Tribal tattoos, with their bold lines and symbolic designs, have long held a powerful appeal. However, what happens when you decide that your tribal tattoo, once a cherished piece of art, no longer reflects your personal style or carries the same meaning? This is where the art of the tribal cover up tattoo comes in. This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of covering up existing tribal tattoos, offering insights into design choices, artists, and the healing process.
What Makes Tribal Tattoos Difficult to Cover?
Before diving into the exciting possibilities of cover-ups, it's crucial to understand the challenges posed by tribal tattoos. Their often dark, solid, and intricate designs can present difficulties for artists looking to seamlessly blend a new tattoo over the top. The darkness of the ink can bleed through, especially with lighter cover-up designs. Furthermore, the placement and size of the original tattoo significantly impact the feasibility and complexity of a cover-up.
What are the Best Designs for Covering Up Tribal Tattoos?
The ideal cover-up design depends heavily on several factors: the size and placement of the original tattoo, the skin tone of the individual, and, most importantly, the client's personal style and preferences. However, some designs inherently lend themselves well to concealing dark tribal art.
Large-Scale Designs:
Larger, more elaborate designs offer the best chance of completely obscuring the underlying tribal work. Consider these options:
- Floral Designs: Intricate floral pieces, bursting with color and detail, are excellent at covering large areas and distracting from the original tattoo.
- Geometric Patterns: Bold geometric designs, featuring intricate lines and shapes, can effectively camouflage dark tribal inks.
- Biomechanical Designs: These futuristic, machine-like designs, often incorporating metallic hues and intricate details, can successfully conceal the tribal elements.
- Watercolor Tattoos: The fluid and blended nature of watercolor tattoos can create a visually stunning cover-up that minimizes the contrast between the old and new ink.
Strategic Color Choices:
The choice of colors plays a pivotal role in the success of a tribal tattoo cover-up. Darker colors tend to be more effective at concealing the original tattoo. However, incorporating lighter colors strategically can add depth and complexity to the design.
Finding the Right Tattoo Artist for a Tribal Cover-Up
Choosing the right artist is paramount. You need an artist with extensive experience in cover-up work, specifically with tribal tattoos. Look for:
- A strong portfolio: Their portfolio should showcase successful tribal cover-up projects, demonstrating their skills in blending colors and concealing dark ink.
- Consultation process: A good artist will take the time to understand your vision, discuss the challenges of your specific tribal tattoo, and propose design options that effectively address them.
- Detailed planning: A thorough consultation should involve detailed design sketches and realistic expectations regarding the final outcome.
How Long Does a Tribal Cover Up Tattoo Take?
The time required for a tribal tattoo cover-up varies drastically depending on the size and complexity of both the original and new designs. Expect multiple sessions, especially for larger cover-ups. Each session may last several hours.
How Much Does a Tribal Cover Up Tattoo Cost?
The cost of a tribal tattoo cover-up is influenced by numerous factors, including the size, complexity, and the artist's experience and location. Larger cover-ups naturally demand a higher price. It is crucial to discuss pricing thoroughly with your chosen artist during the consultation phase.
What is the Healing Process for a Tribal Cover Up Tattoo?
The healing process for a cover-up is similar to that of any other tattoo. Proper aftercare is essential to ensure the tattoo heals correctly and the colors remain vibrant. This includes:
- Keeping the tattoo clean and moisturized: Gentle washing and application of the recommended aftercare ointment are crucial.
- Avoiding sun exposure: Direct sunlight can fade the ink and damage the healing skin.
- Following your artist's instructions: Each artist has their preferred aftercare methods, and diligently following their instructions is essential for a successful healing process.
Can I Cover Up a Tribal Tattoo With a Smaller Design?
While possible, covering up a tribal tattoo with a smaller design is often less successful. The original dark ink may still show through, defeating the purpose of the cover-up. It's generally recommended to opt for a larger design to ensure complete concealment.
What if I'm Unsure About a Cover-Up?
If you're unsure about completely covering up your tribal tattoo, consider laser removal as an alternative. Laser removal can lighten or even eliminate the existing tattoo, allowing for a more versatile range of cover-up options later on. Consult with a reputable dermatologist specializing in tattoo removal for more information.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of tribal cover-up tattoos. Remember, choosing the right artist and carefully planning the design are key to achieving a stunning and successful result.
