A tattoo on the head is one of the most complicated tattoos to perform, so it isn’t suitable for those inexperienced in the world of ink, whether you are the artist or the client. It’s a risky style, but brutal if it’s done correctly! 😉

However, we know that this type of art often raises some questions – from how much it hurts to how to cure the area – so we’ll try to answer them. Want to know more about head tattoo pain? Read on!

What you need to know before getting a tattoo on your head

When you get your tattoo, your head should be shaved. For the design to remain visible, you’ll need to shave the area. Although this may seem tedious, it’s also a great advantage: if for whatever reason, you want to hide your tattoo, you can simply grow out your hair.

What you can’t do no matter what is, shaving immediately after getting your tattoo; you should wait for a reasonable amount of time until the area is completely healed.

Also, consider that the skin on your head isn’t like the skin on the rest of your body so that the ink won’t last as long as in other areas; a head tattoo risks fading much faster.

How painful is a head tattoo?

Sitting in a chair while a needle vibrates your skull for hours isn’t a pleasant experience, and you have to be motivated to get it done. Equally, consider that the noise can be uncomfortable.

While everyone’s pain threshold is different, repetitive skin puncture tends to be more painful in the head because it’s one of the areas of the body with less fat, more nerve endings, thinner skin, and is closer to the bone.

However, there are people whose head tattoo was a painful experience and others who feel practically nothing. However, the most common cases aren’t so extreme: you are likely to feel the same discomfort as in any other part of the body. It can be painful, but not unbearable. You should also bear in mind that scalp skin is thinner, so it tends to bleed more.

🔥 Who are the best tattoo artists in the world?

How to care for a head tattoo? The healing process

Immediately after

Immediately after the tattoo is done, cover the worked area with a surgical-type patch or dressing to help a better and quicker recovery. This protects the open skin from bacteria, sunlight, and rubbing, thus preventing infection.

The protective covering should remain in place for at least three to four days after the procedure. When removing the patch, do so gently and slowly so as not to injure the area. When this happens, it’s normal for the tattoo to start oozing a mixture of plasma, blood, and ink, so don’t worry!

Week one

Tattooed skin may feel warm and have a reddish appearance. The colors may also appear very bright against the rest of the skin. Crusting is common in the first few days. Also, the ink may still come through the skin and should be washed off.

During the first week, clean your tattoo twice a day to remove excess plasma. Plasma is what forms scabs. If it is too much, larger scabs will form and may dry and crack, which could cause the tattoo to lose its definition.

Wash the tattoo only with clean fingers and not with a cloth or sponge, as this can irritate the skin and prematurely remove the scabs.

Use a soft towel to gently pat your tattoo dry. Next, apply a generous layer of tattoo-healing cream to intensely moisturize and repair the skin barrier. Try leaving the cream in the refrigerator for a cooling effect!

Hygiene is paramount at this stage, but opt to speed up your baths; spending too much time under hot water will interfere with crusting and prolong the tattoo’s healing time.

Don’t get your tattoo wet for the first three to six weeks, except when washing it. If you go to the beach, don’t sunbathe directly.

Even in the city, you can wear a soft, loose-fitting cap to protect yourself. You should also avoid potentially contaminated environments (saunas, hot tubs, swimming pools, or dusty places), as they pose a higher risk of infection.

🔥 Top Tip: Wash the tattooed area very carefully with lukewarm water and a mild, pH-balanced cleanser.

By the end of the first week, scabs should have already started to form on your tattoo. Don’t scratch or try to remove them.

Any redness or mild swelling usually disappears by the end of the first week. If the pain is severe, you have a fever or general malaise, the redness extends beyond the affected area, or your tattoo oozes white or yellow pus, consult your doctor.

Week two

During this stage, the scabs will begin to fall off on their own and your skin will begin to flake and peel. It’s important to be especially careful with washing and moisturizing during this period, as removing the scabs and damaging the tattoo is easy.

It’s likely to feel tight and itchy during this week, but you shouldn’t scratch it. A tattoo balm will help to moisturize and soothe the itch.

Week three

By this time, most of the scabs and flaking skin will have fallen off. The outer layers of the skin should be completely healed by the end of week three. The inner layers may take longer but require much less care.

The chance of infection is reduced once the outer layers of the skin have healed, as there is no open wound for bacteria to enter.

At this stage, your tattoo may look dull, because a thin layer of dead skin cells has yet to slough off. You might be tempted to peel off your tattoo with a brush, but don’t do it!!!!!!

If you are consistent in moisturizing and protecting your skin daily, this last veil of skin will disappear naturally and, in a few weeks, your tattoo will be revealed in all its glory.

Months after

Moisturizing your skin regularly will help your tattoo look shiny and clear. Don’t scratch and watch out for cuts and grazes.

Also, applying sunscreen daily after it has healed is especially important in the first few months.

How long does it take for a head tattoo to heal?

Your tattoo will finish healing in 15 to 20 days!