Tattoo Advice | r/TattooAdvice
LightNews LightNews
banner
tattooadvice.bsky.social
Tattoo Advice | r/TattooAdvice
@tattooadvice.bsky.social
77 followers 550 following 1.9K posts
🖋️Welcome to the official Bluesky feed for r/TattooAdvice! 💬 Where tattoo lovers share ink wisdom, design inspo, and honest advice. Share advice, show your art, and join our ink‑loving family! 🎨✨Don't forget to join us on Reddit!
Posts Replies Media Videos
tattooadvice.bsky.social
Is my tattoo healing ok?
First big tattoo and it’s scabbing pretty bad idk if it’s bad or not. Any advice would be appreciated thanks. Originally posted by Psychological-One848 on r/tattooadvice on February 13th, 2026.
February 13, 2026 at 5:14 AM
tattooadvice.bsky.social
is there any chance i could tattoo over these
Originally posted by Becomealamp on r/tattooadvice on February 13th, 2026.
February 13, 2026 at 4:24 AM
tattooadvice.bsky.social
welting around the tattoo
sorry this isn’t the best picture but it’s the best i could get. i got this tattoo last friday and today i got the other matching tattoo. it was healing fine until today when i got up off of the leather chair for the first small break, it started to hurt then a few minutes later i started welting, it doesn’t itch but it hurts and burns, ive tried icing it and that’s seemed to help a lot. the tattoo itself isn’t welted just all around it. you can also see where i was laying on the stitching of the chair lmfao. i did have my first real tattoo welt up in some spots but it was itchy, i didnt have this problem with my last or until i laid on the leather tattooing chair today(and i sweat a bit because leather isn’t breathable yk how it is) any advice or information? Originally posted by DryRefrigerator69420 on r/tattooadvice on February 13th, 2026.
February 13, 2026 at 3:44 AM
tattooadvice.bsky.social
Why do I keep getting ink fallout?
First pic was first sitting. Second was healed. Third was redone”touch up” a week ago. Why is it falling apart? Originally posted by Chasingsundayz on r/tattooadvice on February 13th, 2026.
February 13, 2026 at 2:54 AM
tattooadvice.bsky.social
How many’s sessions do you think a sleeve like this would take? Does black like this or shading take longer?
I’m not totally sold on a design like this so I don’t want to reach out to artist yet and waste their time. If you had to guess how many sessions /hours do you think a sleeve like this would take? Originally posted by Sapphire_rubies on r/tattooadvice on February 12th, 2026.
February 13, 2026 at 12:14 AM
tattooadvice.bsky.social
My the healing ok
Originally posted by Valuable-Studio579 on r/tattooadvice on February 12th, 2026.
February 12, 2026 at 10:34 PM
tattooadvice.bsky.social
Laser or coverup?
This abomination is over 18 years old. It was shit when I got it and I’ve always been reluctant to cover it up as that top arrow bit extends above most shirts. I have heaps more tattoos now, so not opposed to more work but this is in such a shiiiiit spot and that ‘feathering’ (🤢) on the arrow tail is so dark. I also have no boobs so an underboob addition would look weird. My other large tattoos are spiritual, cultural, and meaningful - but another giant ‘woo woo’ piece may push me over the line of tacky 😂 Is this a lost cause? Just laser it off? Originally posted by Nothingislefthalp on r/tattooadvice on February 12th, 2026.
February 12, 2026 at 10:14 PM
tattooadvice.bsky.social
First case of tattoo regret.
I went to fill in this open area on my forearm with a neotraditional scorpion. It's probably the first tattoo I haven't liked and it's right on my arm. I was hoping it would be more like the inspiration I included but it just looks like a derpy little guy. Any ideas on what I can do to save it? I was thinking of seeing another artist and getting bolder more traditional line work and blasting over things where I can. Originally posted by D3athAdd3rz on r/tattooadvice on February 12th, 2026.
February 12, 2026 at 10:04 PM
tattooadvice.bsky.social
Final Results.
Fresh VS Healed. Originally posted by Consistent_Wave6623 on r/tattooadvice on February 12th, 2026.
February 12, 2026 at 9:34 PM
tattooadvice.bsky.social
Day 3, first tattoo, is this healing well + help on making sure text stays legible
Hello! This is my first tattoo, one I designed myself and then went to a very well reviewed tattoo artist for. The process was painful but in a relatively good spot (inner left forearm) and only lasted 2 hours so now I'm just trying to make sure I take the best care of it that I can as I love it so much (big personal win and a lot of meaning behind the design for me ♡). The saniderm I had on came off only a few hours after my appointment due to it being a very mobile area. I'm currently washing and moisturising it twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Washing with a non scented anti bacterial soap and using the tattoo balm I was provided from the artist. I've managed to shower with it with minimal problems other than the sunburn-like pain. I'm a little worried with the text and how it may scab up, so if anyone has any helpful information or their own stories it would be greatly appreciated 🫶🏻 thank you for reading and have a lovely day! Originally posted by Scytheplushie on r/tattooadvice on February 12th, 2026.
February 12, 2026 at 9:14 PM
tattooadvice.bsky.social
Composition question on new tattoo — regrett, overthinking or valid concern?
Hi, first time poster. I'm currently struggling with a detail on a tattoo I otherwise love and would love some perspective. I got an original Gyarados done by an artist I really admire. I told him to make it his own — subtle dragon vibe, florals around it, and I wanted the body to kind of lose itself into the flowers instead of being super defined... I gave him complete creative freedom. He showed me the design right before we started. I didn’t really sit with it long. It was my first tattoo and I was utterly nervous about it and compulsively said yes to the design. During the session, I started noticing that the head felt slightly off compared to the body — almost like the angle doesn’t perfectly line up with the flow. I didn’t say anything because I trusted his vision and didn’t want to interrupt the process. Now that it’s done, I genuinely love the piece overall. But my eye keeps going back to that one area. The head feels slightly crooked in relation to the body’s flow. I can’t tell if it’s intentional movement, the way it blends into the florals… or if it’s actually off. I’m not trying to bash the artist. I’m not in full regret mode because i honestly do love the piece. I just want honesty: Can you see the composition issue I’m talking about? Could it be even fixable? And how do you bring something like this up to your artist without sounding like you’re blaming them for something you approved? I feel like I do want to bring it up to him but I really don’t want to handle it the wrong way. Because I would totally get another one from him. :(. Originally posted by CharlyDNL on r/tattooadvice on February 12th, 2026.
February 12, 2026 at 8:24 PM
tattooadvice.bsky.social
Not sure what’s going on with my tattoo…
This was supposed to be a bad azz dragon. Originally posted by Creeepy_Chris on r/tattooadvice on February 12th, 2026.
February 12, 2026 at 7:44 PM
tattooadvice.bsky.social
Healing okay?
Hey yall, I already spoke with my artist about this and she claims it’s normal (I believe her I just have some anxiety still)! But I have a lot of swelling around my tattoo still (it’s now day 3 since I got it). I’ve been icing it (using clothes and a cloth of course) and washing it with antibacterial unscented soap (dial gold) 2-3x a day. Using an ointment on it but considering going to a lotion so it soaks in and is less heavy? Opinions/ideas would be amazing! Pics are in order: when I first got it, day 2 (missed the day after shot), and day 3 is the last one. It’s my first color tattoo so I’m just concerned about the redness ! 💕🧡. Originally posted by OvenTemporary8008 on r/tattooadvice on February 12th, 2026.
February 12, 2026 at 6:54 PM
tattooadvice.bsky.social
Touch up??
I got this tattoo almost 2 weeks ago and it scabbed in some areas while healing. I've been really careful and gentle around the scabbing areas, but it looks like when they heal its more faded in those areas. so my question is 1, why did it scab up so much? I have other tattoos without heavy black shading so maybe this is more common with heavy black shading? but my other tattoos didn't scab. and 2, when is a good time to ask for a touch up? I think I'm going to need it in some of the faded areas. Originally posted by Stupidandalsodumb on r/tattooadvice on February 12th, 2026.
February 12, 2026 at 6:44 PM
tattooadvice.bsky.social
Cover up ideas/advice
Hi! So I have some random and shitty tattoos I did myself while 16-18… (now 21 with a bit more of a brain) I love American traditional, gothic, and just some bold black tattoos with maybe a pop of color! I have been looking for almost a year now and still can’t decide what might even begin to cover these… I haven’t decided if I want some small ones all over or more bigger pieces… anyway what in the world would cover these!!?? Originally posted by Novastar646260 on r/tattooadvice on February 12th, 2026.
February 12, 2026 at 6:04 PM
tattooadvice.bsky.social
Does this have potential to be covered?
Hi everyone, I’m looking for cover up ideas for this tattoo on my calf. I got it for free when I was younger and didn’t fully think about the design or the cultural implications at the time. As I’ve grown up, I’ve realised it doesn’t reflect who I am and I’d really like to replace it with something more aligned and respectful. I already understand it wasn’t the best choice. I’d just really appreciate creative suggestions for what could work as a cover up given the size, shading and darker areas. I did speak with my usual artist (different from the person who did this) and she said she didn't feel confident enough to cover it in her style which is fair. I'm happy to do laser but the last tattoo I had laser done on took ages and left a lot of scarring. I cover her up most of the time but it's tricky in the summer and I feel really guilty. Thanks in advance for any advice! Originally posted by No_Calligrapher_5709 on r/tattooadvice on February 12th, 2026.
February 12, 2026 at 3:14 PM
tattooadvice.bsky.social
My first tattoo
Does it look good?? Originally posted by Idknamexd on r/tattooadvice on February 12th, 2026.
February 12, 2026 at 3:04 PM
tattooadvice.bsky.social
The itch is so bad!
Hey guys. I recently got my first tattoo done. First question is does it look like I’m taking proper care of it? Second question. It’s been about 5 days I believe it started getting itchy yesterday but it hasn’t started to get flaky or scab yet. Does it only get worse from here itch wise? 😂. Originally posted by IitzMickle on r/tattooadvice on February 12th, 2026.
February 12, 2026 at 1:44 PM
tattooadvice.bsky.social
"Tattoos that are media references are tattoos that you eventually regret" - Do you agree?
Hello! I heard the sentence in the title and it's got me thinking. I'm still young, got 3 tattoos, and am planning my next one: A design contained inside Majora's Mask containing a series of references to my favorite video games and movies. I have loved those media since I was a kid for most of them, but I'm just in my early 30s and don't exclude the possibility my tastes my change by the time I'm 70. Do you think that video game/movie references should be avoided in tattoos to avoid regretting them later? Originally posted by OllysFamily on r/tattooadvice on February 12th, 2026.
February 12, 2026 at 1:24 PM
tattooadvice.bsky.social
Not a tattoo artist, but drew up a sheet… any thoughts?
Originally posted by Common-Chain2024 on r/tattooadvice on February 11th, 2026.
February 12, 2026 at 6:14 AM
tattooadvice.bsky.social
Getting flamed by my family and others for this tattoo. Lmk your opinions!
Black Poppy Hand Tattoo Melissa - Certified Tattoo Studios Denver. Originally posted by Dexter_LaPasion on r/tattooadvice on February 12th, 2026.
February 12, 2026 at 6:04 AM
tattooadvice.bsky.social
Any ideas for this gap?
Its kinda awkward I know but It's big enough that I don't want to just put some random filler in there. Originally posted by LaTiaMaruca on r/tattooadvice on February 11th, 2026.
February 12, 2026 at 4:24 AM
tattooadvice.bsky.social
Is this design too complicated? (Art by me)
I couldn’t decide between a color wheel or a big fish, so I combined the two. I’m halfway through coloring the design on my iPad and am realizing it might be too hard or wouldn’t look good on skin. I was thinking of putting it on my thigh or back. Thoughts? less. Originally posted by JellyJam01 on r/tattooadvice on February 12th, 2026.
February 12, 2026 at 2:24 AM
tattooadvice.bsky.social
Is this healing properly?
So, I got these tattoos done 7 days ago. Didnt have any issues till 2 days ago when whilst applying moisturizer a layer of my skin came off with the moisturizer.. it didnt hurt or anything and seemed to just be dead skin but since then I have been worried abt the tattoo and I have been noticing that when I pat it dry some skin comes off with the paper towel. This is my first tattoo so I've got no clue whats normal and what isnt, and I've heard flaking is normal but I'm not having flaking, it more like gooey skin. Let me know if you need any more info and thx in advance for any advice. Originally posted by Elculotellueve on r/tattooadvice on February 11th, 2026.
February 11, 2026 at 11:14 PM
tattooadvice.bsky.social
Advice needed:
Hi! I just got this black work tattoo done yesterday, and I can’t even be upset because the artist was so kind and she gave me such a good deal, and the tattoo turned out BEAUTIFUL. But she was switching between two fine line needles the whole time, and I was in so much pain! I consider myself to have a decent pain tolerance, and I had to take 3 breaks (which I’ve never had to do before). I’m just wondering if anyone else has ever experienced this? I’m not a tattoo artist, so I’m obviously not the expert here, so no hate or anything because the artist was amazing, but just curious! (Tattoo is on my forearm and is about 5x3 inches). Originally posted by Glittering-Driver938 on r/tattooadvice on February 11th, 2026.
February 11, 2026 at 9:34 PM