Tattooing has been around for thousands of years, yet it’s still surrounded by myths, half-truths, and outdated beliefs. With so much information online — and plenty of “advice” from friends of friends — it’s no surprise that many people arrive at a tattoo studio feeling unsure or misinformed.

At Inkredible Tattoo Studio, we believe that an informed client is a confident client. So let’s clear the air and bust some of the most common tattoo myths we hear after 13 years in the industry, working with experienced and award-winning artists.

Myth 1: Tattoos Always Look Bad When They Age

One of the biggest fears people have is that tattoos will inevitably blur, fade, or turn into an unrecognisable mess. The truth is: bad tattoos age badly — good tattoos age well.

How a tattoo ages depends on several factors:

• The artist’s experience and technique

• Line weight and spacing

• Colour choice and contrast

• Placement on the body

• Proper aftercare and sun protection

An experienced artist understands how ink settles into the skin and designs tattoos with longevity in mind. At Inkredible Tattoo Studio, we plan tattoos not just for how they look on day one, but how they’ll look 10, 20, or 30 years later.

Myth 2: All Tattoos Hurt the Same

Pain is subjective, but not all tattoo placements feel the same. Areas with more muscle and fat generally feel more manageable, while bony or thin-skinned areas can be more intense.

What’s often misunderstood is that pain does not equal quality. A tattoo hurting more doesn’t mean it’s better, and a smoother experience doesn’t mean corners are being cut. Skilled artists work efficiently, confidently, and with control — which often makes the process more comfortable.

Most clients are surprised by how manageable tattooing actually is, especially when they’re well prepared and tattooed by an experienced professional.

Myth 3: Cheap Tattoos Are Fine If the Design Is Small

This is one of the most dangerous myths. Size does not reduce the importance of quality.

Small tattoos still require:

• Clean, precise line work

• Proper depth control

• Correct spacing to avoid blurring

• Professional hygiene standards

In fact, small tattoos can be harder to execute well because there’s less room for error. Poorly done small tattoos are often the first to blur, fade, or require cover-ups.

A cheap tattoo is rarely cheap in the long run. Fixing mistakes, covering old work, or undergoing laser removal almost always costs far more than doing it properly the first time.

Myth 4: You Should Copy a Tattoo Exactly from the Internet

Reference images are useful, but copying tattoos directly is rarely a good idea. What looks great on one person may not suit another’s skin tone, body shape, or placement.

At Inkredible Tattoo Studio, we specialise in custom tattoo design. This means adapting ideas so they:

• Fit your anatomy

• Flow naturally with your body

• Age better over time

• Feel personal rather than generic

Custom tattoos aren’t about reinventing everything — they’re about creating something that belongs to you, not someone else.

Myth 5: Black Ink Is Always Safer Than Colour

Another common misconception is that black ink is somehow “safer” or more stable than colour. In reality, all professional tattoo inks used in reputable studios are regulated and safe.

What matters more is:

• Ink quality

• Artist knowledge

• Correct application

• Skin type and aftercare

Some colours fade faster than others, and certain tones work better on specific skin types — this is where experience makes a difference. A skilled tattoo artist knows how to choose colours that heal well and last.

Myth 6: Once It’s Healed, Aftercare Doesn’t Matter

Healing doesn’t stop after a few weeks. Your skin continues to regenerate for life, and how you treat it affects how your tattoo looks long term.

Sun exposure, dehydration, and neglect are some of the biggest causes of fading. Tattoos that are moisturised, protected with SPF, and cared for properly will always look better over time.

A quality tattoo studio in Sheffield doesn’t just tattoo you and send you away — it educates you on how to protect your investment.

Myth 7: Tattoo Artists Just “Draw and Tattoo”

Many people underestimate how much planning goes into professional tattooing. Tattoo artists are not just technicians — they are designers, problem solvers, and skin specialists.

Before a tattoo is done, a professional artist considers:

• Body movement and muscle flow

• Skin texture and elasticity

• Long-term ageing

• Balance and composition

• Technical execution

This is why experience matters so much, and why studios with long-standing reputations and award-winning artists command higher prices.

The Truth About Quality Tattooing

The biggest myth of all is that tattoos are just a commodity. They’re not.

A tattoo is permanent. It becomes part of your identity, your appearance, and your story. Choosing the right studio and artist is about more than cost — it’s about trust, expertise, and long-term satisfaction.

At Inkredible Tattoo Studio, we take pride in educating our clients, maintaining the highest standards, and delivering tattoos that stand the test of time.

Because once the myths are gone, one truth remains:

quality tattooing is always worth it.