Tattooing and Skin: Understanding Skin Types, Placement, and Technique

Tattooing and Skin: Understanding Skin Types, Placement, and Technique

  Levi Moskowitz

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Skin is the living canvas of every tattoo. Unlike paper or canvas, skin varies greatly from person to person — and even from one body area to another. For tattoo artists, understanding skin is essential for creating consistent, lasting results.

Key points about tattooing skin:

  • Skin structure: The epidermis (outer layer), dermis (tattooing layer), and subcutaneous tissue all influence how ink settles.
  • Skin types: Some clients have more sensitive or resilient skin. Factors such as age, hydration, and thickness affect healing and ink retention.
  • Placement matters: Areas like ribs, elbows, or hands can be more painful and harder to tattoo, while flat, fleshy areas like thighs or arms are easier to work with.
  • Skin stretching: Keeping the skin taut with fingers or palm pressure ensures smooth lines and even shading. Loose skin can cause wobbly lines or blowouts.
  • Aftercare: Educating clients about moisturizing and protecting their tattoo during healing is just as important as the tattooing process itself.

Professional tattooing requires not only the right tools but also the right knowledge of skin. At Baker Tattoo Supply, we provide high-quality tattoo supplies, needles, cartridges, and aftercare products to help artists achieve the best results on every skin type.

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