I’ve decided to get my first tattoo, and I want it on my wrist. Is getting a tattoo on your wrist more painful than anywhere else? And is it safe to get it on your wrist?
Wrist tattoos make an eye-catching statement. What better place for your first tattoo? This placement provides you with the daily opportunity to actually see your design, something that should be noticed when first tattoos are placed in less visible areas.
Because of this, it’s so important that you choose a well-thought-out tattoo and really take your time finding the right artist for the work ahead.
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Bear in mind that although this tattoo placement can easily be covered up, you are placing it in a rather prominent spot. From greetings and handshakes to the jewelry you choose in the future, your tattoo will be a big part of how you look.
A wrist tattoo can also be questionable in the workplace. Even though most can be covered with your cuffs, you can’t do that if you have short sleeves.
For women, jewelry tattoos make beautiful and likely choices for a wrist tattoo design. Cameos, lockets, and even steampunk-style watches make perfect sense on the wrist. Small designs such as insects, symbols, and even short and sweet phrase tattoos make wise choices for inner wrist tattoos.
For men, wrist tattoos can look pretty strong and work well into full-sleeve designs down the road.
Crosses, anchors, nautical stars, and name tattoos make good wrist designs for men.
On a pain level, you’re not looking at the worst spot to tattoo.
The bonier the area, the more you’ll feel a tattoo, so places such as the ribs, top of the feet, and hips tend to be where most people feel moderate-to-intense pain rather than on the wrist.
Regarding safety, a wrist tattoo poses no more risk than any other placement location.
Be sure to review the tattoo safety checklist here to ensure your tattoo artist works in a clean, sterile environment.
An autoclave should be used to implement sterilization, and a new needle should be used for every tattoo. For tattoo artist recommendations in your local area, scout out the local shops, check out artist portfolios, and rely on word of mouth, which is really always the best.
Follow your artist’s aftercare instructions, and don’t pick at your tattoo as it heals. Also, make sure to use a lot of SPF on your tattoo, no matter what time of year it is or how hot it is.
For the rest of your life, your wrists and hands will be constantly exposed to the elements. Keep this area covered and protected to stop fading, and wear it as much as possible when you’re outside.
A wrist tattoo will always make a definitive statement. So long as you place proper consideration and time into the design process and ensure that your artist is up to par, you’ll likely love a first tattoo placed in this area—best of luck!