A tattoo is a fashion trend that has been in existence for so long. In recent times, though, we are seeing more people inking parts of their body that are not considered traditional – like getting a tattoo in the ear.
If you are considering getting an ear tattoo, there are a few things you need to know before going ahead with the procedure. You should know what to do before and after getting ink, the aftercare, suitable products to apply, side effects, and the healing period.
Below is everything you need to know about getting a tattoo in the ear.
Are ears tattoos a bad idea?
Whether an ear tattoo is a good or bad idea depends on personal preference as the ear tattoo is similar to other inks on the body, just on a more delicate part. If you are the type that works in a corporate environment or need to always look professional, getting a tattoo in the ear might not be the best place unless you have long hair to hide it.
Do ear tattoos hurt?
Yes, ear tattoos hurt more than other parts of the body. The reason for this is that you have a lesser amount of fat in that region to cushion the effect of the needle. The ear is a part of the face that contains many nerve endings that are easily irritated while getting a tattoo and may result in severe pain.
The level of pain expected during an ear tattoo procedure is somewhere between a 6 and a 10. There are other parts of the body that hurt more though.
How to ease the pain of getting a tattoo in the ear
Tattoos generally cause a bit of pain, with certain parts of the body more painful than others. Getting an ear tattoo is cute but might be painful, there are a few things you can do to ease the pain you will experience.
- Ensure you get enough rest the night before the tattoo
- Get a professional artist that is efficient and quick; this way, you will spend less time enduring the tattoo process.
- Avoid pain medications like ibuprofen and aspirin; they shouldn’t be taken within twenty-four hours of your tattoo appointment. Pain medications like these are blood thinners and will cause your tattoo to take longer to complete.
- Ensure you stay hydrated as dry skin will make the tattoo hurt more and also affect the healing process.
- Ensure you eat before going in for the procedure; low blood sugar might make you feel dizzy and experience more pain.
- Avoid drinking alcohol at least twenty-four hours before your tattoo session as alcohol thins the blood and increases pain.
- Request a skin-numbing cream to help you get through the procedure.
- Do not go ahead with a tattoo session if you are feeling ill.
- Avoid caffeinated drinks for the same reason you avoid alcohol before your tattoo session.
- You can get pain killers — aside from the one mentioned above — thirty minutes before the procedure to help reduce pain.
Tattoo and piercings together?
Some people might decide to get a tattoo and a piercing on the same day either because the tattoo parlor they visited provides both services or because the design they chose requires both. Whatever might be your reason, it is advised that you only get one of either at a time unless one is on the other ear. Getting the tattoo first and the piercing much later will help you take proper care of your piercing and tattoo.
Signs of a problem
After getting an ear tattoo, it is normal to experience a bit of discomfort but you should see it getting better after a few days. If the pain is not reducing or getting worse, it might be an indication of a problem, like an allergic reaction or an infection. Visit your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after getting inked:
- Severe or worsening pain
- Itching, blisters, or a rash over the tattoo
- Pus or foul-smelling discharge on tattoo
- Fever
- Open sores
- Skin that is hot to the touch.
Tattoo aftercare
Avoid sunlight exposure. A new tattoo is sensitive to direct sunlight which can cause it to fade faster. You can use your hair to cover the tattoo when going out to keep it from the sun. Avoid applying sunscreen on your tattoo until it is properly healed.
Clean your tattoo every day. Ensure you clean your fresh tattoo daily with warm water and fragrance-free soap to keep it from getting infected.
Apply the right ointment. After getting your tattoo, avoid applying any heavy product like vaseline as your tattoo needs air to heal. For the first few days, use products that contain lanolin and Vitamins A and D.
Avoid scratching and picking your tattoo. Scabbing is part of your tattoo healing process but scratching or picking the scabs will delay the healing process and it might also cause scarring.
In conclusion, tattoos in the ear are pretty and possible to get. Once you understand the process listed above, you can book your inking date.
