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So many people nowadays are very keen on body modifications. Out of all these, piercings may be the most popular. When the normal earlobe piercing is not enough, you can always get a cartilage piercing as a way to enhance your look and add to that “wow” factor.

If you have already made up your mind about getting a cartilage piercing, you are likely wondering about a few things. Specifically, what will you experience during the piercing and after? What types of jewelries should and can you wear during and after the healing process?

Asking all these questions are natural and are actually important – especially if you are new to the whole piercing business. It is a unique experience and far different than the usual ear lobe pierce. If you are getting a cartilage piercing or just plain curious, read on for all things you should know about it.

What is a Cartilage Piercing?

Ear lobe piercings and even the navel or eyebrows pierce through skin. This is perhaps the most common type of piercing. However, there is another one that is also rather common – the cartilage piercing.

Basically, it is a way of piercing through the skin and the cartilage.

But what is a cartilage? If you haven’t been paying attention during your biology class in school, the cartilage is a connective tissue. It is present in various parts of our bodies, for example the ears and nose. Our cartilage is harder than skin but softer than bones, making it possible to be pierced by a needle or a piercing gun.

The cartilage in our ears can be found on the upper part. This is where cartilage piercing takes place. But there are various names for various places around the ears. Nonetheless, they are known to be under the category of cartilage piercing.

This body modification has been very popular among women. However, more men are getting these piercings over the years as well.

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Types of Cartilage Piercing

Cartilage is present in various parts of the body. It is in your ears and your nose – two places where you can get piercings.

Today, we will be focusing more on ear cartilage piercings. Here are some of the areas and the types of piercings you can get.

• Helix – The helix is located on the outer rim of the ear and extends from over the lobe and curves around to meet the temple. You can get as many piercings here as you want. So much so that cartilage piercing and helix piercing has become synonymous.
• Anti-helix – This is the curve of raised cartilage inside the helix. The part where the helix and anti-helix meet is where you can get a snug piercing.
• Conch – This is the inner part of the outer ear.
• Tragus – This is the little triangle on the outside of the ear canal. It has a thicker layer of cartilage.

You can also get the industrial piercing. It pierces two sides of outer and upper part of the ears. With two piercings, it can take longer to heal.

What Happens During a Cartilage Piercing?

To be completely honest, getting a cartilage piercing is the same with getting any kind of piercing. And it is usually over before you even know it.

But most people do have some mixed emotions before getting one. A lot of experienced piercing enthusiasts are most likely excited with their new pierce and would be planning which jewelries to buy once it is healed. For newbies, it is normal to feel anxiety and nervous. You might be worrying whether you will be in a lot of pain. Or sometimes, you can’t even help but imagine the worst.

With a good piercer and following their direction, you will be absolutely fine.

As far as the process goes, here is how it usually goes:

Step One:

Select and find a piercer. It is much better if your piercer is recommended by someone you know or close with. If you have found one, go to them and select a jewelry you will be wearing. It will take quite a while before you can start changing your jewelry so you should choose one that you are comfortable wearing for perhaps a few weeks to a couple of months or so.

Step Two:

This one is important and should always be done: your piercer should disinfect the area where you’ll be pierced. The needles they use should also be disinfected. This is to avoid possible risk of infection as it heals.

They will then mark the place where you want to be pierced. It’s really just a dot done with surgical marker.

Step Three:

The piercer will ask you to either lay on a bed or recline on a chair. You should be comfortable. Then they will simply pierce the area with a hollow needle or a gun. If they did it with a needle, the jewelry will be placed afterwards.

And that’s it. You are done. Just wait for it to completely heal and you can now change your jewelry whenever you please.

What Happens After Getting Pierced?

Getting pierced will be painful. But it’s not unbearable and since the procedure only took a little while, the pain won’t be extreme.

However, a few hours after getting pierced, you will still likely feel a little sting. But you will feel the warmth more. The pain and the heat can stay up to a couple of days yet it will be more less intense than the first few hours. If it lasts longer than that and you see bumps and puss coming out of your pierce, contact a physician immediately.

How Painful is a Cartilage Piercing?

Ranking a cartilage piercing pain can be difficult since everyone handles pain a little differently. For those with low pain tolerance, it would be really painful. For those who can handle a lot more, there’s hardly any pain.

There are also several types of cartilage piercing and each one can have a different level of pain. Helix piercings, for example, is when you get pierced on the upper rim of the ear. This is considered as a cartilage piercing. You will feel less pain if you compare it with getting a snug piercing. Snug piercing is located on the middle outer rim of the ear where the needle goes through a thicker area of cartilage.

Also, ear cartilage piercings are better than nose cartilage piercings – which makes a lot of sense. Your nose is more sensitive to pain than ears do.

However, you have to know that getting pierced will cause pain, no matter where it is located. Still, it is completely tolerable.

But really, the initial pain is not what you should be worried about. Enthusiasts struggle more with the first couple of weeks after getting their piercing. Since your wound is still healing, it tends to get more painful.

How Long Does a Cartilage Piercing Heal?

Cartilage piercings will take more time to heal than your average skin piercing. But just like with the pain level, you can not really tell exactly when a cartilage piercing heals.

There are several factors that you have to put in mind that changes the healing time. For example:

• How healthy are you? With a better immune system, you will be able to heal yourself faster. That is why you should take care of yourself if you intend to get body modification procedures such as tattoos and piercings.
• Where is the piercing located? Thicker areas of cartilage will take more time to heal than areas with thinner layers. Apart from that, if the area is usually disturbed and irritated, it will take longer to heal.
• Did you encounter infection? If you developed an infection on your piercing, chances are it will take a lot longer to heal. That is because you first need to guarantee that the infection is completely gone. And then the body will come back to healing the wound.

That being said, you will have to wait an average of 4 to 12 months of healing time.

Cartilage Piercing Aftercare Guide

In order for you to enjoy your piercing earlier, you have to take good care of your piercing for the duration of its healing time. You want to avoid getting it irritated and developing infection.

With that being said, here are some dos and don’ts when it comes to cartilage piercing aftercare.

Be gentle with your movements.

This is especially important during the first few weeks of getting your piercing. Apart from chances of irritating the area and getting infection, it will also be painful for your part.

It does not matter whether you are cleaning your wound or your body in general, just be gentle with your movements around the part. Even putting on your top should be done in a gentler manner. Just be aware that you have this wound that you should be working around.

Always clean your piercing.

Clean your piercing with saline solution and cotton. It’s better to do it twice a day; once in the morning and once before you go to bed. Again, be gentle with your movements but try to thoroughly clean the area. Make sure that you also get the solution on the wound.

But before anything else, clean your hands well before handling your new piercing.

No touching.

Avoid touching if unnecessary. And that means no touching with your hands or with other objects. If you got a cartilage piercing on your ears, you will have to avoid receiving calls on that side. You can’t also use earphones or headphones.

Do not change the jewelry.

You might have this urge to change your jewelry after a few weeks. But unless it is fully healed, don’t. You’ll only end up irritating the area and it will also be painful. It’s like going through the process again, only a couple more times stressful and painful. If you can’t put back your jewelry because of the pain, it will likely heal and close up and you don’t want that.

Again, be careful with the jewelry you choose and make sure you’re okay with it. You’ll have plenty of options and time to change them when it has healed.

Change your sheets every day.

This is a hard chore but very well worth it. You should change your pillow sheet, bed sheet, and even your blanket every day and wash them as soon as you can. This is to avoid getting infection.

Wash these sheets with antibacterial laundry soap just in case.

Be wary of how you sleep.

This may be the most challenging of all. You can’t really tell what’s happening when you are asleep. So even if you do not want to move, you will likely still move and lay on the side where your piercing is. There are chances that you will wake up with a bloody piercing. That could be caused by sleeping on it.

It is hard but try to sleep on one side or on your back.

Do not pick off the crust.

One sign that your wound is healing is when it starts oozing some white-yellow stuff. This can form into crust around the wound and your jewelry.

However, do not pick it off. It will fall on its own so do not pick it off. You will be disrupting the nature cycle of its healing and you can actually cause infection. Let it heal on its own and if you’re really worried about how it looks, just try cleaning the area with saline solution.

Piercing Infection

We are all trying to avoid infection whenever we get any kind of wound; intentional or unintentional. If you are getting a cartilage piercing, it is best to keep it clean always. Know that cartilage infection is much more painful than a skin infection.

Before you drive to your physician, you should know which signs should be a cause for alarm. Swelling, pain, and warmth are common for a new piercing. You will notice these for a few days after getting your piercing. Itching and oozing of a white-yellow fluid is natural and a sign that the wound is healing.

If you suspect that you got one, here are the symptoms to double check if you do have an infection.

• yellow, green, or gray discharge
• uncomfortable pain
• uncomfortable swelling
• fever
• nausea
• chills
• dizziness
• vomiting

As soon as you feel these symptoms, make sure that you go to your doctor. They will provide you with medication. Infections can be treated but it should heal first before your piercing starts healing itself again.

Choosing the Jewelry for your Piercing

The first jewelry you choose will be the one that you will use until your piercing heals. That means it can potentially be your jewelry for a year.

That being said, choosing which kind of jewelry is important. It should be high-quality and make sure that you are not allergic to the material. Metals like gold and titanium are great choices.

There are also several types of jewelries that you can use. Each type provides you with endless options of designs. Here are some types of jewelries you can use:

1. Studs

The studs is great for a helix piercing. Simple studs are perhaps the most popular. But labret studs are also gaining some attention. These kinds of earrings have different designs and can be made from different types of metals.

2. Captive Rings

Captive rings are perfect for conch piercings. But it’s a rather universal earring and can be worn on various parts of the ears. It it is a circular jewelry with a ball or decoration and a segment that pops out for insertion and taking off. You can close it by popping the segment back in the dimple.

3. Hoops

These look a lot like captive rings without the balls and decorations. It can be made from different types of materials and a segment can be popped out. You just need to pop it back to close it.

4. Straight Barbell

Barbells are usually worn on other parts of the body and other types of piercings. But you can see straight barbells being used on other cartilage piercings such as in the tragus or an industrial piercing. Straight barbells are pretty much long and straight jewelries with decorations on one end – usually a ball or stone.

5. Curved Barbell

This is the type of barbell jewelry that is often used in various cartilage piercings such as conch piercings. These are shorter than straight barbells and are slightly curved. The decorations or balls are on both ends.

6. Circular Barbell

Circular barbells are pretty close to looking like captive rings but both ends do not meet. Instead, each end has its own balls, gems, charms, or other types of decorations. These are perfect for a lot of cartilage piercings such as daith, conch, and helix piercings.

7. Clickers

Clickers are a lot like circular barbells but instead of balls, it has a straight horizontal section that pops out. One end has a dimple where the segment can be popped into to close it. This is a perfect jewelry for daith piercings.

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Seeing Selena Gomez tattoos would be like taking a peek into her life. The world has seen the former Disney darling grow from the young Selena Gomez who first appeared in the Television series Barney & Friends to the fine woman she has become at 25 years of age.

The multi-talented beauty has not only featured in the series. She is also a renowned actress whi has starred in several award-winning films. Such titles include Spring Breakers, Another Cinderella Story, and The Fundamentals of Caring.

It is not just her acting career that has given her front page covers but her singing prowess which began way back when she was with Selena Gomez & the scene teen pop band before going solo in an album that was released in 2013.

The Life of Selena Gomez

As is of celebrities Selena Gomez is a star whose lifestyle and fashion sense has keenly been followed by thousands of her fans looking to emulate her looks. Her tattoos, in particular, stand out. After having her first ink, it is like the superstar cannot have enough of inking and its aura. For the record, the artist said that her first ink would be her last and only one. However, her style grew and so did her tattoos.

Selena Gomez tattoos have almost become synonymous with her name. That makes us believe these are her way of showing out her other side; the side which the cameras might not just capture well enough.

The most prominent stories and gossips on Selena Gomez have been with her ex-boyfriend Justin Bieber. Apparently he had a tattoo of the charming star we have all grown to love. It is not just Bieber who has been moved to have a tattoo of the actress and singer. Nowadayas, we can see pictures of her fans showing off her figure on their body.

Getting famous people tattooed on fans’ bodies is not new to us. Still, on Justin Bieber, it is rumored that his influence has been a major reason why Selena Gomez went ahead to get a number of tattoos. But that is for you to judge so let’s take it with a grain of salt.

Selena’s Tattoos

Below is a list of Selena Gomez tattoos and their meanings;

This is the most recent tattoo for Selena Gomez to have. And seriously, it’s giving us all the more reason to make it to the top of our list.

The tattoo is a result of the motivation from her latest project ‘13 Reasons Why’ – a Netflix produced series. Gomez worked on the series as an executive director alongside her mother. The story revolves around the mystery surrounding a girl who committed suicide. The series, from then, had become a great eye-opened for the struggles of having depression. Unfortunately, this has struck thousands of people – old and young. It’s something that they have to go through on a daily basis.

As a tribute to the series, a part of the crew which includes Tommy Dorfman, Alisha Boe, and Selena Gomez got the tattoo on their wrists.

The Project Semicolon

Unlike what you might think the small semicolon on their writs is not just a random idea that one of them had and decided to give meaning. Instead, it is a result of Project Semicolon. It’s from an organization that has taken up the mandate to support individuals suffering from mental health issues. These include helping those suffering from depression, suicidal thoughts, and self-injury.

According to the organization, the symbol is a way of saying that the author could have ended a story, but chose not to. This is a sign of hope to those who are struggling with these conditions. It’s a way of saying that they can have a new chapter in their lives if they only continuu; that they can for help to overcome the struggles.

Tommy Dorfan gave more light to the tattoo by opening about his past struggles with addiction and depression. He said he had this throughout high school and early college thinking he’d never make it past 21. He then went ahead to encourage his fans undergoing the struggle to allow their life story continue as it could be the hope the world needs.

Just below Selena Gomez right shoulder is an artistically done Arabic tattoo. It translates to ‘Love Yourself First’. The four-inch tattoo was done by her favorite New York artist Bang Bang McCurdy. The artist has been behind the needle for most of her tattoos. Written in the classical and flowing nature of Arabic writing in small felt manuscript cursive the tattoo is in dark ink creating a beautiful contrast with Selena’s body.

From a distance it makes her look like an Arabic lady covered in the traditional Henna tattoos. It’s the kind of touch any tattoo fan would gladly have. To floss the body art, Selena Gomez has been spotted countless times with a bareback dress. These are the types of dresses that provides a full view of the beautiful tattoo.

The message on the tattoo is also as clear as its translation; evidence of what Selena believes should be given priority in everything, yourself. A standing fact about this tattoo is she had it while dating Justin Beiber. Just maybe, it was a message both to herself and the world as it was in the midst of breakup rumors.

Yes, Selena Gomez has a religious side. This tattoo could be her note to herself considering she had it vertically down her hip;  the tattoos we only get to see when she is by the beach or having a summer vacation. Gomez’ tattoo says ‘God Strengthens me’ . It is no wonder that the pop sensation’s Bible verse of all times is in Philippians 4:13 that state; “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

This tattoo is perfect for those who rightly believe that they can do anything with God. Many religious people do believe that God helps them become stronger. If you share the same feeling and religious idea as Selena then having this powerful quote is a way to go.

Selena Gomez has a style when it comes to tattoos making the most out of a minimal letter with the ‘g’ in this case or symbol like for the semicolon tat. She had this tattoo behind her left ear and for long kept people second-guessing its meaning until she finally revealed it in a talk show in 2015. Letter ‘g’ comes first in her kid sister’s name (Gracie) which Selena opted to have in small letters to bring out the beauty of it all.

The family is a symbol of unity, and to Selena Gomez, nothing would show much appreciation to her little sister than having a tattoo of her first name. You could settle for this style by having the name of a close family member or parent on you to show how much they mean to you.

On the back of Selena Gomez neck is a Roman Numerals tattoo that reads ‘LXXVI’ for seventy-six. The tattoo was done in thin but subtle lines and given the place she had speculations have it must be the date when her mother was born in 1976. Having the body art is a place easily visible as just below the hairline on the neck must be someone special as a mother. Selena Gomez has not denied the much viral statement that it is her mother’s year of birth but as well has not publicly admitted it to be so.

However, a close source of her renowned tattoo artist Bang Bang McCurdy who did this piece reveals it is a tribute to a close family member. Tattoo fans including many other celebrities hold ancient crafts especially those of civilizations which were a force to reckon with such as the Greeks, Egyptians, and Vikings very dear. Its beauty is having a touch of timelessness by combining the traditional and modernity.

Like the brilliance, Selena Gomez is especially when she unleashes her gorgeous smile a tattoo that says sunshine lights her right foot. The simple text is a tribute to her grandmother Debbie Jean Gibson who was a pillar as she raised her up after her parents divorced. Selena Gomez also refers to her grandmother as ‘Nana’ an intonation she has stuck to from her days as a little child.

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The discovery of this tattoo was during Selena Gomez trip to Miami where it was discovered while she was in a one-piece black bikini that exposed a greater part of her hips. When she had the tattoo is unknown, but after the photo went viral, it has become an accepted part of the celebrity. In Hindu, Om is among the most important symbols said to have the power to clear the mind of distractions and thoughts when chanted.

This was Selena Gomez first tattoo and is found on her right wrist. The tiny musical note came at the period she decided to take a break for the teen pop band. During that moment, she wanted to place more attention to her acting career. It could be her reminder that music was her first love. It will stay with her forever even when she is not on stage or recording.

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Polynesians were among the first to incorporate body art into their culture. Each and every Polynesian tattoo was designed specifically for the wearer. Chiefs would have amazing details on their bodies to show their status and power. The same goes for every elder and warrior.

Polynesian tattoo designs are not just made to be beautiful. These tell stories about the person and the culture itself. While tribal tattoos these days are more for show, traditional Polynesian inks were rich in meaning and history.

For the natives of Samoa, Hawaii, Marquesa islands, New Zealand, and the Cook islands, tattoos are a part of their identity.

History of the Polynesian Tattoo

Polynesian cultures didn’t have a writing system, historically. Tattoo art and the images they conjure have been one of the ways that they were able to communicate with each other and with other tribes. The majority of Polynesian society got inked back then. These were their way of indicating social hierarchy, sexual maturity, and ranks in the society.

Captain James Cook was the one who brought the word “tattoo” in Europe after he explored the islands in the Polynesian triangle. He also brought a Tahitian with him to Europe, and it was then that tattooing became widespread.

Stories about European sailors who got tattooed by Polynesian tribes were also abundant. As they sailed back home, their adorned bodies brought the culture of Polynesia to their countries.

Polynesian tattoos are believed to have been around for 2000 years.

Tattoos in Tonga and Samoa

Polynesian tattoo started being a highly refined art around Tonga and Samoa. Tongan warriors would have tattoos from the waist to their knees. Designs were often in geometrical patterns – with a repeated triangle motif and solid black areas. They would get tattoos from priests that have undergone long training and rituals.

Samoan culture also highly revered their tattooing process. It will be done by a person from the lineage of tattoo artist – it was one of the highly respected positions in the tribe. Just with Tongan tattoo, Samoans would have their from the waist down to the knees.

Even women in Samoa would get tattoos. While men’s designs are bolder, theirs are often more delicate. Geometrical flower-like patterns would adorn their hands and the lower part of the body.

Tattoos in Different Parts of Polynesia

Polynesia has over 1000 islands. Each of these place has their own culture and society so it’s not surprising to know that each tribe and island has their own way of tattooing. It could be based by the design or how they are made.

Marquesan tattoos

Historians believe that the first people of Polynesia landed on the Marquesa Islands. As time went by, they spread around the the surrounding islands.

In the island, tattoos are known as marks of beauty. They get inked for aesthetic purposes and appear more attractive. Apart from that, getting tattooed also marked the rites of passage they went through in life.

Samoan tattoos

Samoan tattoos were all about the wearer. It signifies his or her social status – narrating everything about him/her from their age, social standing, and rank in place in their life. Both men and women get larger sized tattoos that could take a grueling experience.

Men’s tattoos are known as pe’a. This is usually done under the rib cage to the ankles and have larger solid black areas. Female tattoos are known as malu. Although the tattoos are bigger in size, they lack the black spaces. Most Samoan females also have tattoos on their hands.

This kind of Polynesian tattoo would be done with a pig or shark’s teeth. Once the tattooing has started, they have to continue doing it until the very done. Otherwise, it would mean disgrace for the wearer.

Tonga tattoos

Tonga tattoos were very similar to Samoan tattoos. That’s because both art define the wearer and his life. They are more than just art that adorns their bodies like accessories; these are their life story.

Hawaiian tattoos

Hawaiian tattoos are personal to the wearer – but not as extensively as both Tongan and Samoan tattoos. The designs often have a meaning that is related to the wearer. They also wear designs that are used to dedicate to their deceased loved ones.

However, most Hawaiian tattoos were known as talismans or protections. Usual elements include abstract tribal patterns, turtles, and flowers.

Maori tattoos from New Zealand

The Maori tribe which inhabits New Zealand are perhaps well known for their unique Polynesian tattoo style. Theirs consists of spirals which is then modified as the wearer gains age and experience. However, it’s not just the design that made them world-famous. It’s where they place their tattoos.

Maori tattoos are often done on the head. They believe that it’s the most sacred part of the body and denotes their pride in their culture.

Tiki tattoos

According to Polynesian belief, Tiki was the first human being. Because of its great significance to the culture, Tiki tattoos are among the most popular.

Most Polynesian temples have the image of this mythical ancestor – most of the time in the form of statues. The statues’ hands and face are adorned with distinct designs. These designs are also what inspire some Polynesian tattoos.

Tahitian tattoos

Tahiti as we know it is also known as French Polynesia. In this island, only those of high social status are inked. It can be a man or a woman but they must have gone through various stages of life to get a complete tattoo. This could go around the entire body with the exception of the head.

Women get tattoos at a very young age. As they grow into adults, the tattoos are modified. Having great tattoo plays a vital role for women to get a partner.

Easter Island tattoos

In Easter Island, there is a belief that the body becomes more sacred once it is inked. If they get a tattoo, they are able to communicate with the divine. Both men and women can get a tattoo.

The most prominent Polynesian tattoo in this area are dots and lines that extend from one ear to the other. This often covers the forehead of the wearer. Apart from that, designs also vary from spears, turtles, boats and birds.

Cook Island tattoos

The tattoos in this area of Polynesia are comprised of larger designs. These typically cover the entire body of the wearer.

Polynesian Tattoo Dictionary

Polynesian tattoo designs are still alive to this day. However, they are far from the usual tribal tattoos we see nowadays. Most of the tribal styles we see today are more for aesthetics and are usually just well-thought shapes and patterns.

But that from Polynesian countries were often inspired by what they see around them. Each design holds a story and a deeper meaning.

Usually, a Polynesian tattoo is one big design with various elements working together as one. Here are some of the most common elements you’ll see in a Polynesian tattoo and what they tell:

 Marquesan cross

The Marquesan cross is based off of a turtle’s shell. This is an abstract design that symbolizes the balance between the elements. It also represents universal harmony.

Entata

The entata is known as a “human symbol.” This element symbolizes both men and gods. A circle of entata signifies a group of people in a common activity. It could signify warriors, a family, or brothers in arms. An upside-down entata denotes the enemy.

Turtle

The turtle tattoo is one of the most common motifs in a Polynesian tattoo. While the traditional design was more simple, turtle tribal tattoos today are more grand. It resembles a real life turtle more – with regards to the shape and the patterns at the back.

As a tattoo, this means long life, wellness, union, family, and harmony. It also symbolizes the navigator. A turtle design is one of the most common centerpieces.

Sun

The sun is perhaps the most important element in any Polynesian society. As a tattoo design, it’s a lot simpler. But it is also one of the main centerpieces of huge designs. This means richness, brilliance, and rebirth.

Lizard

Lizard or usually gecko tattoos have different meanings on various areas of Polynesia.

One meaning is the power to communicate with the gods. When you have a lizard tribal tattoo, they believe it will bring good luck and fortune. The Maori, on the other hand, believe that this motif is a ward against evils and illnesses. Until now, lizard tattoos remain to be one of the most popular tribal designs around the world.

Lizards could be done one its own or can be a stylized pattern that you can use for a bigger design.

Ocean

In Polynesian culture, the people believe that the ocean is their final destination – the place where they go if they die. With that, ocean waves are the symbol of death and the world beyond.

Ironically though, the ocean is their main source of food. That’s why it also signifies fertility, abundance, and persistence. Ocean waves are often used as patterns surrounding the main motif of a tattoo. There is a simplified and stylized version of ocean waves with the latter more similar to real life.

Shark teeth

The shark teeth pattern or “nino mano” is a rather popular Polynesian tattoo motif. It’s one of the patterns that are most used in tattoos. This stems from the belief that the shark was the god of the Polynesian people. Therefore, this became a symbol of shelter, power, and guidance.

As a design, the shark teeth is simple. It’s a pattern of triangles that resemble the shark points of a shark’s teeth.

Spearheads

Spearheads are geometrical patterns that is used as an expression of courage and fight. A line of spearheads that are facing the same direction means the defeat of the enemy.

Since this design is connected to battles, warriors often have this design as part of their tattoos.

Tiki

This human-like image is a particularly familiar sight around the world. It’s one of the best symbols that represent the Polynesian culture. It can be found as a statue and a decor in some tropical-themed places even in USA or Europe.

The tiki is an important sign in Polynesia. People believe that it possesses supernatural powers which it uses to protect and guard the people. As a tattoo design, it also represents the first man or the creator of the first man.

Tikis are also one of the main centerpieces of Polynesian body art.

Stingray

The stingray can be designed in many ways, but usually with geometric patterns.

The stingray’s ability to hide in the sides, even from a perceptive shark, has earned its meaning of protection. Apart from that, it also means gracefulness, agility, speed, peacefulness, and stealth.

Placement of the Tattoo

When it comes to Polynesian tattooing, the placement is vital. There are some elements that relate to specific meanings of each placement in the body. That means where you have your tattoo has an influence on the meaning of your Polynesian tattoo.

According to Polynesian legend, humans are the children of Rangi (Heaven) and Papa (Earth). They believe heaven and Earth was once united. Man’s quest is to find that union again. Therefore, the body is known as the link between Rangi and Papa.

The upper part of the body is apparently related to heaven while the lower part of the body is related to earth.  The left side of the body is also associated with women and the right with the mean.

Polynesian Tattoos Today

Polynesian tattoos are very important. Up until now, these are still done by many tribes in the area. But it has also gained international popularity with many tattoo enthusiasts wanting to get one.

But because of their importance to the people of Polynesia, everyone should be well aware of what they’re going to have. A design should be made with research and with an artist that knows how to do the job well. This is to help maintain the rich culture of Polynesian countries and of tattooing.

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Brave enough to get collar bone tattoos? If you are, you’re likely trying to find the perfect design for it. Since tattooing have been a part of human history, it is rather overwhelming to choose just one design or theme for a tattoo. Unless you are planning on using your whole body as a canvass, you’ll have a hard time narrowing down designs.

But fear not, there are specific designs that would go well with a collar bone tattoo. You can also narrow the choices down by finding a design that is meaningful, or something that speaks about you. Soon enough (or after this post), you’ll be inspired to get that tattoo that will have everyone saying WOW!

Issues with Getting Collar Bone Tattoos

You have to be entirely sure about your decision of getting a collar bone tattoo. There are a couple of issues that you might have to face.

First off, collar bone tattoos are quite painful to get. If you have low tolerance for pain or you are not brave enough (at the moment) to have it, you might have some problems. The collar bone is pretty much just skin and bones. It’s a part of our body where the bone is most prominent, protected with a skin. If you have some extra body weight, the fat may be able lessen the pain. In case you are rather skinny, then it is not the best for a first tattoo; unless you are willing to go through the pain.

Apart from the pain, collar bone tattoos are harder to cover. Unless you are wearing a sweater, buttoned down shirt or a blouse with a pretty high neckline, there will always be an area you can’t cover. You might get into trouble if your workplace is strict about body art and piercings. It’s also safer to have a tattoo you can hide when you are still out looking for a job. While society is getting more lenient about tattoos and piercings, some are still a bit old-school and wary about tattoos’ past reputation.

If you don’t think any of these two will be a problem, then it is your choice to get a tattoo.

Most Popular Designs for Collar Bone Tattoos

Tattoos have long been a form of self-expression. Even when people begun thinking negatively of tattoos, many tattoo enthusiasts still found it as a way to express themselves. They see it as art where people see it as a sign of rebellion and thugs.

Designs from them have flourished as well. People began creating more relatable designs that each one can copy or be inspired from. Women has also evolved their style and began accessorizing with tattoos. Their designs were often delicate and simpler than men’s, but were also way more sensual and sexier.

Here are some of the most popular collar bone tattoo designs for women that have emerged:

• Quote tattoos
• Feather tattoos
• Flower tattoos
• Birds plus quotes and/or quotes
• Roman numeral tattoos

1. Quote collar bone tattoos

Quotes have become one of the most popular tattoo designs nowadays, especially for women. You can’t go wrong with a good quote. It helps you with your everyday life (through mantras or inspiring quotes). It can also tell something about yourself (like which TV show, movie, or book your are a fan of). Most importantly, it s a pretty versatile design. You can add some other elements that is closely relevant to the quote.

For example, a Bible verse could be accompanied by adding it to a scroll. Or perhaps a book or movie quote can be accompanied by an element famous in the said book or movie.

Apart from its versatility in design, it can also be placed wherever you feel like it. As a tattoo, a quote could accent the collar bones. To make it look more delicate, you can choose a soft script font. You can also make it look bigger or smaller, depending on the length of your quote.

People usually choose inspirational quote tattoos. These help them get through the hardest challenges in their lives. Mantras such as “Always keep fighting.” or “Believe in yourself” are definitely great for those who are suffering from anxiety.

2. Feather tattoos

Feather tattoos have also been gaining popularity. It is equal parts aesthetic and meanings that women choose this designs. It can be a minimalist design or you can make it more intricate.

Feathers have a variety of meaning. They are often based on what bird the feather was from. Peacock feathers are often used to represent beauty and pride. Dove feathers are for love and passion. Owls’ are for intellect and foresight.

Angel wing feathers are also used more often. These can be a dedication to a loved one you have lost, or a connection to them. It can also represent a Christian’s faith and closeness to God. Or, it can be used to represent freedom.

This is a great design to place under the collar bone. You can make it look 3D or perhaps go for a minimalist approach. You can even add a quote if you’re feeling a little more fancy.

3. Flower tattoos

If there is one element in the tattoo world that is almost always associated with women, its flowers. Flowers are delicate and beautiful, but each one is unique. As a tattoo design, it perfectly captures femininity and vibrancy; everything that can describe a lady.

Floral collar bone tattoos are probably the next big thing aside from quote tattoos. Most of the time though, collar bone tattoo designs are more delicate than designs for other places of the body. This may be because the area is quite exposed and many do not want to gather as much attention as possible.

To make a delicate floral collar bone tattoo, choose a color palette that is light. You can choose pastel shades of pinks, oranges, and yellows. For more artistic approach, try the watercolor styling. It’s also best to choose a design that isn’t complicated. Say, a long stalk of a rose or small flowers.

Some designs also include swirls and vines. Anyhow, the design should be based on the wearer’s preference.

4. Birds plus quotes and/or other elements

Birds – may it be small hummingbirds, minimalist styles, or silhouettes of birds flying – are the rage now in modern tattoo industry. Birds are beautiful and they are quite easy to do and work with. Apart from that, they mean freedom.

Collar bone tattoos are no exception when it comes to bird designs. However, apart from the usual flying birds, a hummingbird or another small bird is often the star. Designs also include either a quote or another element.

For music lovers, a bird made with notes and musical symbols are common. Or perhaps notes surround the birds, if not coming out of their mouth. It’s as if the birds are actually singing. For those looking for inspiration for their day to day lives, they choose quotes.

Some people add a plethora of different elements. There are those who add flowers while some add geometrical patterns.

5. Roman Numeral tattoos

Numbers, just like quotes, tend to get pretty simple. Roman numerals are the best choice if you want to ink a special date or number on your body. Usually, people choose the Roman numerals to put birthdays of the special people in their lives. They also use it for anniversaries and wedding dates. On rare occasions, they also put death anniversaries of the people they love.

Roman numerals are elegant. Instead of the Arabic numbers we use daily, Roman numerals are written in alphabets. Different alphabets have a specific number added to them. However, using this system can be confusing especially when you haven’t used it in a long time. That is why you might want to re-learn your Roman numerals again before making your design.

Unique Collar Bone Tattoos

Apart from these popular collar bone tattoos, there are a few more that can inspire your next ink. Here they are:

• Heartbeat tattoos – Hearts, on their own, can be great designs if you want to showcase love and passion. But for a collar bone tattoo, a heart beat design would work better to best accentuate the area. This is usually a single-needle work so it looks delicate and beautiful, just like life. You can start the design with a heart followed by the beat and then add something by the end; usually a name.
• Ellipses – The ellipses is more than just a bunch of dots. This design may be so simple but has a deeper meaning. It denotes the passing of time or continuation of the world no matter what.
• What you love – Your hobbies can tell a lot of things about you. And what better way to express yourself than through tattoos? You can get a design of things that symbolize your hobby. For example, bookworms would love books, writers would love pens and typewriters, athletes would love sports equipment, etc. You can even add a quote if you want.
• White tattoo – White tattoos are also getting common, especially for women. Since these designs are made from white ink, the outcome is so much more invisible than common designs.
• Musical – You can choose from various options such as musical notes or musical instruments. Either way, you can show your love for music through simple collar bone tattoos.
• Minimalist designs – Since minimalist designs are much simpler, they can work on the collar bone. You can choose from various other designs such as your pets, wild animals, or other obscure objects you may find fascinating.

Subtle Colored Pieces

There are bigger collar bone tattoo designs out there, but most of them have subtle colors to lessen the intensity. Again, the collar bone is quite an exposed area so if you are not ready to commit to bigger, bolder designs, you can stick with subtly designed or colored pieces.

For those who want colored collar bone tattoos, the watercolor style is definitely a great choice. It incorporates pastel and toned down shades, exactly how colors appear in watercolor paintings. Apart from the color, the way which it’s done is also softer, as if the tattoo was a true watercolor piece on paper. This requires different techniques so you might want to find a tattoo artist who had prior experience with that.

Using lighter or pastel shades would also work. Unlike watercolor shades, pastel shades are often deeper. Still, they are much lighter on the eyes. This would work well if you choose floral designs.

Inspiring Tattoo Designs

There are hundreds of options for the most inspiring tattoo designs. Here are some of them that you can turn into amazing collar bone tattoos:

1. Anchor – The anchor is a staple in any vessel. But it has also become a household name in the tattoo industry. This means stability, protection, safety, and faith.
2. Cross – The cross is an important symbol in the Christian world. It may be the oldest symbol of all. As a tattoo, it means faith and sacrifice.
3. Semicolon – A semicolon is used when you can end a sentence but chose not to. With that meaning, it became a symbol and beacon of hope for people dealing with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. It’s also a way to raise awareness against suicide.
4. Puzzle piece – Apart from the semicolon, the puzzle piece with a heart in it has also become a symbol for autism. People who have it are either suffering from a type of autism or knows someone dear who does.
5. Ribbon – Ribbons have been used to symbolize various awareness programs for health conditions, especially cancer. These ribbons have colors which are used to denote which condition is being specified. For example, the pink ribbon is for breast cancer.
6. Trees – Tress are everywhere around us. Apart from being an important part of the world, trees also denote stability, strength, and being able to stand up despite of challenges.
7. Infinity sign – An infinity sign obviously symbolizes eternity, infinity and balance. This is often used by couples to signify their relationships.

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Flowers are probably the most colorful and vibrant creation in the world. This is why it has become a favorite subject in various arts and crafts. Tattoos are no exception. While many deem flower tattoos as solely women’s choice, many men find that flowers have various meanings that can best represent them. One of these flowers is the sunflower and getting a sunflower tattoo can best represent you as a person.

Among the most common floral tattoos are roses, lilies and the lotus flowers; each with a different meaning. However these days, sunflower tattoos are also gaining popularity. Not only do women get these but also men. But why is getting more popular in the tattoo industry?

Sunflower Symbolism

We have always been fascinated with the deeper meanings of various objects. That is why symbols are often derived from what we see in real life. Sunflowers are no different.

Sunflowers often grow on warm and sunny areas. But the name is not only because of where it grows, it’s also derived from how it looks like. Sunflowers are known for their bold yellow-colored petals. It also has strong, long and durable stems. Overall, the flower evokes a feeling of warmth and joy. The sun and sunshine is also a common imagery for happiness and since many are reminded of the sun when they see a sunflower, it became a symbol for joviality.

What Does it Say When you Have a Sunflower Tattoo?

A sunflower tattoo would not be the first and only tattoo that can offer an impression about its wearer. Most of the time, a person’s tattoo could tell a lot about them. So, what does it say when you have a sunflower tattoo?

If you have any of the following personalities, a sunflower tattoo is the best choice to represent you:

• Bubbly people who love laughing and spending time with friends.
• Warm and kind people.
• Those who are optimists and often look at the bright side of life.
• Adventurous people who love the great outdoors, especially when it’s sunny outside.
• People who are full of life and often are the life of parties and gatherings.
• Fun-loving and carefree people.
• You love flowers and all “pretty” things.
• People who are full of pride.

History of Sunflowers

For other cultures and people around the world, sunflowers are more than just a symbol of warmth and happiness. The sunflower may have began with the ancient Incas who see the flower as a symbol of the sun God. The flower’s roots could be traced back to ancient Mexico and is believed to reach Europe in the 16th century. Since then, it has grown in popularity and have reached other countries.

Besides being used as a decor, sunflowers also produce food and oil. The sunflower seeds can be eaten and sunflower oil can be extracted. The latter is often used as a cooking ingredient.

Sunflowers as a Symbol in Various Cultures

Apart from ancient Incas, various ancient civilizations and cultures around the world have adopted sunflower as a symbol of their gods. Others have used it as a way to symbolize good luck or a bountiful harvest.

The sunflower is regarded as a symbol of a water nymph called Clytie in Greek civilization. According to Greek mythology, the nymph fell in love with the god Apollo and ultimately lost him. In a state of grief, she turned herself into a sunflower. It is believed that the sunflower always look in the direction of the sun so the nymph could look for the sun chariot and reunite with Apollo.

For the Native Americans, the sunflower is a symbol of harvest and bounty because of its relation with the sun. They also see the sunflower as a symbol of fertility and energy.

In Chinese mythology, the sunflower is related to good luck and long life. The color of the sunflower is also known as the color for happiness, vitality and intelligence.

Christianity also looks at the sunflower as a religious symbol. It is often deemed as representation of their faith in God as well as spiritual love. Another meaning of a sunflower is the unity of mankind in the light of faith.

Sunflower Tattoo Design Ideas

Sunflower tattoos are great for smaller or bigger tattoos. Small tattoos often involve just a single sunflower while bigger tattoos usually include a cluster or a combination of other subjects.

For small tattoos, here are some good ideas you can try:

• Changing the center of the sunflower – Since sunflowers have big centers, many change its design and often use symmetrical and geometric patterns. Others use swirls and dots that make it look like a tribal sunflower. Mandalas are also popular solution for a more creative center.
• Flaming petals – While others change the center, some choose to change the petals to another element. Probably the most popular choice is changing it to flaming petals as it is more closely related to sun and warmth.
• Minimalist – The minimalist approach is another popular tattoo style that is getting more popular these days. It’s pretty much drawing a simple sunflower without any shading and details. It’s a great tattoo design for first-timers or for women who likes delicate designs.

Here are ideas to try if you want an average-size to bigger tattoos:

• A bouquet of flowers – Combining various subjects are pretty common for tattoos. Doing this can easily make your design look more unique. The best combination for your sunflower tattoo is another flower or a bouquet of other floral designs. You can try roses, daisies and daffodils. As mentioned earlier, these flowers have different meanings as well and choosing a flower that also represents you makes the best design.
• Sunflower cluster – Of course, you can just choose to have a cluster of sunflowers tatted on you. These designs can be on the realistic or hyper-realistic styles. You can either have the flowers only or a stem of sunflower with a couple of leaves.
• Adding butterflies or bees – Adding butterflies are also very common for floral designs, particularly with sunflowers. Bees are also a great touch as it can add a whimsical touch to your design.
• Watercolor style – Probably one of the most unique-looking tattoos are the watercolor-style tattoos. These are often done in colorful and pastel-colored ink. It often looks like a drawing made out of watercolors, with splashes of colors and soft strokes.

Also See:

101 Rib Tattoos Plus Everything You Need to Know Before Getting One

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151 Most Incredible and Eye-Catching Eagle Tattoo Designs

Sunflower Tattoo Placement and Design Ideas

We have often reiterated that the placement of your tattoo greatly depends on the style you want. But what if you have no idea of the design much less where to place it? Here are some placement ideas and some designs that best fit.

The wrist: This placement is popular for women and teens as well as for first-timers. It’s a rather small place for a tattoo but smaller designs look lovely and delicate on this area. You can choose a minimalist sunflower tattoo to put here. It can either be just the flowers or with its stem.

Inner forearm: Since this area is longer, you can choose a slightly bigger sunflower with a stem. You can do the minimalist approach or a realistic one. Black and white tattoos are also great for this placement. This is likewise the best place to insert quotes.

Inner elbows: This area is just slightly wider than the wrist so the same designs could work here as well. But a unique approach would be two sunflowers with their stems crossing. If you have a smaller arm, a black and white tattoo would look good rather than a full-colored one. You can even choose white ink.

Half-sleeve: Half sleeve tattoos are more common for men. Usually, a design includes a cluster of sunflowers. Others have vine-like stems while others include various elements. For example, sunflowers surrounding a skull that could represent life and death. Or perhaps a grandfather or normal clock with sunflowers. This could represent how short our lives could be. The approach is usually realistic and with colors. But a black and white sleeve also looks amazing.

Back: A big sunflower is the most common design that men and women can get. However, some designs include two sunflowers that reaches the upper back to the lower back. Others choose a sunflower with a long stem and line it on the spinal cord. This offers a more delicate design and is a great choice for women. Men often include a girl’s portrait with the flower.

Chest: Women can get a sunflower tatted from their shoulders to their chest. The usual design is a cluster or sunflowers or bouquet of sunflowers, roses, daisies, lilies and more. Others put the same designs on their left and right shoulders extending to the chest, but never touching the other side.

Sternum: This is a placement that most usually only women choose as it is a delicate place under and in between the breasts. While others choose a simple sunflower right on the center, others tend to get more creative. They usually make the centers as mandalas or create a half sunflower that accents the swell of the breasts. Others choose to decorate it with vine-like stems and tribal styles with swirls and dots. A triangle with a sunflower in the middle is also a common design.

Thighs and legs: Thighs and legs are also popular among women. They often get thigh tattoos that reach to their hips. Although the designs are often a cluster of big sunflowers, it looks delicate and sexy because of the placement. Those who want a sunflower tattoo on their legs could make it look like a field full of flowers. Start from the ankles, the stems could reach below or on the knee, sometimes as high as the thighs. They also include other flowers.

Foot: Foot tattoos are also getting more popular. Usually, the designs are delicate and swirly, just like with designs you can put on your hand. However, a sunflower and butterfly combo is becoming a more common sunflower tattoo design.

Designing your Sunflower Tattoo

Designing your sunflower tattoo could be a little overwhelming. But the trick is to make a design that you really want. You can make it as simple as a single sunflower or a cluster. However, you can make it as unique as you can.

Others tend to add elements that do not usually go with a sunflower-for example, a skull of a woman with a sunflower growing from one of its eye sockets. The design is grotesque but uniquely and hauntingly beautiful when done right. It could also denote life and death; as life is one of sunflowers representation and the skull is commonly linked to death.

You can get your creative juices running to make a unique and yet inspiring tattoo that best represents your life or what you believe in. What you have to do is research which elements have certain meanings and what they represent.

You can also talk to your tattoo artist for the design. Communication is the key in order to create the tattoo you have long wanted.

Will it Hurt?

Unfortunately, getting a tattoo will definitely hurt. It does not matter where you are going to have it, you will definitely feel pain. The only thing is, one place could hurt much more or much less than the other. That is why first timers should carefully choose their first tattoo.

The wrist and ankle is a popular choice for first-timers but know that the pain level can range from uncomfortable to stinging. The places where you could feel more relaxed are the forearms, sleeves and legs.

Aftercare

The aftercare is probably the most important step. You can risk the final look of your tattoo as well as your health. By all means, do not pick on the scabs and flakes and never scrub it with a towel, especially a rough and coarse one.

Use mild and fragrant and alcohol-free soaps and lotions when cleaning and moisturizing your tattoo. Most of all, never sunbathe or stay under the sun or staying on the water for too long. Allow at least 2 to 3 weeks to even a few months to let it fully heal.

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If you happen to watch WWE, the Oklahoma City Thunder or even just glimpsed at The Rock, you may have noticed those enchanting black patterns adorning the bodies of some of them. Some will call these tribal tattoos, but if we’re really into details they are actually Polynesian tattoos or, at the very least, inspired by Polynesian tattoos. And when it comes to Polynesian tattoos, the ‘tatau’ or Samoan tattoo is one of the most popular.

The art of tatau is believed to have started two centuries ago. From the traditional, and extremely painful, way of doing it, the art was spread to the world and is now available through the modern way of tattooing. But the Samoan tattoo is not just an art, it is history and a culture.

 

What is tatau?

Samoan tattoos, or tatau in the Samoan language, is a very important part of Samoan culture and history. Tataus are done by tufuga ta tatau and they are considered as having high standings in the Samoan society. They are a symbol of status and rank and is worn by both men and women. Almost all of the men wear tatau and the patterns worn by them are usually larger, referred to as pe’a, than those worn by the women, which are called malu.

For some, Samoan tattoos may just be beautiful patterns. For Samoans, tatau is a way of life. It is literally a visual representation of one’s life and the pain one suffered to get the tatau along with undergoing the extensive and painful process of getting the tatau itself.

The art of tatau dates back to more than 2000 years and the tradition is well-preserved by Samoans. It is an important part of their identity. Some people might say that that’s very primitive but the beauty and rich history of Samoan tattoos are beyond words and the fact that it’s still alive today is a testament to that and how much Samoans value it.

The legend behind tatau

There is a legend in Samoa about how the practice of tattooing began. The legend says that the art was brought to them by two sisters from Fiti (sometimes the story says Fiji), carrying equipment for tattooing, who sang about tattooing being for women and not for men. One thing led to another and then, in the end, the song became incorrect and changed to tattooing being for men and not for women.

Meaning behind Samoan tattoos

If you look closely at Samoan tattoos, you will see that each of them has repeating symbols. Each of these symbols hold different meanings and each combination brings out a unique story. Basically, every symbol may represent something about:

• Life
• Love
• Family
• Death
• Fertility
• Protection from evil

As for the symbols used in the art of Samoan tattoos, they mostly include the following:

• Spearhead
• Enata
• Ocean
• Turtle
• Tiki
• Shark teeth
• Stingray
• Lizard

Again, the interpretation of each Samoan tattoo does not simply rely on which symbols are present in the pattern. Each pattern is unique because you also have to put into consideration which symbol is the dominant one, the patterns that are repeated and how they are connected to each other.

For example, a single enata has a completely different meaning to an enata pattern. The single enata may mean a man, a woman or a god while an enata pattern may mean sky. In fact, one symbol may mean something completely different from one person’s tatau to another’s.

Placement

Samoan tattoos are very intricate and quite large since they, again, tell the story of the person wearing them. Because of that, it is very important to choose a part of the body where a larger tattoo will fit. Mostly, the most sensible places to put a tatau are as follows:

• Hands
• Ribs
• Foot
• Calf
• Arms
• Back
• Forearms
• Chest
• Shoulder
• Thighs
• Under the breast
• Stomach
• Hips

Once a tatau is started, it has to be finished. That does not mean that the tufuga ta tatau has to finish the tatau in one sitting, in fact, they usually give parts of the tatau time to heal before they continue it. However, the tatau has to be finished at all costs.

A person whose tatau wasn’t finished will bear the mark of cowardice, pala’ai, and bring shame to himself and his family.

Traditional

When it comes to traditional Samoan tattoos for the males, the pe’a, the placement of the tatau will also vary the tatau. Depending on where the tattoo is placed, it will have a different name.

• Saemutu- top of the thigh
• Umaga- on the navel and abdomen
• O le Taga Tapulu- mid portion of the back
• Aso Fa’aifo- the buttocks and wraps the groin
• Tafito- covers the penis
• Tafumiti- scrotum
• Tasele- covers the perineum

Modern

Samoan tattoos have gained much popularity in the past few years. More and more people outside Samoa want to ink the same patterns on their body. But unlike the traditional tatau, these tattoos incorporate elements other than the prevalent angular geometric designs of authentic Samoan tattoos.

Modern Samoan tattoos are often worn on calves, upper arms and other parts of the bodies that do not follow the tradition of pe’a.

Where and how to get it

Samoan tattoos are teeming with culture and history. Like any other form of expression of pride in someone’s culture, Samoan tattoos must be afforded the respect it deserves. Of course, that does not necessarily mean that one can’t get a Samoan tattoo when they are not Samoan.

Really, anyone who wants to get a Samoan tattoo can get one. You do not even need to know what your tattoo means to get one, but it will not hurt to pay respects where it is due and appreciate the deeper meaning of each line and curve of the tatau. To put it simply, the art of tatau is not only for the Samoans but it is theirs and the least outsiders can do is respect it.

There are two ways of getting a Samoan tattoo- the traditional way and the modern way.

See: 175 Unbelievable Cover Up Tattoo Ideas Before and After

Traditional

Again, tatau is a big part of Samoan history, culture, and tradition. So you can rest assured that getting a Samoan tattoo is not an easy task. It is worth every single bit of effort on your part, though, since what you will get after everything is an authentic tatau.

Samoan tattoos are visual representations of the life of the person wearing it. They depict each person’s journey and who that person is to their society. In other words, Samoan tattoos are not given just for the sake of getting a tattoo. It stands for something and serves as a map of someone’s life.

So imagine what it would mean for someone who is not a part of their society. Of course, if a person who isn’t Samoan wants to get an authentic tatau that person has to go through certain tasks to be accepted into their fold, which usually takes years.  Once that person is accepted, that is the only time when he or she can get a tatau.

While tattooing has come a long way and now uses tattoo guns, authentic Samoan tattoos are still given using the old way. That is right, traditional Samoan tattoos still use tattoo combs. No needles and buzzing tattoo guns here!

The tufuga ta tatau still ink the patterns on to the skin of a person by repeatedly pounding the stick where the tattoo comb with ink (derived from burnt shell ashes) is attached to the skin using a mallet. This process does what a tattoo gun does, forcing the ink into the skin to make the tattoo. You could say that the traditional tatau is not simply a walk to the nearest tattoo shop but a ritual that is years in the making.

Modern

As we have pointed out earlier, the popularity of Samoan tattoos had been steadily rising in the last few years. Because of this, a lot of tattoo artists can give you a Samoan tattoo. The modern way of getting a Samoan tattoo is very simple and does not differ much from getting any other tattoo.

Aftercare

The road to a Samoan tattoo does not stop with the process of tattooing. From the time the tattoo is completed, which takes a while depending on how big the tattoo is, it may take up to a year until it heals fully. Don’t worry, though, it usually only takes half of that for the intricate patterns to appear in its entirety.

If the tatau is made using tattoo combs, you will need to massage it thrice daily. This will make sure that any impurities are worked out of the skin. It also needs to be washed with salt water but you should never soak it, that will only impede the healing.

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Body piercings have become a huge part of modern culture. Many see it as a way to express themselves along with tattoos. But in some areas of the world, it can even be considered as a spiritual journey. While belly button piercing is normally for the former, some do believe that this kind of piercing actually helps stabilize the third chakra or the solar plexus.

But what should you know about these piercings and body modifications? Can you handle it, especially the pain that goes with a piercing? Or are you indeed able to get one if you want to?

There are a lot of things you have to research. Yes, even the truth behind the Hinduism and alternative medicine beliefs about piercings and chakras. If you are actually a believer, this might help you. That means you don’t only have a cool piercing, it can help you become better, too.

If you are curious and want a belly button piercing, continue reading for important information and guide.

What is a Belly Button Piercing?

To be honest, the name is a little misleading. You are not really getting pierced on the navel exactly. Rather, the piercing goes around the navel, usually on the upper part. It just look like your navel has been pierced because of most navel piercing jewelries where the design covers the belly button.

Belly button piercing goes through the skin so it’s one of those straightforward piercings you can get. But make sure that you get a professional to do it. If the piercing is done either too high or too low, it can cause several problems.

Note that there are nerves and blood vessels around the navel area. You will want to avoid piercing these. So, if you do not have any prior experiences with a belly button piercing, don’t attempt to do it yourself. Do not agree even if a friend tells you then can do it for you unless they are pros themselves.

However, not everyone can get one. It doesn’t mean that you want it, you can have it.

Everyone has different belly button structures. Some have protruding belly buttons and they normally have to pass on this kind of piercing.

Does a Belly Button Piercing Hurt?

People always ask this whenever they get a new piercing. While some are rather “numb” to piercing pain, especially enthusiasts who have had several piercings all over their body, some are still anxious. If it is their first time getting in pierced in a certain area, you will want to know how much it hurts. Of course, nobody really wants to get tortured with pain.

But rest easy, navel piercing fans. It’s rather low on the pain scale.

Think of it as an ear lobe piercing. Plus the belly button area is less sensitive to pain unlike the nose. Plus as you might already know, the piercing process is actually done in a matter of seconds. With such fast procedure, you don’t have to worry about extreme pain.

However, yes, you will still a bit of uncomfortable pressure. It is a whole lot like getting pinched extremely hard. But then it’s gone as soon as it came.

The aftermath of the piercing will do make you feel uncomfortable. This will last for a few days but belly button piercings are relatively fast to heal. That means you will feel a little better after a few weeks.

What Happens During a Belly Button Piercing?

After choosing your piercer and going to their shop, they will have to check whether you are eligible to get the piercing. Again, not everyone can have it.

If your piercer deems you are okay to get one, they will check where the pierce will be. Usually, they will mark the area with a surgical marker just to make sure they accurately pierce the area.

And then, the procedure will commence. It’s really very fast so it usually just takes two to three steps.

Step One

Your piercer should wash their hands thoroughly first. This is important since they will be handling the needle that will go through your skin. Dirt means bacteria and bacteria could cause infection. They will also likely use a latex glove, just to be extra careful.

After washing their hands, they will put antiseptic on the area where you will be pierced. This gets rid of the dirt and microorganisms you may have on that area.

Step Two

You are usually asked to lay on a bed. This is to help stretch the skin on your navel and get the exact position of the pierce. It is also to help you relax and be more comfortable during the piercing.

Step Three

Your piercer will then take the hollow needle and then pierce the area. It will take a few seconds at least. If you bleed, that is completely normal. They will make sure that it stops immediately and it will after a few minutes.

After getting the pierce through the skin, they’ll put the jewelry in.

And that’s really it. They may put another layer of antiseptic or they may not. But that’s pretty much the whole procedure. Before you go, they will just give you some advice about the aftercare – which is very important and should be followed.

What Happens After + Aftercare Guide

After you had your piercing, you will feel a little soreness and tenderness in the area. But don’t worry, that is completely normal.

You can do activities that your normally do, but you’ll just have to be a little careful with your movements to avoid pain and discomfort. You should never touch it as well – unless you’re cleaning it. That means you should avoid playing with the jewelry at all costs. Most especially, do not ever change it when it hasn’t fully healed yet.

The aftercare is perhaps the most important phase of getting a belly button piercing. The following is a cleaning and aftercare guide to make sure that you are free from infection and that your wound heals faster.

How to clean piercing

Cleaning your wound is important to guarantee that it can heal completely and that the risk of getting infection is lower.

But what do you use to clean a belly button piercing?

It’s actually pretty simple. You’ll just need warm water and a quarter of a teaspoon of sea salt. Dissolve the sea salt in the water and never use common table salt.

Now, there are two ways you can clean the area. First is to get in a low rise pants or shorts and then take off your top. Bend at the waist until the rim of the cup is around your piercing. Put firm pressure on the cup as you rise and lie down while the rim of the cup is wedged against your navel. Then just let it stay for a while. Your piercing site will be drenched in a water solution that helps clean and heal it.

You’ll want to keep this for at least 10 minutes. That’s why it is best to use a Dixie cup for this purpose.

Then, just stand up carefully to avoid spilling some water. Pat the area with a clean dry cloth. Be careful not to rub the area or it will get irritated.

However, not anyone can actually do this method or have the time for it. If you are having trouble, you can always just use a cotton ball. Simply soak it into the water and then dab the area. Make sure that the water gets inside the wound so keep the cotton in the area.

You should keep the area nice and wet for at least 10 minutes so change the cotton every 2 minutes.

Using commercial products

If you do not want to go into the trouble of mixing your own saline solution, you can always buy a commercial cleaning product.

You will find saline solutions in a spray can. The only thing you should do is to spray the piercing area and let it air dry.

However, be careful of your choice. You should always ask your piercer for their recommended product just to make sure that it does not contain any harmful chemicals. It is also good to check the ingredients of the product and try to figure out if you are allergic to any of those.

Avoid drying your skin

There are also several things you have to avoid and do so your piercing will heal faster.

One of the things you should do is to avoid anything that dries the skin. That means you will not be able to  stay under the sun for a while. If you want to do some sunbathing, it is best that you get your piercing months away from summer.

You should also stay away from tanning beds. Dry skin will make your skin itchier so you might subconsciously scratch the area and harm your new piercings. Plus, it will just make you extremely uncomfortable.

Stay away from various body products

While you want to stay away from anything that dries the skin, you’ll also want to keep it dry. The only difference here is that your skin is naturally dry but still moisturized. That means you should stay away from various body products such as those spray tanners.

You might even want to avoid using lotions.

The important thing is to keep it dry and keep it clean during the whole process. Only the saline solution should be on that area.

Even soap is prohibited. You’ll want to try and do everything you can to keep the soap away from it when you’re taking a bath. It will take you a longer time to shower but it’s only for a few months. Once it’s fully healed, you can get back to your old, normal day to day routines.

No swimming

Say “see you later” to swimming pools, the beach or any bodies of water for a while. Well, at least for a little while until your piercing has fully healed. Swimming pools are filled with various bacteria that could be really harmful to your piercing. Getting one can use infection.

Also See:

Symbol Of Good Life: 112 Best Tree Tattoo Designs

Make sure everything is clean

You should not really be touching your piercings. So unless you really have to, don’t. But if you’re cleaning the area or you really have to touch the area around it, make sure that your hands are clean. Wash it thoroughly and don’t forget to use some antibacterial soap.

Apart from your hands, you should also make sure that you’re wearing clean clothes. Your sheet should also be clean, especially if you like to sleep naked.

Just don’t take any chances. It may be more extra work but you’ll be thankful that you never got any infections. Plus, if it heals quickly, you can be back to your normal routine once more.

How Long Does a Belly Button Piercing Heal

Everyone can expect a different time for their piercing to completely heal. There are several factors that you’ll have to consider such as your overall health and how well you follow the aftercare guide. But depending on how you care for your piercing and how healthy you are, your belly button piercing can be healed in a three to six months period.

While that may seem like a long time, it’s actually the fair amount of time. Some people will have to wait for at least a year for their piercings to completely heal. In the event you encountered an infection, it will be longer since you have to let the infection heal first before the wound can get back to healing.

Navel piercings will look like they have been fully healed after 6 weeks. But don’t be fooled. There’s still a lot going under the skin. It’s only the topmost layer that has healed.

You’ll also expect a longer healing time if you have some health conditions such as diabetes. Usually for someone with diabetes, wounds will take longer to heal.

If you want your piercing to heal more quickly, you should boost your immune system and take care of yourself in general. Getting good sleep and eating healthy foods would be really helpful.

And while your wound is still healing, never touch the jewelry. Most especially, never remove it, attempting to change to a new one.

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Just like any work of art, you would want your tattoo to look beautiful. A symbol or element’s aesthetic value is one of the main factors when it comes to choosing a tattoo design. And what could be more beautiful than flowers? Flower tattoos are all the rage now, even for men. They are the symbols of nature beauty in the world. But more than that, each kind of flower you see has their own deeper significance in the world of tattoo.

In the past, flowers may have been more of a women’s design than men. If ever men choose a floral element, they would often choose the rose. However, ever since society and people’s view of tattoos became more positive, tattoo enthusiasts has also evolved in their styles. What can be deemed as men’s design are now seen on women’s bodies and vice versa. It is no surprise to see a man donning a beautiful bouquet on his sleeves.

That being said, here are some of the most amazing flower tattoos in the tattoo industry. You can choose from designs that are not just beautiful but also rich in meaning.

History of Flower Tattoos

Flowers have existed far longer than humans. According to scientist, there were fossils of flowers that existed during the era of the dinosaurs – far longer before humanity existed. As a big part of nature, it would be no surprise if native tribes around the world would be inspired by their beauty.

Many argue that tattooing has been since 12,000 BC. Its purpose was different from culture to culture. Others see tattooing as a form of entry into manhood. Other tribes and culture use tattoos to ward off evil and call on the power of deities and nature spirits. Meanwhile, other cultures perceive those with tattoos as the higher ups of the society or a signature of beauty.

Nonetheless, all these cultures have one thing in common: they get inspiration from their environment. It can be seen in their art – from paintings to sculptures. Flower tattoos may have been a big thing back then, especially for women. They use beautiful flowers to decorate their body and soon, their headdresses and clothes.

Now, flower tattoos are more than just for decoration. Many choose a floral design because of their deeper meanings.

Popular Flower Tattoos and their Meanings

Since flower tattoos have gone extremely popular, we can say that there are some types of flowers that are the common choices for tattoo enthusiasts. These are the floral inks you might have seen several times. But what do they mean?

Roses

As said, roses may have been one of the – if not the most – popular flower tattoo symbols. Why not? It’s amazingly beautiful has a several meanings than one. It could depend on how it was depicted, how many roses are in your tattoo and what color it is. Going into the deeper meaning of rose tattoos would actually be an entire article about itself. And so, we’ll just jump into the general meanings based on the colors.

Red roses are the most popular and this is a symbol of love and passion. Pink roses is known for happiness and grace; white is for purity, innocence, and also silence; yellow roses are for new beginnings, friendship and joy; purple roses are known to represent love at first sight; orange roses are for desire and for enthusiasm; and blue roses are to symbolize something that is impossible, unattainable, or a fantasy.

Daisy

The daisy was named after the expression “day’s eye.” This was because it opens when the sun comes up and closes when it is nighttime. Generally, daisies are symbols of modesty and simplicity in the tattoo industry. However, just like the rose, the daisy can also have various meanings depending on what color it was depicted on your tattoo design.

Here are the meanings of a daisy tattoo based on the color:

• Blue – When your daisy is color blue, it represents your emotional or sentimental side.
• White – Just like the rose, a white daisy represents innocence.
• Yellow – This symbolizes cheerfulness and intelligence
• Red – Red daisies reflect boldness and youthful energy.

Lotus

The lotus is a big symbol in the Eastern culture. It has a big role in many Asian countries like China, Japan, and India. And, just like the first two flowers on our list, the lotus has a far deeper meaning than its general one. Again, it would all depend on its color and how it is depicted. Nonetheless, the lotus is pretty much a symbol of resilience and purity.

Apart from that meaning, here are more color-specific meanings:

• Blue – This represent intellect and intelligence. More often than not, blue lotus flower tattoos are depicted as half closed – half opened. It is to symbolize humanity’s openness to learning new things.
• White – White lotus tattoo is for knowledge and spiritual enlightenment.
• Pink – A pink lotus is said to be Buddha’s lotus and therefore has big religious symbolism.
• Purple – The color symbolizes a mystical view or spirituality and religion as well as a homage to Buddhist deities.
• Red – A red lotus is known as the heart lotus which means it could represent the state of your heart.

Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossoms are beautiful but they can only be found in a few places on Earth unlike that of roses and daisies. They are especially popular and abundant in Japan. However, their lifespan and beauty fades rapidly but they are indeed one of the most amazing trees and flowers in the world.

As a tattoo design, the cherry blossoms symbolize empathy, and an appreciation for the ephemeral. Since they do not last longer than most flowers, they are also known to represent humanity’s mortality.

Chrysanthemum

These beautiful flower often blooms in Autumn, unlike many other plants and trees that grow around Spring or Summer. This flower is perhaps known for its vibrant colors and seemingly thousands of little petals. As one of the more popular flower tattoos, the chrysanthemum got its meaning from the season it blooms. It represent the transition of life to death – rightfully given since Autumn is pretty much where everything usually dies and the season before Winter – where everything is frozen or dead.

But it also have beautiful meanings such as royalty and perfection – thanks to its beauty.

Sunflower

Out of all the flower tattoos, the sunflower might be the most popular this year. It has become a symbol and has been used in the fashion business and even in the interior design section. It’s equally getting more recognition in the tattoo world as well.

The sunflower can be very versatile and can be used as a minimalist design to a complex one. You can use one single stalk of sunflower or have a bouquet. Nonetheless, people choose this design because it radiates positivity. In today’s society, it is one thing that we need most.

As a tattoo, the sunflower simply means happiness, bubbly, joviality, joy, and warmth.

Tulip

Tulips are usually seen as sensual and graceful. They are a thing of beauty and many people might actually vote for it as the most beautiful flower in the world. It comes in various colors from white to extraordinary mix of shades.

As a flower tattoo, the tulip is often deemed as a representation of beauty itself. However, many believe that it also represents delicateness, opportunity, advancement, prosperity and even guilty pleasures.

Poppy

Poppies might be the color of passion and sometimes even happiness – red. But this is one of the flower tattoos that does not really have a happy meaning but still very beautiful. Poppies as tattoos represent eternal sleep and in most cases, used to remember those who died in war. Usually, poppy tattoos include other elements such as the name of your loved one and even a cross.

More Flower Tattoos with Meanings

While above may be the most popular choices for a great number of tattoo enthusiasts, there are still so many flowers around the world. Of course, not all have been turned into a model for body art. Still, there are lots that you may have seen once or twice.

Here are more flower tattoos that are getting popular these days and the meanings behind each one:

• Peony – The flower is known as the King of Flowers in Japan. As a tattoo, it symbolizes wealth and elegance.
• Amaryllis – This red, bulbous flower is usually found in the warmer places in South Africa. It is a symbol of encouragement or success after a struggle.
• Daffodil – Daffodils are yellow flowers that represent honesty, forgiveness, faith, and truth.
• Hibiscus – Hibiscus has two different meanings on two countries. In Japan, this flower is a symbol of gentleness but in Hawaii, it represents respect, royalty, and power.
• Lily – The lily is perhaps the most classic symbol of femininity and purity.
• Dahlia – Among the flower tattoos, this is one of those that represents something negative as it could symbolize a looming betrayal. Nonetheless, it can also be a symbol of change.
• Orchid – In Japan, the orchid is a known as a common symbol for bravery. Meanwhile in China, it’s a symbol of prosperity and fertility.
• Magnolia – This is a popular flower tattoo design that signifies love of nature, life, and beauty.

Flower Tattoo Styles to Try

There is the traditional way of doing tattoos. It’s the 2D style with the dark outline and bold colors. But there are more innovative ways to make your tattoo look more amazing and unique. These are the styles you might want to try for your flower tattoos.

3D style

This style of tattooing is perhaps the most sought after these days. There are more and more tattoo artists who have mastered the art of making tattoos look real or at least, photo-realistic. In order to do that, they have to mix several techniques in tattooing. There is the shadowing, highlighting, blurring, and an exceptional skill at drawing.

Many tattoo enthusiast love a 3D flower since it’s quite easier to achieve than most elements. And when done right, it can look absolutely stunning. The petals look alive and blooming. There appears to be depth as if the flower was simply placed on your body.

The 3D style would look amazing on flowers such as roses, chrysanthemums, lilies, and peonies.

Minimalist style

Minimalist style is a growing trend in the tattoo world. This is a great style for women and for those who don’t want bold tattoos. The style involves crisp lines, more negative space, and sparse color palettes. The end result is a simple yet stunning design.

There are several ways to create a minimalist style for flower tattoos. You can recreate the drawings you did back then at school. But of course, you’d want it to look closer to the actual look of the flower. Apart from that, you can also create a smaller design with lighter and sparse color palette.

Watercolor style

3D styles often opt for harder and more solid colors. Meanwhile, the minimalist style usually includes lighter shades and even no color at all. But flowers are meant to be colorful, beautiful things. If this is what you want, you should definitely try the watercolor style.

Just like the minimalist style, it is a growing trend in the tattoo industry. This style includes a coloring style that resembles that of a watercolor paint. The shades are lighter than usual and often has that ombre effect, as if brushing a watercolor brush and the initial impact is darker until it becomes lighter. Most of the time, this style also includes “drops” of color.

Japanese style

This is more similar to the traditional style of tattooing than the others on the list. However, one big difference is the bolder outlines and the more vibrant colors. If you take a look at traditional Japanese tattoos or even paintings, you’ll get the gist. This would look extremely good for cherry blossoms or peonies or if you add a few elements to your floral design.

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Tattoo enthusiasts often get tattoos with personal meaning for them. They get designs that have deeper meanings and something that relates to them. It could signify their traits, their stories, or someone they love. But perhaps, dream catcher tattoos are one of the most personal. This is a growing trend among the tattoo industry, especially with women.

A dreamcatcher is often handmade. You’ll need some wood, preferably willow hoops as well as strings or yarns. Weave the yarns into a net of web at the center. Incorporate other sacred items such as feathers, beads, or anything that’s really important to you.

As the legend goes, hanging a dreamcatcher by your bed will help you avoid nightmares. It filters the bad and let the good dreams come to you.

Origins of Dream catcher Tattoos

Dreamcatchers can be traced back to Native American culture. This is where the it is believed that the Ojibwa Chippewa tribe first created it. The Lakota tribe also has their own legends as to the origin of these beautiful ornaments.

The dream catcher came from a legend of a spiderwoman who traveled the world. According to the myths, this woman visits the cradles of newborn children. She then weaves a magical web above the cradle which protects the babies from nightmares and evil energy. However, the magical web allows the good dreams to enter the child’s mind.

Since then, the tribes would create dreamcatchers and place it above their children’s bed. It’s a sacred symbol in Native American culture but it has also traveled around the world to different cultures.

Nowadays, pre-made dreamcatchers are available. But if you want to create something for good dreams, you should create your own. Native tribes believe it will be more effective if it is handmade.

Apart from being a magical protection against bad dreams, the dreamcatcher has also become a symbol for dreamers. It’s now used as talisman against evil as well in the form of tattoos. Dreamcatcher tattoos also link the wearer to his Native American roots.

Meaning of Dreamcatcher Tattoos

An actual dreamcatcher and all its parts has meanings that are tied to the natural world. First off, the shape of a dreamcatcher is usually a circle. The shape represents the circle of life. It also represents the sun and the moon that travel each day and night across the sky.

As we all know, the webs are what “filters” the good dreams. Some people believe that the bad dreams are the ones that are captured and banished into the circle in the middle part of the dreamcatcher. Others believe it is the good dreams that descend into the the person sleeping under it. Either way, it catches the good dreams and drives away the bad ones.

The feathers were originally placed to entertain the babies. But now, these are the ladders the good dreams use to go to the person. When it comes to the beads, many believe it symbolizes the “spider” itself – the weaver of the magical webs. Others believe the bad dreams that did not reach the person is immortalized as these sacred charms.

Dreamcatcher tattoos often have the same meaning – protection against the bad. But most importantly, it has become a way for some people to connect to their roots. Since it has become a great symbol of the Native American culture, tattoo enthusiasts use it to show off their pride as a member of a certain tribe.

Cultural Appropriation

Now, cultural appropriation is an issue with regards to getting designs like these. Some people believe that such symbols of great importance to minority culture shouldn’t be use by the dominant culture. For example, using a Native American headdress as a fashion accessory. Others believe this is a rude behavior and is disrespectful to the culture and its people.

So, should you get dreamcatcher tattoos even if you are not from any tribe?

There are objections against having these kinds of tattoos. But at the end of the day, it may depend on how you perceive your tattoo. Do you only use it for fashion, without any regards to its origin? If that’s the case, you might be offending some people.

But there are lots of other people who belong to different cultures that are fascinated and at awe with other cultures. If you acknowledge its origins, meanings, and respect the culture and its people, why not?

Variety of Dreamcatcher Tattoos

When it comes to creating a tattoo design, you can be as playful as you want. Or you can stick to the traditional ways. It all depends on your personality and your style. While some prefer loud and vibrant tattoos, others find calm and satisfaction with minimalist designs.

Nonetheless, here are some ways you can create your very own design for dreamcatcher tattoos.

1. Play with the number of hoops. While the normal dreamcatcher is only made up of one hoop, you can create a tattoo with three or more hoops. It’s a simple way of making your tattoo look more aesthetically pleasing. Plus it’s perfect when you want a bigger design.
2. Adding other charms apart from feathers and beads would work both in real life as well as tattoos. You can add some seashells, shapes, crystals, and more to your design. As they say, you should add the things that you hold dear or something that represents that.
3. Include animals. Since it is linked to the natural world, you can always incorporate spirit animals like horses, bears, and wolves. A dreamcatcher made of an owl is also a rather popular design.
4. Make a unique lace or web for the center of the hoop. You can make it look more web-like or lace-like. You can even make it look like a heart, a star, or even landscape or face.
5. Instead of the regular circle hoop, you can try turning it into other shapes. It could be a heart, a yin-yang, a sun or a moon.
6. Create some background for your tattoo. It could be a sky during a sunset or at night. Or you can try incorporating the watercolor style to make it look more colorful.

Popular Dreamcatcher Tattoos

As there are different ways to make dreamcatcher tattoos look unique, you’ll find thousands of pictures online. These can help inspire you with your own design.

Here are some of the most popular dreamcatcher tattoos. You can copy them or it could help you make a more unique ink.

A little dreamcatcher

One of the most popular designs is a traditional looking dreamcatcher with a smaller hoop on on of the strings. It usually has three strings with a bead and a feather on the other end. You can do this, but you can also add another smaller hoop on the middle string, and then the feather underneath it.

It can be as simple and can be done with just black ink. Or you can make it colorful with pastel shades, bright colors, and watercolor style of tattooing.

Owl eyes

Owls have these large rounded eyes. What if you made your dreamcatcher tattoo look like one? Just create two dreamcatchers very close to each other. To give the effect of an owl’s eyes, add some feathers on top of the hoops – these would look like the “eyebrows” of the owl.

An owl is usually known as a spirit animal in Native American culture. As a tattoo, it means intelligence, foresight, and protection. It’s definitely something that would work well with a dreamcatcher design.

An added element

One of the best ways to make your tattoo unique is to combine elements. For your dreamcatcher design, you can add other elements such as wild animals. You can make the feathers on your design vibrantly colored and use that as a link to another element – in this case, an elephant wearing a feathered headdress.

Of course, you can do other designs. It’s much better though if the elements work together to make a cohesive design rather than two separate inks.

Elephants, as a tattoo, represents gentleness, motherhood, and family. It’s also a great symbol for strength and power.

Under the sea motif

If you’d rather a simpler design but still far from the traditional ones, then create a motif. One of the most popular motif for dreamcatcher tattoos is an undersea one. You can add shells and a starfish among the beads and the feathers.

Or better, you can make the entire dreamcatcher made out of seashells. You’ll also want to color it a light blue color to make it more effective.

Watercolor Style

As previously mentioned, you can use the watercolor style of tattooing to achieve a brighter coloring for your tattoo. However, this is often done with a black outline first. But you can make it more stunning and amazing by using other colors for your outline. It’s better if the outline is the same color as the fill-in color. This would give the effect of no borders – just something very colorful and eye-catching.

Quotes

You can also add quotes to your design. It could be something related to dreams, since that’s what a dreamcatcher is all about.

This is the best thing about quotes – they are very versatile. You can even put a one-worded quote on the center of the dreamcatcher as if it was weaved like that. For example, you can put the word “dream” on it.

Floral

Since the dreamcatcher is a common tattoo design for women, floral accents are also popular. You can choose any kind of flower you want. By choosing a certain kind of flower, you can add a layer to your design’s meaning.

Here is a list of the most common flowers used in tattoos and what they mean:

• Lotus – generally means purity and resilience. The blue lotus is for intelligence.
• Roses – used to represent love and passion. White is for purity while blue is for something impossible or unattainable.
• Sunflowers – This flower is a representation of joy, joviality, and warmth.
• Lilies – These are for purity and innocence according to Chinese. It means sensuality for the Greeks.

Dreamcatcher with Peacock feather

Peacocks are known as symbols of pride and beauty. Even a single feather as a tattoo carries the same meaning. Adding this to dreamcatcher tattoos could add a layer to the meaning. Maybe it’s a way to signify beautiful dreams are coming or that you dream to be beautiful.

Peacock feathers are often bigger than usual ones. You’ll want to add this on the middle string for an added effect.

Eagle carrying a dreamcatcher

An eagle is a noble creature. It always had the same meaning in multiple cultures around the world. So having one as a tattoo would also signify the same thing.

For your design, it could be either the eagle was carrying the dreamcatcher on its mouth or on its feet. You can make it look realistic for a stunning effect.

White ink dreamcatcher

If you dream of something really unique, try having your tattoo with only white ink. It can make your tattoo look barely visible, but it adds to its overall look.

If you want some parts to be visible, you can add some black or colored ink as well. White ink tattoos are the perfect choice for someone who doesn’t want highly visible inks.

Placement of Dreamcatcher Tattoos

The placement plays a vital role in making your tattoo design look amazing. It’s important to find an area in your body where the tattoo will perfectly fit – that means both vertically and horizontally.

Here are a few areas that are popular choices for both men and women:

• The biceps or the sleeve area is a perfect place for both men and women. Because of the nature of dreamcatcher tattoos, it’s length can work well on the area.
• The nape is also a common placement area for women. Usually, designs here are smaller although it can be larger and extend to the back.
• The forearm is perfect for average-sized tattoos. However, it’s quite exposed a lot.
• The rib or side tattoos would look amazing on women, especially when the design conforms to their curves.

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There is a reason classic tattoos are that, classic. They are part of the mainstream tattoo industry for the reason that they are both for aesthetics and symbolism. Among these classic tattoos is the sun and moon tattoo which can be a perfect ink for any enthusiast.

The sun and moon tattoo is a great symbol for living with the good and bad things in life without bias. That is why it is also known as the yin and yang of the heavenly bodies.

Sun and its Symbolic Meaning

The sun is known in various cultures and religions in the world. Usually, it is a symbol of the gods. This connection is most notable in ancient Egyptian culture. The sun is connected to the sun god Ra, often known as the king of Egyptian deities.

Even in Christianity, the sun is also connected to God and Jesus Christ. It is often the symbol of heaven and also known as the halo.

But apart from being connected to gods and deities, the sun has long been known as the symbol of masculinity. It is known to represent strength and power. As a tattoo, it could represent that side of the wearer.

Moon and its Symbolic Meaning

Just like the sun, the moon is also connected to various deities. The most notable is the Greek goddess of the hunt, Artemis. As she is the twin sister of the sun god Apollo, the moon has become Artemis’ symbol.

As it is known as the opposite side of the sun, the moon is known to symbolize femininity. It represents calmness and fertility.

However, some cultures in the world also believe that the moon has some celestial powers that can contribute to magic. The moon is a sign of mysticism and this is one word that often describe magic. Those who practice magic such as witchcraft also often look at the moon as a source of power.

Sun and Moon Tattoo Meaning

As previously mentioned, the sun and moon tattoo is often known as the yin and yang of celestial bodies. As a tattoo, this design could represent being able to accept the good things and bad things in life without bias. Wearers often let the these opposite sides coexist within them and continue to shine as a person.

Apart from that, the sun and moon tattoo can also represent both masculine and feminine sides. It does not necessarily have to be linked to the gender orientation of the wearer. Instead, it could mean that the wearer accepts the quality that is present on both masculine and feminine sides.

For example, someone who has inner strength and power could also be calm and creative.

Common Designs and Styles for Women

While both men and women can get any style and design they want, some designs are best suited for the majority of female tattoo enthusiasts. Oftentimes, these designs are more subtle and delicate. That being said, here are some common designs and styles that many women find attractive.

Cartoons style – We all know that cartoons are often cutesy and childish. It is perfect for women since it is able to showcase their fragility and charming personality. The most common design often shows both the sun and moon having cartoonish faces.

Watercolor style – This technique has been gaining popularity, especially for women. This style makes use of colors, especially toned down and pastel colors to add the tattoo’s aesthetic value. Usually, designs include the colors, often mixed, as somewhat like the color you get from watercolor. It’s very light, with the shade usually darker to light. Design could either be a background, seemingly of watercolor dropping onto paper. Or perhaps, it could look like the tattoo line work has been colored with a watercolor brush.

Minimalist style – While this is popular for both men and women, minimalist styles can cater to women who want extremely subtle inks. The design is usually just the line work, without any shading and decors. It is also the perfect style for first timers. The design could either be big or small.

Common Designs and Styles for Men

Some men prefer subtle designs while others go for more complicated designs. For those who like the latter, here are two of the most common designs perfect for men.

3D designs – 3D designs are really designs for both men and women. But this is the perfect design for men who want bad-ass designs. This could make tattoos look “alive” or something that is real and just plastered on your skin. You need a good artist to get this kind of tattoos as it can be one of the toughest techniques that involves highlighting and shadowing.

Tribal – Tribal designs have been a part of tattoo industry since ancient times. In fact, tribal tattoos might have created the trend until it became mainstream. There is no wonder there are sun and moon tribal tattoos that you can get. Usually, designs are monotone, meaning it only consists of gray and black ink. There are also geometric patterns, swirls, and dots.

Variations of Sun and Moon Tattoo Designs

If you are searching for some specific designs, here are some of the most common variations you will see. You can definitely copy the designs or maybe get some inspiration for your next ink.

Phases of solar eclipse – While the eclipse is an entirely different tattoo on its own, it is also under the category of sun and moon tattoos. This design shows the complete phases of the solar eclipse: from the moment the moon blocks the sun until it slowly fades into the edge. This is a perfect tattoo design for the forearm or for spine tattoos.

Sun and moon “embracing” – This kind of design is a perfect design for cartoon styles. It usually shows the sun with the moon close to it, forming a part of the sun. The design looks like the sun is embracing the moon.

Floral sun and moon – Flowers are pretty common elements in the tattoo industry. These are perfect for both men and women given its inspirational meaning. Nonetheless, some designs are a combination of two or more elements. For this design, you are going to take flowers and the sun and moon into one (or two) tattoos. You only need to form the flowers into the shape of the sun. The sunflower often represent the sun while a cluster of flowers form the moon.

Mandala – Mandalas are popular design, especially for women. It’s a Hindu symbol for wholeness and perfection and often incorporates geometric designs. For this design, you can make a mandala sign with some flares for its rays. You can then create a half mandala on a crescent moon.

Decorated sun and moon tattoo – If you like some girly tattoos, some sun and moon ink design are rather simple, with a sun and a crescent moon with a boho-ish dangling designs. It’s almost like the celestial bodies are adorn with decorative headdresses and necklaces.

More Sun and Moon Tattoo Variations

Some designs are popular while some are rather interesting. Here are some of the most interesting tattoo designs that will definitely tickle your imagination.

• Dotted sun and moon – This can be under the minimalist style as it does not really require too much decoration. In fact, this kind of tattoo is so amazing you won’t need any other elements or designs. Basically the whole tattoo is made out of tiny dots to form the shape.
• One sky – We know that the sun and moon are in just in one sky. But of course, they usually exist on different times. But you can put them together in one sky with your tattoo. You can create a background of the sky, be it day and night or even both on one small tattoo.
• Sun and moon as persons – For some cultures, the sun and the moon are two persons, often husband and wife separated in the sky. You can recreate and reunite these mythical creatures through a sun and moon tattoo. The sun is often the male, with a long hair that makes up the flares. The moon is the woman.
• Quoted – Another thing you can do for a unique tattoo is to put a quote. It could be connected to the sun and moon or perhaps something you often tell yourself. It can be your own words that you want to immortalize. Just accompany the quote with any tattoo design you want.

Matching Couple Tattoos

Of course, couple tattoos are no exception when you think about the sun and the moon. Since these heavenly bodies signify men and women, it is a perfect tattoo for couples. It can also represent their differences and how despite having those, they still accept each other.

A minimalist sun and moon tattoo is a popular design among couples. The women have the moon tatted on their wrist while the men have the sun. Designs could either be as simple as a mere line work or perhaps decorated with some dots.

Some couples prefer a more colorful design. They can choose a blue ombre moon as well as an orange ombre sun. Again, this can be simple. The colors can serve as the design.

The mandala design is another popular couple tattoo. Mandala represents balance and eternity so it is indeed a great relationship tattoo. It also looks unique and beautiful with all the geometric designs.

Couples can also get an identical tattoo. They can choose a specific designs, usually with both the sun and moon it. Each one can get both of these tattoos on the same places. Placements include the wrist, arms, forearms, back and fingers.

Finding a Good Artist

Every step of getting a tattoo is important. If you fail in one step, you would basically be carrying a tattoo you would likely regret as soon as you had it. To avoid this, you need careful research and make decisions.

Finding the perfect tattoo artist is an essential step. They are the ones that will put the tattoo on you. They have to be professionals so you can guarantee your safety and the results of your ink. That is why you have to be thorough in your search.

Here are some of the factors that you have to consider:

• Style – Some artists are great at traditional tattoos. Others work well with minimalist styles. Some are highly efficient in 3D techniques. When it comes to finding a good tattoo artist, you have to make sure they know the style you want. There are artists who can do all of the styles but they are likely to be better at certain ones. Don’t hesitate to ask to look at their portfolio. This gives you a sense of their style. From there, choose the artists you’ll consider.
• Safety – Your safety should be a priority. Getting a tattoo is relatively safe, but it can be dangerous if your artist does not know what they are doing. They might have been using used needles or toxic ink with or without their knowing. This could endanger you and your health. Ask them about your safety and how they will make sure you are safe from harm.
• Cleanliness – Apart from knowing the right procedures and using the right tools, your artist should also observe cleanliness. You can get infections if you get a tattoo in unsanitary places. What more with tools that haven’t been cleaned. They should always have a sanitizing equipment at hand to avoid problems.

 Summary

Sun and moon tattoo designs are for men and women who believe in getting a tattoo for both aesthetic and meaning. There are many wonderful designs out there but what makes these designs worthy of getting is the meaning behind it.

As a tattoo, the sun and moon design is a symbol of living with the opposite sides of yourselves. You accept who you are and you have no biases between your two sides.

It is easy to find a design you want as mostly, the design will come from deep inside you. You’ll know the design for you when you see it. Nonetheless, finding the right person to do it for you is an even more important ordeal for the best results.

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