Palm tattoos have become increasingly popular over recent years, and it’s due to the uniqueness, and beauty of both the designs and placement. With popular artists paving the way for them to enter the mainstream market, it’s important to be fully informed before booking, to ensure the designing and healing process is as simple as can be. Many believe palms can be a window to the soul, or represent strength and skill, so why not decorate them with tattoos.
The technique of tattooing a palm can differ from other placements, as the skin is much thicker, so the needle depth needs to be adapted to ensure the ink stays in the correct layer of the skin. In addition to this, designs with simple details and intricacies are best to ensure they hold and endure the test of time. Elements such as bold line work and minimal shading are best, and using techniques, such as varying needle thicknesses, will add lasting details.
Healing a palm tattoo is the most difficult part of the process, often taking between 4-6 weeks, and requiring comprehensive aftercare. Immediately after the tattoo you will have tattoo balm and a bandage placed over the tattoo to protect it on your journey home. Once you’ve returned home, remove the bandage, gently wash the tattoo, and leave it to air. During week one, the tattoo will require cleaning, patting dry with a paper towel, and blaming 2-3 times per day. At this stage, a thin layer of tattoo balm is best, typically just enough to stop it from completely drying out. Movement and holding of objects should be kept to a minimum if possible, to protect the tattoo in its most vulnerable time. After week two, the ink will start to scab, and it’s important not to pick them, and to keep the tattoo clean and moisturised. At week four, all the scabs should have fallen off, and from then until the end of week six it’s a case of still treating it with care, to allow the tattoo to settle under the correct layer of skin. Moisturising well at this point will allow the epidermis to properly form over the top of your healing palm, and ensures a better chance of a fresh looking tattoo.
Furthermore, during healing the ink may become milky under the skin surface, which can often be mistakes for a ‘blowout’. These are not the same as typical tattoo ‘blowouts’, and can sometimes appear throughout the whole healing process, however they will settle once the tattoo is fully healed.
Palms have more sweat glands than other parts of the body, so it’s important to wash your hands if they become too sweaty, and to avoid excessive exercise for as long as possible. Sweat and friction will cause the ink to be lost from the tattoo.
As with any tattoo, touch-ups may be necessary to clean up any lines, and add any details that may have been lost during the healing process. The skin on the palm regenerates faster than other areas of the body, and the hands are constantly in use, which can make the tattoo more susceptible to damage. The more the tattoo is cared for during healing, the less likely it will be to need a touch -up, however sometimes they are inevitable, due to certain careers and hobbies.
If your interest has been sparked for a palm tattoo, or you have any other questions regarding tattoos on the palm, please don’t hesitate to contact us via the contact form.
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