Unlike in the past, when society associated tattoos with criminal gangs, ex-convicts and other ritualists, this form of body art is now seen as a means of self-expression. That said, it is still not easy to get a tattoo on certain parts of the body, including the face, hands and neck.
Why do some tattoo artists refuse to tattoo the face and hands? Read on to find out the reasons.
Professional dilemma
Like a doctor, a tattoo artist must do what is best for their client. Some clients, whether naïve or reckless, want to get face and hand tattoos without considering the long-term effects of the procedure.
Professional artists may refuse to draw the art because they know the detrimental effects visible tattoos have on social environments. In some cultures, people with such tattoos are repeatedly mocked and ridiculed, which damages their self-confidence. Some employers also do not accept job applications with such types of tattoos.
Although you can look for alternatives, it's best to know what to expect before stepping into another tattoo shop. You will have time to think about the potential repercussions of your decision.
It is important to keep in mind that tattoos are permanent
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Quality issues
Another reason a tattoo artist may refuse to provide services to you is quality issues. For example, it is difficult to recreate high quality body art on the feet and hands.
Since your hands and feet have thinner skin than other parts of the body, tattooing them is a complex process. Why? After the drawing, the tattoo ink remains in suspension in liquid form between the dermis and the epidermis. If the ink is too shallow or too deep, the resulting tattoo will be far from what you intended.
Additionally, hand and foot tattoos are difficult to maintain. From washing clothes to handling heavy equipment, your hands take a lot of abuse on a daily basis. This can push out the ink, resulting in a blurry tattoo. Likewise, feet are constantly rubbing against your shoes and socks as you walk, which can also disturb the ink.
Reputation
Tattooing is an artistic activity that largely depends on reputation. If you're considering getting a tattoo, you'll probably ask friends who already have body art where they got their tattoos.
A tattoo artist's reputation is on the line every time a customer walks out of their store. The quality of the tattoo can make or break the business. For this reason, some artists express reservations about drawing tattoos on hands and feet. The complexity of these types of body art, combined with the risk of providing substandard quality, can tarnish their reputation.
What is the best way forward?
The best thing to do is to consult your tattoo artist. As mentioned earlier, they will explain what it takes to get a hand or foot tattoo, the possibility of mistakes, how to take care of them, and most importantly, the potential consequences of the process.
In most cases, artists convince clients to give up their desire and get tattooed on other parts of the body. However, if you are determined to get some body art on your hands, neck, or feet, you can always find stores that specialize in these types of tattoos.
Pack
There is no denying that tattoos have removed the stigma that was previously associated with them. However, this does not apply to all types of body art. For example, people still find it unusual for a person to have face tattoos, especially in formal workplaces in certain societal contexts. These tattoos are also delicate and require a sharp hand for perfect results. It is no coincidence that many tattoo artists refuse to do them.
