Placement Matters
Thinking of getting a tattoo? Even if you have a pretty high pain tolerance, choosing where to get inked still requires some careful planning. After all, you don't want it to fade too quickly, or worse—have it somewhere you can't hide if you change your mind later (your ex's name on your forehead, anyone?). As you'll see, even popular spots can have surprising consequences, so you might want to think twice before getting a tattoo in these 20 areas.
1. Palms
Palm tattoos have an undeniable appeal, but they're notoriously difficult to maintain. Think about it: your palms take on a lot of daily wear, so ink there can fade or disappear unevenly. Even a well-executed design may require constant touch-ups, and intricate details can be especially difficult to preserve.
2. Soles of the Feet
For a similar reason why you should avoid tattooing your palms, you should skip the soles of your feet. After all, constantly walking, standing, sweating, and wearing shoes can all complicate the healing period, and the thick skin there doesn't always predictably retain ink.
3. Fingers
Small finger tattoos might photograph beautifully, but it'll be hard to keep them pristine long-term. Your fingers bend constantly and encounter water throughout the day, and these can contribute to fading. Plus, the more delicate the designs, the more vulnerable they are.
4. Toes
Toes, too, aren't the best place for a tattoo. Rubbing and sweat from socks and shoes aside, even normal walking can repeatedly cause friction. Since the area is also extremely small, the ink will be more prone to fading or spreading.
5. Behind the Ear
Behind-the-ear tattoos might be popular for their subtlety, though there are a few drawbacks. Other than the hair products you use (which could contribute to fading), glasses, earbuds, and frequent touching can all irritate the area as well.
6. The Collarbone Area
As beautiful as a collarbone tattoo may be, it's also an area that may experience frequent friction. That can prolong the healing period significantly, especially if the design stretches across the bone or curves toward the shoulder. You'll also want to make sure to wear sun protection if you want the ink to hold up well.
7. The Inner Lip
Get an inner lip tattoo, and no one will ever see that bad boy. Of course, that could be exactly why you want one there, but the moist tissue inside the mouth can cause substantial fading. If you're hoping for crisp artwork that will still look fresh even years from now, there are far better places to put it.
8. The Knuckles
The skin of your knuckles stretches every time you make a fist or move your fingers, meaning any tattoos placed there are guaranteed to take a beating. Inconsistent fading between individual fingers may also eventually make the set look uneven.
9. The Wrist Crease
Think about how many times you flex your hands in a day. Every time you do, the skin there folds and stretches, which means a tattoo directly across the wrist will need to deal with constant movement. If you wear a watch or bracelet, those may also repeatedly rub the same spot. You're better off moving your design slightly farther up the forearm to give it more leeway.
10. The Waistline
A waist tattoo adds a flirty touch, but don't expect the ink to last long if it's sitting directly where your pants rest every day. That's not all: changes in your body shape over time can also alter how certain designs sit across this area.
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11. The Upper Thigh Crease
The crease where the upper thigh meets the torso isn't easy to keep free from friction. Not only are you constantly moving all day, but the skin there can also rub against itself depending on your build. Those factors will only complicate the aftercare period.
12. The Forehead
Nothing screams loyalty like inking your partner's name on your forehead, right? Well, you better hope you two don't split, because inking your forehead leaves no room for second thoughts. Sure, you can partially cover it with bangs, hats, and even makeup, but none are a permanent solution.
13. The Back of the Knee
The back of your knee is certainly another subtle spot, and it'd make a perfect place if only you don't bend it thousands of times in a day. Sweat can also accumulate there, which might end up disturbing fresh ink. Anyone choosing this area should be prepared for tedious aftercare.
14. The Inner Elbow Crease
Just like the back of your knee, your elbow crease, well, creases throughout the day. Every time you move it, you'll end up potentially irritating the healing skin. Moreover, it's a difficult location for detailed designs because lines running across there can also change as the arm bends.
15. The Armpit
More than just being an uncomfortable place to have tattooed, having your armpit inked also introduces several inconveniences. Sweat, of course, is the biggest issue, but deodorant, too, can complicate things. You may also have to adjust clothing and normal grooming habits while the skin recovers.
16. The Ribs
Want to get your ribs tattooed? Be prepared for the pain. Even after your session, the healing period can prove difficult because the area moves every time you breathe, stretch, or lie down. Any shirts that rub over the ink may also cause the design to fade.
17. The Tops of the Hands
Unlike tattoos you can easily cover with everyday clothing, hand tattoos spend a lot of time exposed. You'll even have a hard time washing your hands if you want to keep it looking fresh! It's definitely a placement worth considering carefully if you know you use your hands a lot.
18. The Face
As long as it's not the name of your ex or something else you'd later rather hide, facial tattoos are not always that bad. Of course, you'll still want to take into account how your future self might feel about the design; your tastes can vary wildly as you age. Removals here can also be pretty pricey.
19. The Neck
Neck tattoos are difficult to hide as well, so you'll want to be 100% sure before the decision becomes permanent. Keep in mind that jewelry, hair, and frequent head movement can also irritate the area during healing, and you'll need to stay on top of sunscreen.
20. The Buttocks
This area may be easy to conceal, but during the healing stage you can forget about sitting down. That aside, you might also run into trouble over time—unless you tend to go commando. Larger designs can temporarily change how you sleep and exercise as well.
