Tattoos are a way to express oneself. They are wearable art, memories, and sometimes a sign of connection. The resurgence and destigmatization of the tattoo scene have continued to gain momentum in recent years, and tattoos are no longer as socially stigmatized as they were a few years ago.
Facial tattoos, however, remain a controversial topic. Much like hand tattoos, they’re among the most hotly debated examples of “Is this really necessary?” We’ll tell you what you absolutely need to keep in mind before you go get a facial tattoo.
Facial tattoos—why are they so controversial?
First of all, facial tattoos aren’t a product of this “woke,” vegan, and politically correct era—they’ve been around just as long as any other tattoos. In various cultures, such as those of the indigenous peoples of the Polynesian Triangle, Maori tattoos have long been found on the face as well. So what’s the problem?
Tattoos in general have long been subject to social stigma. As a result, people with tattoos were often labeled as criminals or even violent. Tattoos on the face or hands, in particular, were frequently found on ex-convicts, who were subsequently ostracized by society. In other cultures, such as Japan, tattoos were long considered a sign of affiliation with the Yakuza. In short: tattoos—whether on the face or elsewhere—were generally frowned upon.
Even today, tattoos are still frowned upon in some industries and viewed with suspicion if they can’t be covered up. They’re seen as unprofessional, untrustworthy, and unreliable—well, you wouldn’t want to be treated by someone with a broken foot either—obviously.
And even though we, as tattoo artists, have noticed that the tide is slowly turning, facial tattoos are still a topic all their own.
Why are facial tattoos so special?
Face tattoos hold a special place even among tattoo artists and people with tattoos. If you’re interested in getting a face tattoo, we—as your tattoo studio near Frankfurt —will also bring this up during your consultation.
The face is usually the first thing many people notice about another person—especially the area around the eyes. It’s a natural instinct, because a long time ago, this is how we had to distinguish between friends and enemies. Now that we’re no longer apes and have evolved, we can theoretically look beyond appearances and still get to know other people—but your face remains your calling card.
Facial tattoos can drastically change the appearance of your face, and you need to be fully aware of that—and we’re not talking about permanent makeup like freckles here, but rather actual designs. You may also have to expect that strangers will treat you differently and that employers and future bosses might not necessarily be fans of your body art. Since the service sector is the largest in the job market, you and your appearance always represent the company. Employers usually want people with a neat and clean appearance and nothing that could even potentially cause a stir.
Since the target audiences of many companies tend to be a bit older, while younger people in particular are driving the trend toward accepting tattoos, this naturally creates a problem—you surely know what we mean. So getting a facial tattoo should always be a well-considered decision.
Face Tattoos – What You Should Keep in Mind
Let’s say you’re absolutely determined and really want to go through with getting a facial tattoo—in that case, you should think it over long and hard. Here are a few things to consider:
- Placement: Placement is essential. Many people opt for a middle ground by getting a tattoo on the side of the head near the ear or starting under the chin and letting the design flow down the neck. Others prefer a design on the forehead or below the eyes. As mentioned, placement is incredibly important and also determines the tattoo style on the face, since not every style works in such a confined space.
- Skin Type: The skin on the face is significantly more sensitive than on other parts of the body. Fifty of the approximately 650 muscles in the human body are located in the face, and there are plenty of nerves there as well. So the procedure can be quite painful when it comes to facial tattoos. Furthermore, aftercare is absolutely essential here. The face is a part of our body that is exposed to environmental influences all day long, so proper cleansing and care are indispensable.
- Healing: Facial tattoos can take a while to heal. Be aware that your face may swell and, of course, be red. Be sure to avoid constantly touching your face, as tattoo aftercare with Second Skin isn’t possible in these areas. Your tattoo artist can give you specific instructions on how to provide the best possible care.
A Statement That Lasts – Face Tattoos
Face tattoos make a statement—sometimes a very powerful one. Be aware beforehand that you might get some strange looks, and place a high priority on the quality and hygiene standards of the studio you choose. A bad tattoo on your body can be hidden—and perhaps even fixed at some point with a cover-up tattoo —but that’s not an option on your face. So facial tattoos are a decision that can affect your life more than other tattoos, and you shouldn’t forget that when making your choice.
If you need advice or want to know whether your idea is even feasible, please feel free to contact us, and we’ll provide you with expert guidance on all your concerns.