Are you thinking about getting an inner arm tattoo? This versatile placement is an ideal choice for people who want to easily hide their tattoo when needed, but also show it off when the time is right.
As with all tattoo placements, inner arm tattoos have both pros and cons. Before booking your appointment, it’s essential to know exactly what you’re getting yourself into.
Advantages Of Inner Arm Tattoos
One of the main advantages of an inner arm tattoo is that they are easy to hide. All you have to do is wear a long sleeve shirt and no one will know that you are tatted.
This is a big plus for people wanting to get a tattoo while still maintaining a conservative, super-professional appearance. While tattoos are becoming more acceptable in working environments, there are still some corporations that want employees to cover up their body art.
Another great thing about an inner arm tattoo is that because they are easily covered up or turned away from the elements, they have longevity,
“The inner forearm tends to have the best quality skin for tattoos as it is protected from sun exposure and wear from aging. The arms also tend to be the most tolerable to have tattooed as far as pain,”
Majestic Tattoo NYC
Also, forearms tend to be on the lower end of the pain scale, so if you’re highly sensitive or scared of the pain that comes with tattooing, an inner forearm tattoo could be the perfect placement choice for you.
However, this advantage doesn’t always stretch to the inner bicep…
Disadvantages Of Inner Arm Tattoos
While the inner forearm doesn’t hurt a lot for many people, the inner bicep tends to be a different story due to the nerves present in this area,
“If the nerve feels pinched, it will cause pain through the complete arm. As this is the area where the biceps are, having a tattoo in this area could be uncomfortable and high on the pain scale,”
Authority Tattoo
There are ways to lessen the pain of getting a tattoo, namely:
- Breathing exercises – Deep breathing during your appointment can help you relax.
- A Good Night’s Rest – When you have a solid night of sleep, your body is way more prepared for the pain and you can handle the discomfort with more ease.
- High-Calorie Meal – Eating a nutritious, filling meal will keep your energy up during your appointment. Also, bring snacks to your appointment just in case.
Another con when it comes to inner bicep tattoos is that there is a chance they can fade quickly due to friction from clothing,
“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,”
Bustle
Luckily you don’t have to stick with a faded tattoo – you can always visit your tattoo artist for touch-ups to keep your ink crisp.
Popular Designs For Inner Arm Tattoos
There are so many options when it comes to inner arm tattoos designs, however, there are a few popular choices to take inspiration from:
Word Or Quote Inner Arm Tattoo
Due to the space of the inner arm, this placement is a great option for word or quote tattoos. Whether you want a minimalist, single-word tattoo or a long quote from your favorite song or book, the inner bicep works well.
- Ink that Speaks Volumes: Word Tattoos
- 6 Non-Cliché One Word Tattoos
- How To Pick The Right Font For Your Word Tattoo
Flower Inner Arm Tattoo
Floral tattoos are always popular, no matter the placement. This is because flowers are very versatile – you could go colorful or black and gray, highly detailed and hyper-realistic, or small and minimalistic.
Moon Phase Inner Arm Tattoo
The phases of the moon not only look incredible tattooed along the inner bicep or inner forearm due to the horizontal space, but a moon phase tattoo is also deeply meaningful. A moon phase tattoo can represent magic, the feminine, and transformation.
Nature Inner Arm Tattoo
A range of mountains tattoo or a tattoo of a forest are great options for the inner arm for people who love nature and want their body art to be a reflection of that. A mountain tattoo represents courage and a love for adventure, while a forest tattoo symbolizes mystery, rejuvenation, and serenity.
- Nature Tattoos: Trees, Waves, Mountains, Crescent Moon and Sun
- Tattoo Ideas Inspired By The Great Outdoors
Geometric Inner Arm Tattoo
If you find order and symmetry beautiful, geometric tattoos could be the right choice for you. This style of tattoo features a variety of shapes; clean lines and sharp angles create a bold, eye-catching aesthetic.
Geometric tattoos can be as minimalist or detailed as you want, and can include mandalas and sacred geometry patterns.
Choosing The Right Inner Arm Tattoo Design
To choose an inner arm tattoo design you’ll love for years to come, there are a few things to consider:
Personal Significance
If you want a meaningful tattoo, then you should dive into your past by listening to your favorite songs, browsing the books that narrated your childhood, and looking through old photo albums. The things that have deep significance to you will jump out.
Tattoo Size
Size is one of the most important considerations when choosing a tattoo. The size will have an impact on how detailed your tattoo can be, how long your tattoo appointment will be, and how your tattoo will age.
Color Or Black And Gray
Color can be an amazing way to emphasize the meaning of your tattoo and bring out more of your personality.
However, color ink is very different from black ink in a number of ways. Certain color tattoo inks fade quicker than others – black ink tends to have the longest lifespan. Color ink tattoos can also take longer to heal.
Tattoo Style
There are a ton of different tattoo styles out there, from maximalist designs with lots of details to minimalist fine-line designs. Every style has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to do your research to find the style that both matches your personality and the meaning of the tattoo.
Inner Arm Tattoo Placement And Size Considerations
The inner arm is considered to run from the wrist to the elbow ditch to the inner bicep underneath the armpit.
Consider the orientation of your inner arm tattoo and whether you want it to be visible to others when your arm is down, or only when you raise your arm – this will affect the placement.
The size of your chosen tattoo will depend on the design and placement you choose. The more details you have in your tattoo design, the larger you may want to consider making your tattoo.
This is to have enough space for the fine lines and the details so that they don’t blend together. It’s important to note that the inner arm isn’t the largest placement option, so your tattoo may need to be smaller than you may have originally wanted.
Caring For And Healing Inner Arm Tattoos
One of the best things you can do to make sure you love your tattoo is to support the healing process. The inner arm is a sensitive area with thin skin, which may require more attention and care during the healing process.
Here are a few things you can do to avoid infections and end up with a tattoo that you love:
Follow General Aftercare Instructions
Before you leave the tattoo studio, your tattooist will give you a list of aftercare steps to take when you get home. This will involve washing your fresh tattoo two to three times a day with gentle soap and moisturizing the area with fragrance-free lotion.
“Moisturizers can help lubricate the skin and make it less likely that any scraping, picking, or rubbing makes your skin peel and your tattoo heal improperly. They can also make your skin itch less than with dry healing,”
Healthline
Avoid Strenuous Activity
Don’t work out when you have a fresh tattoo. Sweat can have a negative impact on the healing process, plus there is bacteria on workout equipment and in the gym, which can get into your open skin and cause an infection.
Don’t Soak In Water
This means hot tubs, pools, rivers, the ocean, and baths are off-limits while your tattoo is healing. Bodies of water contain bacteria that can cause an infection.
Change Your Sleeping Position
If you are used to sleeping on the side of your tattooed arm, you’ll want to change your sleeping position. This is to avoid irritation and the ink being shifted.
Never Pick Or Rub Your Tattoo
The healing process can be itchy! But, it is important to resist the itch. Scratching your fresh tattoo can prolong the healing process, cause infection, and even distort the tattoo.
“On the third or fourth day, the art will begin to peel, which may be uncomfortable or itchy—but refrain from picking and scratching the design. The area will still be hypersensitive even after the peeling stage, so it’s recommended to keep up with your moisturizing routine. Continue to use unscented soap and lotion without scent, dye, and perfume. No shaving,”
Byrdie
Avoid Tight Clothing On Your Tattoo
The friction caused by your skin rubbing on the clothes can distort your tattoo design. So, avoid covering the tattoo when you’re home or wear very loose clothes.
Stay Out Of The Sun
You can’t put sunscreen on a healing tattoo, so it’s best to just avoid the sun altogether. Once your tattoo has healed (this usually takes around six weeks) always layer on the SPF to protect your tattoo from fading.
While looking after your tattoo is essential, a great tattoo starts with going to a reputable tattoo artist.
Tips For Choosing A Reputable Inner Arm Tattoo Artist
Getting a tattoo is not the time to look for money-saving opportunities. It’s best to go to an experienced, professional tattoo artist. This isn’t cheap, but it’s so worth it because:
- Professional tattoo artists know how to handle the equipment.
- They’re able to give you the right advice because they’re experienced.
- Professionally done tattoos look better and last longer.
- Tattoos done by a professional tattooist are less likely to blow out.
Choose the right artist by:
Doing Your Research
Look for tattoo artists who have experience with inner arm tattoos. Look through portfolios to get a sense of their skill and style.
Visiting The Tattoo Studio
Pop in at the tattoo studio you’re considering to get a sense of the cleanliness and professionalism of the space. You want the studio to be well-lit, organized, and have a welcoming atmosphere.
Scheduling A Consultation
Discuss your design with your chosen artist and take this time to ask questions about their experience and process. A professional tattooist will be able to answer all your questions and make you feel comfortable.
Checking Licenses And Certifications
Make sure that the tattoo artist is licensed, has all necessary certifications, and follows health and safety protocols.
Inner arm tattoos are a popular choice for people seeking a discreet yet versatile tattoo placement. Before making your appointment, consider the potential pain level and healing process associated with inner arm tattoos to make sure it’s the right choice for you.
With the right design and artist, an inner arm tattoo can be a beautiful and meaningful addition to your body art collection.
