what you need to know about collarbone tattoos

what you need to know about collarbone tattoos

Introduction:

The Art and Significance of Tattoos: A Cultural Tapestry

Tattooing is an art form and expression that transcends age, culture, and geography. From ancient tribal symbols to modern graphic designs, tattoos have served as declarations of love, marks of status or bravery, expressions of individuality, and even forms of punishment. This article delves into the rich tapestry of tattooing, exploring its history, cultural significance, and the evolving attitudes towards this ancient yet ever-modern art form.

Historical Roots

The history of tattoos is as old as humanity itself. Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,300-year-old mummy discovered in the Alps, bore tattoo marks that were possibly therapeutic. Ancient Egyptian mummies have tattoos that denote status and beliefs. Polynesian cultures used tattoos to signify social rank, tribe affiliation, and achievements. In Japan, tattoos evolved from symbols of spirituality to works of art and, at times, marks of punishment.

What You Need to Know About Collarbone Tattoos

Are you looking for a trendy tattoo option? Rather than going for the popular spot like the arms, back, and legs, there is a more creative option. Collarbone tattoos can give you a severe edge, regardless of your chosen design. The location of the tattoo can be subtle, sultry, edgy, or elegant. Whether you’re getting your first tattoo or you’re an inked-up veteran, there are a few things you need to know about collarbone tattoos before going under the needle.

  1. Collarbone Tattoos Hurt

As most people know, getting a tattoo anywhere on your body will be painful. But those who have gotten collarbone tattoos will tell you it’s one of the more challenging locations. The collarbone is highly sensitive because there is a lack of fatty tissue. Plus, the bone itself is right beneath the skin, which also increases the amount of pain.

Some people have reported that getting the collarbone tattooed almost feels like the neck is also getting tattooed due to the vibrations from the needle.

This could be a boon for a first-timer because any tattoo after getting your clavicle inked won’t hurt nearly as much. Now, if you opt for the fleshier area beneath the bone, you won’t feel as much pain as you would covering the bone. Either way, be ready for some stinging.

Don’t want to feel the pain at all? You can call up your tattoo artist and ask about using numbing cream.

  1. Placement Is Essential

The location of a tattoo can make or break the design. So think about exactly where you want your collarbone tattoo placed. Does it go directly on the bone? Under the bone or above it? Inking anywhere on the bone will be the most uncomfortable, but the result will be one of a kind.

Other things to ask yourself include:

  • What kind of shirts do you wear most often? Your preferred clothing style can detract from your tattoo if the collar covers it.
  • If you get a text tattoo, do you want one lengthy, uninterrupted statement or an enormous paragraph? The size of the tattoo also influences placement.

Consider extensions of the tattoo. You should make the tattoo larger than just along the collarbone. For instance, the ink could descend to the chest muscles or along the neckline. Ultimately, you have the last say in how you want your tattoo to look, so be sure to assess the pros and cons of all the placement options and how each one would look on you.

  1. Various Designs and Styles Available

Collarbone tattoos are a statement piece. Not only are clavicle pieces prominent, but they also grab attention, regardless of their design. This is why you can opt for a delicate cursive script or a small picture and get the same result as a chest piece extending towards or past the collarbones.

In other words, the collarbones are a versatile place. You can get inspiring words or sentimental symbols. Flying birds, music notes, and feathers are all popular choices. If you’re looking for a collarbone tattoo that uses wording, go to a reputable tattoo shop in Philadelphia, like Oracle Tattoo. An artist who does exemplary line work is precisely what you’ll need!

  1. The Healing Process Has Special Considerations

Getting a tattoo on the clavicle will feel like any other tattoo—but maybe a bit more painful. However, that doesn’t mean the healing time will be longer. As with most tattoos, you can take precautionary steps to ensure your ink doesn’t get infected.

How to Heal a Collarbone Tattoo

  1. Keep the wrapping from the tattoo shop on your collarbone until you get home.
  2. Gently remove the wrapping, wash it with soap and water, and apply some ointment.
  3. Re-wrap your tattoo before bedtime or whenever you plan on moving around or playing a contact sport.
  4. Apply antibacterial ointment to the tattoo twice a day and wash it with water and unscented soap a few times throughout the day.
  5. Repeat this process for a couple of weeks. Continue applying unscented lotion to the tattoo to keep the skin moisturized. Avoid swimming, hot water, and sunshine during healing to protect your tattoo from fading, pain, and infections.

Special Considerations For Clavicle Tattoos

After getting your snazzy new collarbone tattoo, there are a few aftercare concerns you need to know about:

  • During the first couple weeks, avoid using heavy backpacks, purses, book bags, and totes on the shoulder.
  • Before going to sleep, apply some lotion or wrap the tattoo. New ink has a habit of sticking to bedding.
  • If you wear bras, you will want to purchase a strapless bra while the tattoo heals. Wear off-shoulder or halter tops, or go shirtless as often as possible.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, tattoos are deeply imbued with meaning. For the Maori people of New Zealand, the traditional “moko” facial tattoos are a rite of passage, representing lineage, status, and achievements. In the Polynesian context, tattoos, or “tau,” are a form of identity and personal narrative. In the West, tattoos were initially associated with sailors, soldiers, and outlaws, but they have become a mainstream form of personal expression and artistry over time.

The Art of Tattooing

Tattooing is an art that requires skill and precision. Artists use needles to deposit ink into the skin’s dermis layer, creating permanent designs. The styles and techniques vary widely, from the traditional hand-tapped tattoos of the Samoan “tatau” to the intricate, colorful designs of modern tattoo machines. Each tattoo artist brings unique styles, from photorealistic portraits to abstract geometric patterns.

Evolving Attitudes

The perception of tattoos has evolved significantly over the years. While once seen as rebellious or unprofessional, tattoos are now recognized as personal expression and art. Celebrities, professionals, and individuals from all walks of life proudly display their tattoos, showcasing their stories, beliefs, and aesthetic tastes. This shift reflects broader cultural changes toward accepting and appreciating individuality and self-expression.

Personal Significance

For many, tattoos are more than body art; they are deeply personal symbols of important life events, memories, or loved ones. They can remind us of overcoming challenges, marking significant achievements, or expressing unique philosophies. The decision to get a tattoo is often accompanied by considerable thought, reflecting the wearer’s identity, experiences, and aspirations.

50+ Meaningful Hand Tattoo Ideas for Men
50+ Meaningful Hand Tattoo Ideas for Men

 Tattoos are a powerful form of self-expression that bridges past and present, tradition and innovation. As society continues to evolve, so does the art of tattooing, reflecting the changing values, attitudes, and aesthetics of cultures worldwide. Whether as a mark of identity, a work of art, or a personal symbol, tattoos remain a profound way for individuals to tell their stories through ink embedded in the canvas of the skin.

A Few Things You Should Know About Collarbone Tattoos

If you’re a huge tattoo enthusiast or just thinking about getting your first one, you’ve more than likely been contemplating where you’d like to get some ink. Many opt for their arms, backs, and legs, or any space they still have open. However, many don’t really consider their collarbone, or clavicle, as an ideal spot for their tattoo unless it’s the only spot that’s still open (for those who can’t seem to get enough ink).

It’s an unusual choice due to its high visibility, but there are many elegant collarbone tattoo styles and designs out there for tattoo veterans and newbies alike. Whether you’re all tatted up or are a tattoo virgin, this article details the four things you should know before getting a collarbone tattoo.

what you need to know about collarbone tattoos
what you need to know about collarbone tattoos

Four Things to Know About Collarbone Tattoos

  1. Clavicle Tattoos Are Painful
  2. There Are Various Styles and Designs
  3. There Are Numerous Placement Options
  4. The Healing Process Is Mostly Standard

1. Clavicle Tattoos Are Painful

Getting any tattoo will cause some pain (just how much depends on your pain threshold), but many say that a tattoo on your collarbone is more painful than other spots. The collarbone is a sensitive area to get a tattoo due to the lack of fatty tissues. Collarbone tattoos, depending on where exactly you get them, can also be directly on the bone, and there’s not a lot of skin.

Any area where there is bone is painful, but it’s a popular place, so obviously, the pain is tolerable. If it’s your first tattoo ever, know going in that you’ve opted for a painful area, and other tattoos that you get later on probably won’t hurt as much as this one.

The level of pain you experience will depend on where exactly you’re getting the tattoo. If it’s right on the bone, it’ll hurt a lot. Some even feel like they’re getting their necks tattooed as opposed to their collarbones due to the strong vibrations during the tattooing process.

However, if you’re getting a tattoo in the slightly fleshier area just underneath your collarbone, it’s likely to be less painful. There are plenty of other tattoo locations that are more painful, but getting a collarbone tattoo is certainly no walk in the park.

2. There Are Various Styles and Designs

Collarbone tattoos range from dainty or word tattoos to bigger chest pieces. However, many who decide to get a collarbone tattoo want to make a statement since it’s at a very visible part of one’s body. The more popular collarbone tattoos seem to be wording and sayings, where people opt for delicate, cursive lettering to get their message across.

These types of tattoos can be simple words or inspiring, detailed sayings that mean a lot to the person getting them. They can also be tiny symbols that have sentimental meaning. Some opt for one single image, while others want a group of small tattoos lined along their collarbone. Currently, flying birds and music notes are popular.

If you’re looking to get a collarbone tattoo with some sort of wording or saying on it, it’s important to find a tattoo artist that does impeccable line work. Even though it seems like it would be an easy tattoo to get done that won’t take a lot of time, it’s still a challenging tattoo, considering the precision needed to make the line work perfect.

The more intricate your design, the longer it will take the artist to complete the work. Some tattoos require multiple sessions, although most collarbone tattoos (unless they are a landscape or another complex design) can be done in one session.

3. There Are Numerous Placement Options

Another thing to consider when getting a collarbone tattoo is placement. You can opt to get them right on your collarbone, right under it, or right above it. Your tattoo artist will be able to help you determine the right spot for the tattoo you want so that it looks visually pleasing when it’s all done.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re deciding where to get your collarbone tattoo:

  • What kind of shirts do you most often wear? Your preferred shirt style is important to consider—this combined with the placement of your tattoo will determine whether it’s most often visible, obscured by fabric, or partially obscured.
  • For text tattoos—do you want one long, uninterrupted line of text, or would you prefer a chunkier paragraph?

4. The Healing Process Is Mostly Standard

Getting a tattoo on your collarbone might be painful, but if you’re careful, it shouldn’t take longer to heal than other tattoo locations on your body. There are steps you can take to ensure your tattoo doesn’t get infected and speed up the healing process.

How to Heal a Tattoo

  1. Remove the bandage from your tattoo after about 24 hours.
  2. Apply antibacterial ointment to the fresh tattoo twice a day, and wash it with unscented soap and water a few times a day.
  3. Repeat this process for several weeks, then continue to apply unscented lotion to the tattoo to prevent it from drying out. (Avoid hot water, sun, and swimming during this time to prevent pain, infection, and fading.)

Special Considerations for Collarbone Tattoos

Here are some aftercare concerns you might want to think about before getting a collarbone tattoo:

  • For the first few weeks, be careful about backpacks, purses, book bags, shopping bags, and anything else you might keep on your shoulder.
  • Wear off-the-shoulder tops, halter tops, strapless shirts, or just go shirtless, depending on the exact location of your tattoo. If you wear bras, make sure to have a backup strapless bra (or a bra with interchangeable straps) ready to go before getting your tattoo.
  • Apply a protective layer of lotion before going to sleep (especially if you sleep on your stomach), as new tattoos can stick to the sheets.

7 Pros and Cons of Collar Bone Tattoos

The desire of some to be able to use their entire body as a tattoo art canvas leads us to the subject of the pros and cons of collar bone tattoos. The interesting thing about collar bone tattoos, as well as the pros and cons of the subject, is that we are talking about a deeply personal concept. Different people are going to respond to the pain and discomfort differently. As you discuss collar bone tattoos pros and cons this is something that should be kept in mind.

Collar Bone Tattoos

Tattoos in a general sense refer to a form of expression that is profoundly personal to most people. No matter where you get tattooed, you are going to want to be certain that it’s the right decision for you. While virtually all tattoos can be removed after the fact, we are still talking about work that will be costly and difficult.

The style possibilities with collar bone tattoos are quite frankly limitless. There are possibilities with the collar bone that from an aesthetic point of view, can’t be truly realized with any other part of the body. Take a look at some of the examples of collar bone tattoos, and you will see a tattoo possibility that can truly emphasize the unique impression that you want to make. However, before the work begins, you will definitely want to learn more about the pros and cons of collar bone tattoos.

The Pros of Collar Bone Tattoos

Some people choose collar bone tattoos in order to accentuate a certain message. Examples of collar bone tattoos can range from simple words and expressions, all the way up to deeply elaborate pieces of body art. Some people also like the way the collar bone tattoo can serve to accentuate the collar bone itself.

Again, the pros and cons of collar bone tattoos can emphasize certain pros or certain cons over others, since feelings and pain tolerances can vary from one individual to the next. Nonetheless, if you are going to discuss the pros and cons of collar bone tattoos, the following pros are likely to come up in conversation.

1. Potential for Expression is Immense
Naturally, those who want to express larger messages than something like an arm can accommodate will want to look for larger areas on their body. To that end, the collar bone affords a strong opportunity to express a large message.

2. Distinct
Then again, it doesn’t have to express a large message. The collar bone area is such that a small message or piece of art can be just as distinct a possibility for someone as a larger piece of art or larger message.

3. Guaranteed to Get Attention
Regardless of the tattoo you decide to get, if you opt for the collar bone, you’re opting for a part of the body that is going to get people’s attention.

4. Gender Neutral Area
Some people will tell you that there is no such thing as a gender-specific part of the body for tattoos. However, others believe that certain parts of the body are more popular for tattoos with one gender than with another. If you are in the second camp, you will be pleased to know that collar bone tattoos are popular with both men and women.

These are some of the positive points to consider with collar bone tattoos. There are also a number of negatives that are worth considering, as well.

The Cons of Collar Bone Tattoos

Collar bone tattoos can be the perfect tattoo idea for some, but they are not necessarily the best tattoo idea for others. When you consider the subject of whether or not to get a collar bone tattoo, you will want to consider the following cons:

1. Uncomfortable
The work involved can be extremely uncomfortable, even painful. This is a con that really depends on the individual. If you know your pain/discomfort tolerance to be low, you are not going to particularly enjoy the work involved in having your tattoo applied to your collar bone.

2. Too Much Attention
The fact that it is guaranteed to get everyone’s attention is not automatically a good thing. There are certain sects of our society that are quite frankly always going to have some sort of problem with the idea of tattoos. Certain parts of the body are easy to cover up. The collar bone is not the easiest thing in the world to hide. If you’re concerned about being able to get a certain kind of job, or make a certain kind of impression with certain people, a collar bone tattoo may not advisable.

3. Just Trendy for the Time Being
Some people believe collar bone tattoos are merely a trend. If it seems like these tattoos have become particularly popular over the past couple of years, you’re not wrong. These tattoos have become extremely popular in recent times. Some believe that this is merely a fad.

6 Things You Need To Know Before Getting A Collarbone Tattoo

Are you planning to get a collarbone tattoo? We share the six essential things everybody should know before getting their collarbone tattooed.
Tattoos are more popular than ever before.
Approximately 21% of all Americans have at least one.
Tattoos have hit the mainstream. No longer are they reserved for sailors, biker gangs, and skinheads. These days, every man and his dog seems to be tatted up to the rafters!
However, despite their prevalence, getting one is still worth mulling over. After all, they’re meant to last a lifetime! It’s worth taking a moment to think about a tattoo, though.
Tattoo placement is a critical consideration. Factors like pain and visibility vary according to where the tat is on the body.
Of all the places to put it, the collarbone is one location to think carefully about.
Are you considering getting a collarbone tattoo?
Please keep reading to discover six essential things to consider before getting it done.

  1. Visibility

Visibility is often a primary concern for people getting tattoos.

Now, if this isn’t your first rodeo, it will be less of an issue. Someone with many tattoos is unlikely to be bothered about hiding the latest addition!

However, other people might only always want their tattoos on display. After all, they often have personal significance. You don’t go around sharing your secrets with everyone. Hiding tattoos might serve a similar function. Heck, the tattoo itself might be secret!

It’s about choice. You get a tattoo somewhere that’s easy to hide, and people won’t see it- unless you specifically show it off. Likewise, rates of tattoo regret are unfortunately high! If you didn’t like the tattoo or made a horrible mistake in the process, it wouldn’t be on show to the world.

None of that’s possible with a collarbone tattoo.

Sure, you could wear turtlenecks every day. But, let’s face it, that wouldn’t be ideal. A tattoo here will be on show a lot. It’s a commitment. You’ll see it in the mirror every day. Everyone else will see it, too.

Make sure you love the design before getting it done!

  1. Attention

This one’s related:

What’s a symptom of that visibility?

Answer: attention.

Others will notice anything that’s on show on your body. That may be the exact reason you want your collarbone tattoo! It’ll catch people’s attention and draw their eye. Likewise, you can expect to have the same conversation repeatedly about your fantastic collarbone!

If you feel uneasy being scrutinized, then this might be worth considering. It’s your body. That means you’re well within your rights to do what you want with it.

Having a collarbone tattoo doesn’t give a passer-by license to look. But, in reality, whether you want them to or not, people will see and comment on it. Make sure you’re okay with that.

  1. Pain

Pain is another primary concern for most people getting their first tattoo.

Tattoos aren’t as painful as you might assume them to be. If they were, then not half as many people would get them.

That said, some locations on your body are more painful than others.

A rule of thumb is that anything close to the bone will feel more uncomfortable. That means knees, ankles, ribcages, and, yep, you guessed it, collarbones will be more painful than others.

If you know you have a low pain threshold, then think twice about opting for a tattoo here. The worst thing that could happen is to get halfway through and have to stop. You’ll have a half-finished tattoo for everyone to see and comment on for the rest of your life!

No one wants that.

  1. Placement

Let’s say you’ve decided on a collarbone tattoo.

The next thing to think about is the exact placement of it. Many opt for tattoos on the bone, under it, or above it. On the bone is likely to feel most uncomfortable!

Likewise, you could extend the tattoo into other areas: the chest, shoulder, and neck could all come into play. The design will play a large part in what makes the most sense to you.

Try outlining the tattoo in a pen on the different parts. Take photos of each and assess which one looks best for you. Doing so will guarantee you’ll like the actual finished article.

  1. Design

Tattoo placement and design go hand in hand.

It’s like the composition of artwork on canvas. The layout of the foreground plays a significant role in the overall aesthetic. It’s essential to use the space effectively to maximize the look of the tat.

Likewise, with a collarbone tattoo. Consider the area of your body and think carefully about how to fit a design around it. Indeed, everyone’s body is different. For example, the bones in the collar area may protrude, or they may not. Here are some top tattoo ideas to spark some inspiration.

Of course, there’s no absolute limit to the designs available. It’s your body and your money! Do what you like. That said, typical examples include wording and feather-shaped designs that follow the line of the bone.

  1. Movement

Remember that your tattoo often moves with your body.

It depends on the design and exact placement of your collarbone tattoo. However, this may be something else to think about.

That’s especially true if the that extends to the surrounding area. Your shoulders and neck are always moving. This would have an impact on the aesthetic of the tattoo. It would alter according to your body position.

Think about how the tattoo might change with the moment of your upper body.

Time to Get Your Collarbone Tattoo

There you have it: 6 essential things to know before getting your collarbone tattoo.

Tattoos are trendy these days. But the decision is still one to take seriously. After all, you’re choosing to mark your body permanently. Rushing into a tattoo is rarely a good idea!

As we’ve seen, this is particularly true for collarbone tats. Hopefully, this post has provided some food for thought for anyone considering getting one.

Still, set on your tat? Contact us today to book yourself in, or pop by our Las Vegas Tattoo Shop for a consultation.

Wrapping Up

A collarbone tattoo is a huge statement piece, even if the size is small. Because the collarbone has bone, any tattoo in this region can be more painful than others in fleshier places. If you can sit through the pain, you’ll have an incredible piece of art that is forever yours to enjoy.

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