Hip tattoos have become popular over the last few decades, with this placement being associated with female sensuality.
In fact, according to Tattooaholic, the hip is one of the sexiest places on the body for a tattoo, along with the space behind the ear, underboob, and the thigh. Perhaps it’s the natural curve of the hip that makes a tattoo here stand out particularly well?
If you’re thinking about adorning your hip with ink, there are a few things you should know first before booking your tattoo appointment.
The Pros Of Hips Tattoos
It’s Easy To Hide
When it comes to getting a tattoo, it’s important to take into consideration whether you’ll need to cover up your design regularly – perhaps you have a job that frowns upon visible ink, or you don’t want your family to know that you’ve got a tattoo.
If you’re going to need to hide your ink often, then that’s going to affect the placement you choose.
Hip tattoos are easy to hide. Depending on the size of your tattoo design, you would only really see a hip tattoo when you’re in your underwear or in a swimsuit. If you are trying to hide your tattoo, just make sure you don’t pair a short top that rides up with low cut jeans.
It’s Hidden From The Sun
Any tattooer and frequent tattooee will know that one of the most crucial rules when it comes to looking after your tattoo is to protect it from the sun.
“Prolonged exposure to the sun will take away the sharpness and detail of your tattoos. UV rays will break up the pigments in your skin and crisp straight-line work will dissolve,”
Tat2X
This breakdown of ink due to sun exposure is especially seen in colorful tattoos – the sun’s rays take away the vibrancy of the color ink. After some unprotected strolls in the sun or frequent sun tanning, you could end up with a design that’s lost a lot of the color saturation that you loved.
With hip tattoos (depending how you spend your days) they’re mostly going to be covered by pants, which cuts down the amount of time it’s in the sun.
Whenever you’re out and your tattoo is exposed, put on sunscreen! Refinery29 has a list of the best sunscreens you can use on your ink.
The Cons Of Hip Tattoos
It’s Always Going To Be Rubbing Against Your Waistband
One of the keys to choosing a tattoo placement in which your tattoo will stand the test of time is to choose a spot that doesn’t rub up against other body parts or tight clothes.
“Any area of the body that commonly rubs against other body parts, [such as] in between fingers, thighs, armpits, and [the] inner biceps will generally be likely to fade quicker. Similarly, areas where the tattoo is exposed to constant rubbing will possibly fade more quickly, such as […] the waistband of your pants, bras, and belts or other areas where your clothing fits tightly and rubs against your skin,”
Tattoo Artist, Leo Palomino, told Bustle
The consistent friction can cause your tattoo to fade faster, which might mean making your touch up appointment sooner than expected.
The Healing Process Can Be Annoying
Over about six weeks, the visible part of your tattoo will heal. But remember, the ink goes beyond the surface layer of the skin, so after six weeks, your tattoo is actually still in the healing process.
The healing time is impacted by how well you look after your new ink, so it’s important that you follow the instructions your tattoo artist gives you properly.
Aftercare instructions usually involve washing your new tat regularly with gentle soap, moisturizing it with fragrance-free lotion, not shaving over the area, and avoiding the sun.
During the scabbing and flaking stage of the healing process, the area of your tattoo could get super itchy – don’t scratch! This can hamper the healing process, open your tattoo up for infection, and lift some of the link.
So, to avoid messing with your healing tattoo, you should also not wear any tight clothes that rub against the ink. This might make choosing pants a bit difficult. One option is wrapping up your tattoo with a hygienic bandage wrap before putting on tight pants.
Another situation in which you should bandage your new tattoo is when you sleep.
“While you are sleeping you might lay on your tattoo, or let the bed linen lay on your tattoo. This is an opportunity for bacteria, dust or fluff to enter the new tattoo, possibly causing an infection,”
Tatring
Hip Tattoo Ideas
Large Tattoo Designs
When it comes to large tattoos on the hip, a popular choice is a flowing design that curves down the hip and onto the side of the thigh.
Designs that work well because of their curved shape include dragon tattoos, flower arrangement designs, and snake tattoos, to name a few.
Think about a few elements that you want incorporated in your hip tattoo and take them to your tattoo artist. They will be able to guide you on what will work and what won’t, as well as the length of time it will take to get your tattoo done.
For large tattoos, you may have to sit through more than one session.
If this is going to be your first tattoo, click here for some dos and don’ts to prepare you for your appointment.
Small, Mini Tattoos
When it comes to small tattoos, there are so many options to consider – from a single flower, to one meaningful word.
If you’re looking for a minimalist tattoo idea that speaks to your personality, you could consider your sun or moon sign. Every zodiac sign has a specific symbol associated with it, as well as a constellation and flower.
Click here for a guide to astrology tattoos for inspiration.
For a special date you want to always have close to you, Roman numerals are a great choice for a hip tattoo.
Your hip is a rather private place, so it can be the ideal spot for a self-love tattoo or a little reminder to yourself. Phrases such as “Stay Wild” or “Grl Pwr” can look subtle and amazing on the inner hip.
Of course, mini and fine line tattoos come with their own set of pros and cons. For what you need to know about mini, delicate tattoos, click here.
If you’re looking for a spot that’s easy to hide and, at the same time, can serve as a perfect canvas for a flowy tattoo or small personal reminder, the hip can be an ideal tat placement.
