Tattoo Essentials: Should a Tattoo Be Facing In or Out?

Tattoos are a form of self-expression apart from a fashion statement, which is why it's always a good idea to have one. You must be firm in your choice because it's not something you can easily remove. If you've decided that you'll get one, there are many designs for you to choose from. However, you also need to consider how your tattoo will look. For this reason, you need to decide if you should get a tattoo that's facing in or out.

For a long time, tattoos that are in are called "inner arm" tattoos. With these tattoos, it takes longer for the tattoo to heal because the skin is thicker than the skin of your arms. It also takes longer to heal because it's exposed to more friction than tattoos that are out. On the other hand, tattoos that are out are called "dermal" or "top-side" tattoos. These tattoos are usually on the arms, shoulders, and back. They are exposed to less friction and heal faster because they're out.

In this article, we'll weigh the options of picking tattoos facing in or out. Read on below to learn more.

Tattoo Placement Matters

Where you place your tattoo is crucial because unattractive tattoos can happen because of this. What's more, you don't want a tattoo design facing in because the ink will be visible from the outside. The ink will look like a blob or visible from the outside and the inside. You'll find it difficult to hide the tattoo because you can't wear sleeveless shirts.

If you're getting a tattoo facing in, you should know the downsides before deciding. It will take longer to heal, and you need to be aware that you'll need more touch-ups to maintain it. Usually, tattoos that are facing in have more detail than the ones that are facing out.

However, if you're getting a tattoo facing out, you should choose a simpler design. This is because if you go for complex designs, you'll find it harder to notice the tattoo when it's out.

More about Tattoos Facing In

Tattoos found on the wrist are the perfect example of tattoos facing in.

Wrist tattoos usually aren't that attractive because they're generally not facing out. They're usually covered with clothing, and so they're not visible. Get a tattoo design that you're sure will look good on the inside of your wrist. If you're going for a simpler design, it'll look good on the outside as well. So, you can either go for a simple design facing in or a complex design facing out.

To make sure that you find a design that looks good in both ways, you can choose black ink and a small design. This way, the design will look good from the inside and the outside.

More about Tattoos Facing Out

Tattoos found on the back of the neck are a great example of tattoos facing out. Many people get tattoos on their backs because they want something more visible. If you go here, be sure to go for a small design.

You'll realize that tattoos that are facing out usually have more detail than the ones that are facing in. This is because they're generally exposed to less friction. For this reason, they don't need to be touched up as often as tattoos facing in.

Choosing bigger designs is vital because you can't cover them up with clothing. You should also pick simple designs because they’re more visible from the outside.

Which Is the One for You?

If you're asking yourself that question, ask yourself two questions before deciding.

Firstly, do you want your tattoo design to be exposed? Tattoos that are facing out are exposed to the outside world. They're more visible because the ink is visible from the outside. On the other hand, tattoos that are facing in are better hidden. They're hidden because the ink is more visible from the inside of the body.

Secondly, ask yourself what kind of design you want. If you want a more visible design, you can get one facing out. If you're looking for a bigger and complex design, you should get a tattoo that's facing in.

Conclusion

Choosing a tattoo facing in or out is a matter of preference. Some people want to hide their tattoos because of external factors, while others want them to stand out. Regardless of choice, what matters is how you present your tattoo to whoever will see it.

If you’re looking for the best tattoo artists in Denver, Certified Tattoo is the tattoo parlor for you! Our team of experienced tattoo artists can do various art styles, and we also have covering and retouching services for anyone who wants their tattoos to look as fresh as they first got them. Contact us today to learn more!