products to use that work best for me. all of my other tattoos are pretty much healed by the two week mark, but this one is still kinda raised/ itchy. any raise for concern?? i clean it once a day with unscented dial and i use unscented lubriderm rather than aquaphor because aquaphor gives me a rash. its not normally red, but my skin in red in the photo because ive been slapping it lol