So you want a tattoo. How exciting! I think tattoos are so freaking cool and love it as form of personal artwork. But before you can get new ink, there are a few things to consider.
Not only do you have to find what kind of tattoo you want design wise, you have to also figure out where you should get the tattoo on your body. That can be difficult for sure, but after having a lot of experience getting new ink, I can hopefully make it an easier decision for you.
To give you some back story, I was 18 when I got my first tattoo and it was not my last. Now i have have 10 tattoos and I definitely have more in mind for the future.
I went to place called Revolver Tattoo in New Brunswick, NJ and the funniest part is, my mom picked the spot! She wasn’t a fan of tattoos, but she wanted to make sure I went somewhere clean and supported me through the experience. (she was sooo cool for that!)
The one thing that too me a LONG time to decide was the best place to get a tattoo as a future working woman. I was just starting college and I wasn’t quite ready to hit the corporate world, but I knew I didn’t want my tattoo to impact opportunities down the line (at least corporate opportunities).
So ultimately I decided on my upper back (shoulder blade area) and while it did hurt a bit, especially as my first tattoo, it was easily hidden when i had my shirt on…perfect for when I had to go to work.
Maintaining professionalism while having tattoos can be difficult but it is not impossible. You still should feel proud to have artwork that is meaningful in some way to you.
So after getting several tattoos over the last few years, I have compiled what I think are the 10 places you should get your next tattoo. Especially for us working women!
Keep in mind, some places on your body will hurt more than others. But if you’re a trooper, it will be worth it!
1. Forearm Tattoo
The forearm is a great place to get a tattoo because it can be hidden by a long sleeve shirt. The only downside it can be limiting if you like short sleeve tops or live in a hotter climate. If so, try getting it further up your forearm that way it’s pretty easily hidden no matter what!
2. Arm Tattoo
I love this spot because it is SUPER easy to hide depending on how far up the arm you go. It’s also on the external part of the arm where there is more flesh. Making it a less painful place to get tattoo (also depending on size of tattoo and design).
3. Thigh Tattoo
Thigh tattoos can be shown off easily while wearing shorts or a skirt when you want. But they also have the ability to be easily hidden. I have a thigh tattoo that I’ve been able to hide pretty easily while maintaining a professional appearance at work. And did I mention how cute they are?!
4. Spine Tattoo
Now this one may hurt a bit but it is a great hiding place! I have two tattoos on different parts of my back. The pain will vary depending on exactly where you put it. Expect to feel extra pain if you plan to get it on your spine as depicted in the picture above! With a little more pain than other spots, it’s still a cute placement for a tattoo!
5. Finger Tattoo
Finger tattoos may seem to be hard to hide per say, but depending on style and design, they can be seemingly unnoticeable. Most people aren’t staring at your fingers so this can work (again depending on design) to hide it in your work environment. You can always opt for inside the fingers for extra privacy!
6. Wrist Tattoo
Wrist tattoos are a great way to hide small tattoos that you can still see yourself. Tattoos on your back or spine can be harder to see on a day to day basis so this may be good if you’re looking to get artwork you can actually see. Also, pain level is pretty minimal for simple designs which makes this a great spot to get a tattoo.
7. Foot/ Ankle Tattoo
Foot or ankle tattoos can be great places to get a tattoo which can be hidden if necessary. I have not gotten a foot tattoo but because of the delicate skin, i think it is safe to assume that there is some extra pain so just be mindful!
8. Shoulder Tattoo
Shoulder tattoos is a great place to get some artwork as they are something you can pretty easily see yourself and can be hidden with a regular ol’ shirt any day. Also, there is a lot of room here to expand on existing artwork without worrying about what anyone may see at work!
9. Shin or Calf Tattoo
I don’t have one but i think calf tattoos are so sick! There is so much area that you can play with and unless you are adamant about showing legs at work, it can be hidden well.
10. Ribs or Under Boob Tattoo
The ribs or under boob area is a great place to get a tattoo because it can always be hidden in a professional environment. I will say that the ribs do hurt so keep in mind if you have a lower threshold for pain, you may want to go for something simple and less detailed!
Those are the 10 places that I would recommend getting a tattoo that you can have as a working woman. Let’s face it, hiding tattoos isn’t ideal but sometimes we may have to bite the bullet to make sure it doesn’t get in the way of our professional development.
