Some Pros and Cons of Foot Tattoos

Foot tattoos can look very striking – for one thing, the foot provides a nice flat place for the tattoo to lie, and for another thing, foot tattoos are rather rare and therefore sort of exotic (this was true at the time of writing, but foot tattoos are becoming rather popular nowadays, especially amongst woman). There’s no question that a foot tattoo peaking out of a sexy shoe can be very attractive.

The most popular foot tattoo designs are flower tattoos, letter tattoos and the star foot tattoo.

Sun and Moon Foot Tattoo

There are some good reasons why foot tattoos are rarer than other tattoos, though. In fact, there are some tattoo artists who won’t even undertake them (just like hand and face tattoos). For a start, tattoos on the foot and hand tend to be more painful than other tattoos.

The general rule is this: if a tattoo is right over bone, it will hurt more. If it’s on a fleshy part of your body, it’ll hurt a lot less. That’s why a shoulder or upper arm might be a better place for a first tattoo – if you’re a little worried about the pain and not sure what to expect.

Example of Ink Migration

For another thing, though there are many tattoo designs that look great on a foot, there is also a greater incidence of ink migration with foot tattoos. This means, simply, that the ink is likely to spread over time, blurring your tattoo design. This is possible with any tattoo, on any part of the body – but it’s more common with foot tattoos.

If you get a foot tattoo, be prepared to go back and have it re-inked if need be. The top of your foot is the best place with the least blurring, avoid other places like the sides or the toes.

Then there’s the little issue of healing. In general, a new tattoo should not be allowed to rub against clothing while it heals, which usually takes two to three weeks. For most tattoos, this is a pretty simple matter, but not for foot tattoos! Basically, depending on the placement of your tattoo designs, this may mean that you can’t wear shoes or socks for the whole time your tattoo is healing!

Some foot care tips for a shorter healing period:

• Wear flip flops or other open shoes during the healing process so the shoe doesn't rub against the tattoo. If the flip flop touches the tattoo, then it's advisable that you get a pair of Down Unders, a kind of topless flip flop. If you really have to wear shoes, then wear 2 pair of light socks.
• The best time for getting a tattoo on your foot is in the summer, it might be a bit cold without shoes in the winter.
• Roll up your trousers if they touch the tattoo.
• Keep your tattoo out of the sun.
• Keep your feet clean, take a regular foot bath with warm water and a mild soap. Dry them by dabbing with a towel, don't rub.
• Keep the tattoo moist by applying a good ointment (Lubriderm). Don't make it too moist or the colors will bleed.
• Don't rub the tattoo.
• Don't swim until the healing process is over.
• Keep in mind that walking could be difficult the first few days because of foot pain. If possible take a few days off from work.
• Find a tattoo artist who has experience doing foot tattoos. Ask him for advice.

General Information about Foot Tattoos

Going around barefoot can lead to one more problem related to foot tattoos – infection. Feet, as we all know, are harder to keep clean than other parts of the body. Though it’s fairly rare to get an infection from a professional-quality tattoo, it is possible, and having a tattoo on your foot makes it slightly more likely.

So, the cons:

• Foot tattoos are more painful.
• They blur more easily than tattoos on other places, especially large areas with a solid color.
• The healing process goes slower.
• There's more chance of infection.
• It's not advisable for diabetes patients to get a tattoo below the waist, it can affect blood circulation.

And the pros:

• Foot tattoos are easy to hide, in case you work in a place where ink is not accepted for example.
• A tattoo on the foot looks very striking.

With all of these ‘cons’, you might wonder why anyone bothers to get foot tattoos. The fact is that their relative rarity, and the fact that it can be painful to get one and difficult to maintain it, makes foot tattoos rather exotic. For some of us, that’s reason enough. For others, it might be better to stick to ankle tattoos and shoulder tattoos for now!

From LoveToKnow Tattoos

To some, foot tattoos are the ultimate way to express themselves. To others, they’re nothing but pain and misery. Why the difference in opinion? Read on below to find out about the possible issues you may encounter if you’re looking into one.

Band with feather foot tattoo

Problems with Foot Tattoos

There are problems that you should know about before you choose to get a tattoo on your foot. While not all of them may apply to you, it’s a good idea to know the full situation before you go in.

Healing Time with Foot Tattoos

Depending on the size and placement of the tattoo, healing can range from 2 to 5 days. Some tattoo artists recommend not wearing shoes and socks for several days afterwards. Others don’t think it’s a problem. Regardless, your foot will be sore and uncomfortable while it is healing, and if you can’t afford to be off your feet, this may not be a good option for you.

Finding an Artist of Foot Tattoos

Many artists refuse to do foot tattoos. This is because of the problems associated with them, and the artists don’t want to do bad work. Many tattoos artists will charge a premium to do work on the foot, and many don’t guarantee the work or offer free touch-ups. Another issue some artist worry about is the permanence of a foot tattoo. Tattoos on the foot will spread more than other tattoos, and so the designs will blur more quickly than others.

Holding Still with Foot Tattoos

Keeping your foot in a stationary position for an extended period of time is difficult. On top of that, there are certain spots on the foot that will react like your knee when a doctor hits it with a hammer. You will jump, and you probably won’t be able to control that. Some tattoo artists will be able to work with the jump, or cover up any lines that get squiggly because of it, but if you jump too unexpectedly, the damage will be done, and it may not be able to be fixed.

Medical Issues with Foot Tattoos

If you have diabetes, getting a tattoo anywhere below the knee is considered a bad idea because of circulation problems. You may be able to find an artist who is willing to do it, but you should talk to your doctor before you go ahead and get it done.

Even if you’re healthy, the placement of the tattoo (an area that normally gets dirty) makes it more prone to infections. Keeping your foot clean and sterile isn’t easy, and the healing tattoo needs to be both.

An alternative to tattooing is henna

Pain with Foot Tattoos

The one thing that most artists and tattooees agree on is that the pain level is higher. Whether it is because of the number of nerve ending or the lack of muscle between the skin and the bone, no one seems sure. The other problem, related to pain, is bleeding. Foot tattoos do tend to bleed more than tattoos on other parts of the body.

The Good Thing about Foot Tattoos

Simply put: if they come out well, they’re amazing. A good foot tattoo is a joy forever.

Common Designs of Foot Tattoos

Flowers, scrolls, and tribal designs are all popular choices. It isn’t uncommon to find a foot tattoo that begins on the side (or bottom) of the foot and continues onto the top. Some people get frogs, lizards, and other animals “crouched” on top of their foot, while others prefer “hidden images” on the soles of their feet. Foot tattoos can be as varied as their owners, and just as beautiful.