Thinking of getting an "inkless" tattoo. Any thoughts or educated advice?

Question

I was asked why. Because I want the word "hope" on my inner wrist. However, I am in the white collar world where having a visible tattoo can jeopardize my job. Whereas I can NOT be fired for having a scar.

I was asked why. Because I want the word "hope" on my inner wrist. This word has a deep meaning for me. However, I am in the white collar world where having a visible tattoo can jeopardize my job. Whereas I can NOT be fired for having a scar.

Answer 1

Here this might answer all your questions:

http://www.ringsofdesire.com/etching.html

I have a midsized etching on my back, not because of my job (in wearing my suit, no one can see it anyway), but because I've always been more partial to branding and scarification, but unfortunately traditional methods of scarring don't allow for truly fine detail and usually end up looking like something created by a 5 year old. Etching on the other does a much better job of permitting fine detail artwork in a scar. And in response to those who say that the result will not be long lasting - to a certain extent this is true, all scars fade, however there are certain things that can be done to ensure that the scar does not fade too rapidly, and to achieve a form of semi-permanence. I've had mine for over two years now and it's still a very well defined white scar. If and when it does fade, I'll simply have the pattern retraced and go through the steps of picking the scabs and rubbing with Isopropyl alcohol.

Lastly, I have a friend who has both traditional tattoos and etchings, her take on the difference in pain is the etching creates a greater sense of "burning" due to the lack of lubrication from the ink. I wouldn't know as I am clean of true tattoos, but I didn't find it so bad, more like being scratched with a sharp nail.

Good luck.

Answer 2

There is no such thing as an inkless tattoo. A tattoo is a process where pigmented ink is inserted into the dermal layer of the skin. A tattoo artist could use the needles without ink, but any scab would fall away once the wound healed and would likely not leave much of a visible mark if any.

There are other body modifications that don't involve ink, such as branding or scarification in which the skin is deliberately burned or cut and a keloid is encouraged to form, sometimes by rubbing an irritant into the wound. This was a practice often seen in Africa and the south Pacific (Austrailia aboriganies) where darker skin would not take tattooing as well. This is a more extreme form of body modification and is more dangerous than tattooing, as there is a higher rate of complications and infection.

If you work at a job where a tattoo would be frowned on but really want one, you have a few options. You indicated that you would like it on the inside of your wrist, but that is easily hidden by your shirt sleeve. Depending on size, it could be very small and easily hidden under a watch band. I work in a very conservative office and I have no problem hiding my tattoos. I would think that a keloid shaped like a word would cause more difficulty than a very small and descretely placed tattoo.

Of course, you could always have it tattooed somewhere else on your body where it will definately be covered by clothing and eliminate the problem.

Answer 3

why not consider getting it done somewhere you can easily cover up while at work and easily show when not at work. Like a little further up the inside arm, you could cover it with a long sleeve or 3/4 length sleeve while at work. Or right under your collar bone, that could be covered easily... or on your back right below your neck, I think that's a cool place. I like tatoos, but they do look kinda trashy in the work place, inkless or not. I'd really consider getting it somewhere you can cover it up if you want to. Gives you a little more options.

Answer 4

have you ever thought of getting branded with hope instead of tattooed? because the tattoo scar will eventually fade away. or maybe you want it to fade over time.
and by branding i don't mean for them to take a hot brand and stick it to you. they will take a tool with a hot tip and will trace out the design on the skin. i have some friends who have been scarred in this way and it looks very good. good luck!

Answer 5

I agree with Somebody; go with branding.

The scar will fade and even if you choose scarification that scar can fade over time or become uneven.

Answer 6

why?