How to Get a Neck Tattoo

Next to the face and hands, neck tattoos are one of the most visible tattoos you can get and are still considered somewhat taboo. Often called "job blockers" by tattoo artists, if you aren't already heavily tattooed, some tattooists will refuse to do them or strongly urge you to consider future job opportunities before making your decision. Be sure you're armed with the right information to make this decision a wise one. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1. Find a tattoo artist who will do a neck tattoo. Some tattoo artists won't tattoo anything from the neck and up. If you know an artist that can and will do neck tattoos, be sure to verify he's adept at tattooing in this area, since it will be so visible.

2. Consider placement of your neck tattoo. The back of the neck has become a popular place to put a tattoo, especially for ladies who can easily cover it with their hair when need be. For the sides of their neck and throat, you need to be absolutely sure, and confirm that the tattoo artist is experienced giving tattoos in this vulnerable area.

3. Pick a suitable design for placing on the neck. You're somewhat limited on size, so you don't want to choose something really intricate that won't look as well at a reduced rate. Also, if you're placing it on the back of your neck for easier concealment, you'll want the design to stop before reaching far enough out to be seen around your hair or above a normal shirt collar. Keep in mind too, that not all designs look as good when placed around the natural curves of a person's neck.

4. Factor in the pain involved. Neck tattoos can be more painful than other parts of your body because the skin is thinner, it's closer to the bone and there's generally not much fat or muscle to cushion the impact against the bone.

5. Take into account the possibility of extra healing time because shirt collars or tags may rub against your fresh ink. If you can't keep from moving your neck around a great deal throughout the day, tattoos tend to take longer to heal and have an increased risk of scabbing and infection.

6. Think about any extra costs involved. Some shops base charges on where tattoos are placed and since some artists prefer not to do these tattoos, they may charge a premium price to complete one. Since the area will get a lot of movement and friction, there is an increased chance that you will damage the tattoo or lose color, which may require a touch-up.

7. Be prepared to defend your decision to get a neck tattoo. Both before and after you get your ink, you will undoubtedly have those who tell you not to get it and then tell you that you shouldn't have gotten it.

Tips & Warnings

• There are plenty of reasons why you shouldn't get a neck tattoo; but in the end, if you're confident in your decision, it's your body. Plus, there are some really great neck tattoos out there.

• Never forget that a neck tattoo can greatly hamper your ability to get certain jobs. They don't call them job blockers for nothing.

• Some military branches have regulations against neck tattoos, so if you're future plans include joining the service; you better check these regulations first.

• Tattooed areas tend to be sore and swollen for a few days following the procedure. The everyday movement of your neck can cause this pain to be more noticeable.

• Don't get your current love's name tattooed on the side of your neck. Tattoos outlast most relationships and covering up a neck tattoo can be extremely challenging.

• Don't be surprised if you're typecast as a "bad" guy if you have a neck tattoo. There are some who believe in the fairly common assumption that neck tattoos are only placed on convicts, delinquents, outlaws, criminals, bullies, gang members, thugs and other dangerous or unsavory types.

Resources

• Neck tattoo info.
• Neck tattoo pictures.
• Neck tats on Tattoo Joy.
• Inked Nation Tattoo Community.