A head tattoo is an extreme form of art. However, since it’s a relatively uncommon area, it raises many questions that we’ll try to answer with the help of experts.
A head tattoo is one of the most complicated to perform, so it’s not suitable for beginners in the world of ink, whether you’re the artist or the client. It’s a high-risk style, but it can be brutal if done correctly.
However, we know that this type of art often raises some doubts – from how much it hurts to how to heal the area – so we’ll try to answer them. Do you want to know more? Keep reading.
What You Need to Know Before Getting a Head Tattoo
When you get the tattoo, your head should be shaved. To keep the design visible, you’ll need to shave or buzz the area. Although it may seem tedious, it also has a big advantage: if you want to hide your tattoo for any reason, just let your hair grow
One thing you cannot do under any circumstances is shave immediately after getting the tattoo; you’ll need to wait a reasonable amount of time until the area is fully healed.
Also, keep in mind that the skin on your head is different from the rest of your body, so the ink won’t last as long; a head tattoo is at risk of fading much faster.
How Painful is a Head Tattoo?
Sitting in a chair while a needle vibrates your skull for hours is not a pleasant experience, and you’ll need to be motivated to go through it. Additionally, the noise can be uncomfortable.
While the pain threshold varies from person to person, the repetitive piercing of the skin is often more stinging in the head area due to its lack of fat, more nerve endings, thinner skin, and proximity to the bone.
Now, some people may find a head tattoo extremely painful, while others may barely feel anything. However, most cases fall somewhere in between: you may experience the same level of discomfort as you would in any other part of your body. It can be painful, but not unbearable. Also, keep in mind that the hairy skin is thinner, which means it tends to bleed more.
How to Care for a Head Tattoo
Immediately after the tattooing process, cover the worked area with a surgical dressing or bandage to help with a faster and better recovery. This protects the open skin from bacteria, sunlight, and friction, preventing infections.
The protective covering should stay on for at least three to four days after the procedure. When removing the bandage, do it slowly and gently to avoid irritating the area. When you do remove it, it’s normal for the tattoo to start oozing a mixture of plasma, blood, and ink, so don’t worry.
Week One
The tattooed skin may feel warm and have a reddish appearance. The colors may also appear very vibrant against the rest of the skin. In the first few days, it’s common for scabs to form. Additionally, the ink may still be coming out through the skin and should be washed off.
During the first week, clean your tattoo twice a day to remove excess plasma. Plasma is what forms scabs. If there’s too much, larger scabs may form that can dry out and crack, which could cause the tattoo to lose definition.
Wash your tattoo only with clean fingers and not with a cloth or sponge, as it could irritate the skin and prematurely remove the scabs.
Use a soft towel to gently pat your tattoo dry. Then, apply a generous layer of cream that promotes tattoo healing to hydrate and repair the skin barrier. Try putting the cream in the refrigerator for a refreshing effect.
Hygiene is crucial at this stage, but try to keep your baths short; spending too much time under hot water will interfere with scab formation and prolong the healing time of the tattoo.
Avoid getting your tattoo wet for the first three to six weeks, except when washing it. If you’re going to the beach, don’t expose yourself directly to the sun. Even in the city, you can wear a soft, loose hat to protect yourself. You should also avoid potentially contaminated environments (saunas, hot tubs, pools, or dusty places), as they pose a higher risk of infection.
By the end of the first week, you should start to see scabs forming on your tattoo. Don’t scratch or try to remove them. Any mild redness or swelling should subside by the end of the first week. If you experience severe pain, fever, or general discomfort, or if the redness spreads beyond the affected area or your tattoo starts to ooze white or yellow pus, consult your doctor.
Week 2
During this stage, the scabs on your head will start to fall off on their own, and your skin will start to flake and peel. It’s essential to be extra careful with washing and moisturizing during this period, as it’s easy to remove the scabs and damage the tattoo.
You may feel a tight, itchy sensation during this week, but don’t scratch. A tattoo balm will help to hydrate and soothe the itch.
Week 3
By now, most of the scabs should have fallen off, and the flaked skin should be healing. The outer layers of the skin should be fully healed by the end of the third week. The inner layers may take longer, but they require much less care.
The risk of infection decreases once the outer layers of the skin have healed, as there is no longer an open wound for bacteria to enter.
At this stage, your tattoo may appear dull due to a thin layer of dead skin cells still present. You may be tempted to use a brush to scrape off the skin, but don’t do it.
If you maintain a consistent routine of moisturizing and protecting your skin daily, this final layer of skin will naturally fall off, and your tattoo will reveal itself in all its glory in a few weeks.
Months After
Regularly hydrating your skin will help your tattoo look bright and crisp. Don’t scratch, and be careful to avoid cuts and scrapes. Additionally, applying sunscreen daily after healing is especially important in the first few months.
About Author
- https://t.me/s/tattoogunmachine
- Hello everyone! My name is Jade Blunt, and I'm a passionate tattoo enthusiast. Let me share a bit about my life and my journey in the world of ink and skin.
Ever since I was a child, I've been drawn to art and creativity in all its forms. However, it was when I turned 18 that I discovered my true passion: tattoos. I remember my first tattoo, a small design on my wrist that marked the beginning of an adventure that would change my life forever.
As my love for tattoos grew, so did my desire to learn more about this fascinating art. I started researching, talking to talented tattoo artists, and immersing myself in the history and culture of tattoos. Every tattoo tells a story, and I wanted to be a part of that narrative.
Over time, I decided to share my passion with the world through my blog, "Tattoo Gun Machine." In this space, I strive to provide valuable information about tattoos, from tips for tattooed skin care to stories of innovative tattoo artists and inspiring designs. My goal is to educate and inspire those who share my love for tattoos, as well as to demystify some of the stigmas surrounding this art form.
My blog has become a corner of the web where the tattoo-loving community can connect, share ideas, and explore new trends. I've also had the privilege of interviewing some of the most talented tattoo artists in the world, who share their unique experiences and knowledge within my pages.
But my journey in the world of tattoos doesn't stop here. I'm always on the lookout for new inspiration and challenges. I dream of one day opening my own tattoo studio, where I can bring my own designs to life and continue contributing to this form of artistic expression.
So, if you share my passion for tattoos or are simply interested in learning more about this exciting world, I invite you to join me on my journey at "Tattoo Gun Machine." Together, we can explore the art, culture, and beauty of tattoos as we continue to ink our stories onto the canvas of life. I'll see you on my blog!
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