Tattoos have long been a part of human culture. Yet, there are still many misconceptions and myths about tattoos and the artists who create them. Don’t be discouraged from getting one, and don’t let unnecessary fear hold you back. Here are some of the most common tattoo myths, and we’ll tell you what’s true and what’s not.

Myth 1: “Tattoos look ugly when you get older”

Many people believe that tattoos fade, stretch, and become ugly as you age, especially as your skin starts to sag. While it’s true that your skin changes with age, does that mean your tattoo will look bad? Absolutely not. The tattoo doesn’t automatically deform.

The truth: You’ll become a badass granny. The quality of the tattoo depends on the skill of the artist and how well you take care of it. UV rays can cause a tattoo to fade, so always use sunscreen with a high SPF. Tattoos can stay beautiful and vibrant, even on older skin.

Myth 2: “You bleed a lot from getting a tattoo”

Some people think that you lose a ton of blood when getting a tattoo, which can make them anxious, especially if they already have a fear of needles or blood.

The truth: During the tattooing process, you might lose a small amount of blood or lymph fluid, but it’s nothing like a wound that bleeds heavily. Experienced tattoo artists know what they’re doing. They know how deep the needle needs to go to avoid unnecessary injury and excessive blood loss. A tattoo is fairly superficial, so bleeding is minimal. It’s also good to know that the amount of bleeding can depend on the tattooing style. Bold work tends to bleed more than fineline tattoos.

Myth 3: “Use Vaseline to heal your tattoo”

There’s an old myth that Vaseline is the best product to use when healing a tattoo. This advice used to be common because it’s greasy and prevents the tattoo from drying out.

The truth: Vaseline actually blocks the tattoo from breathing, which can lead to clogged pores. In the worst-case scenario, it can trap bacteria inside. So, don’t mess around with Vaseline!

Myth 4: “Only sailors and bikers get tattoos”

Unfortunately, some people still associate tattoos with a “rebellious” lifestyle, like biker gangs. In the past, tattoos were more common in subcultures, but that’s no longer the case.

The truth: Nowadays, tattoos are much more accepted and are worn by people from all walks of life. For many, tattoos have personal, cultural, or aesthetic significance. The stigma is outdated and doesn’t reflect the diversity of people who are tattooed today. Themes have changed, and now people use tattoos to tell their own unique stories.