Thigh Tattoos (Everything You Need To Know)

ByKate Reading Time: 14 minutes

A thigh tattoo is a daring but oh-so-sensual place to get a tattoo for women. The thigh tattoos for men can be muscular and attractive if you are into this stuff. But what is the story, and how do you get a thigh tattoo?

Thigh tattoos are becoming a trend and usually portray sentimental meaning. A thigh tattoo’s pain level is lower than the average, and an excellent place to get a bigger tattoo. The thigh tattoo can be expensive, but the healing can be a breeze if the wearer follows the correct aftercare.

Why Do People Get Thigh Tattoos?

A thigh tattoo is quite a statement; not anybody would get it, especially as their first tattoo. However, a thigh tattoo can have sentimental value, and the person wearing it can hide or show it whenever they choose. Another meaning of a thigh tattoo in women is that it can be sexually alluring, especially with the movement of the thigh.

The thigh tattoo placement’s seductiveness or boldness can make a lady excited to have one of these. For men, the thigh area is excellent for illustrating strength and courage. The design, color, and size of the tattoo a person gets on their thigh will add to the meaning of it.

Does It Hurt Getting A Thigh Tattoo?

Getting a tattoo on the thigh is not a popular placement, but this has more to do with the visual of a prominent tattoo than the pain accompanying it. The pain of a thigh tattoo is manageable, although there are compartments on the thigh that are a little more painful.

The inner and back thighs will be more painful than the upper and outer thigh areas. This is because the skin is thinner here, the nerve endings are more, and the muscle and fat are less. However, the inner and back thigh is still a moderate pain option compared to other bony parts like the ribs or ankle.

The upper and outer thighs are the most popular areas regarding thigh tattoos. They are one of the least painful areas on the body to get a tattoo because of a few factors:

  • More fat storage
  • Bigger muscles
  • Thicker skin

Especially for women, the thighs are one of the areas the most fat gets stored, cushioning the effects of a tattoo needle. Another reason for less pain in the upper thigh is that the biggest muscle group, the quadriceps, is located here and can get quite big and bulky, making it advantageous for men as well.

Finally, the skin on the thigh is thicker to protect the moving parts and the muscles, opening up a large canvas for a great design and experienced tattoo artists to do their magic.

How To Deal With Tattoo Pain?

If you get a thigh, back, or foot tattoo, you will experience pain. Only the degree of pain will differ. The tattoo needle presses through the skin to print the tattoo on the dermis, the bottom layer of your skin, which is full of blood vessels and capillaries. To manage the healing, the body reacts with the “pain” sensation to warn you about the harmful trigger.

On the other hand, a thigh tattoo will take longer if you opt for the bigger and bolder tattoo this placement can give you. Thus, people would be interested to know what they can do to make it as painless as possible.

Tip #1: Avoid drinking alcohol or painkillers. Alcohol and painkillers will have a thinning effect on your blood, which is a significant problem when getting a tattoo, especially a large one on your thigh. If your tattoo starts to bleed excessively, which it could with a large tattoo, and your blood is thinned, this could lead to a trip to the hospital and a half-done tattoo scar.

Tip #2: Don’t get sunburned before your appointment. Getting a tattoo on the skin with sunburn will cause extra pain. Imagine a needle pressing into delicate, dry, and swollen skin multiple times. Stay out of the sun and moisturize so your skin is flexible and ready to receive the artwork.

Tip #3: Wear the correct attire for your appointment. Getting a thigh tattoo means wearing loose-fitting shorts for men, or a dress is the best option for women. Please don’t go with a jean or tight-fitting shorts. Remember, those shorts will need to go over the tattoo to take it off, which will be painful.

Tip #4: Talk to the artist first if you want to go for numbing cream. Numbing cream may sound like the solution to tattoo pain, but sometimes, it could cause a tattoo not to come out as you planned. Numbing cream changes the skin, and getting the tattoo on the adjusted skin may lead to a final product you didn’t want. Again, talk to the artist and find out if there is a product they recommend.

How Much Does A Thigh Tattoo Cost?

One of the things you need to consider when getting a thigh tattoo is the cost. Because of the size, you can go with a thigh tattoo; these can be one of the most expensive tattoos to get. The price can vary between $500 and $2000 depending on a few factors.

  • The tattoo parlor you choose
  • The color of your tattoo
  • The size of the tattoo
  • The details in the tattoo

Price Depending On The Tattoo Parlor

The experience, licenses, and location of a tattoo parlor can influence the price of the tattoos they offer. First, all tattoo parlors need a license to operate. Thus, an underground tattoo parlor will be cheaper, but you risk your body, as the permit requires them to take an oath to work with sterile equipment.

The experience of the artists at the parlor will usually make for an excellent reputation. With a reputation comes a few extra dollars to pay for the superb knowledge and the art you will receive. Artists with many followers on social media and great reviews will lead to higher tariffs.

The location of the parlor plays a significant role in the fee they charge. Prime spots usually cost more, and next-level equipment gives better results but will bump up the price of your tattoo.

Price Depending On Tattoo Color

Going for an outline tattoo with black and grey colors will cost you less than going all out with colored artwork. Some artists will bill you according to the size of your tattoo, whereas others bill per hour.

Color will need more time, planning, and construction to blend everything in than using black and grey.

Price Depending On Tattoo Size

Usually, most tattoo parlors and artists bill a tattoo according to its size. Some have standard sizes like small (around 3 to 4 inches), medium-sized tattoos around 7 to 10 inches, and large from a foot and bigger.

A tiny tattoo can cost you between $50 to $150 when only looking at the size. The color and complexity of design can increase the price because of the time and expertise it takes.

Price Depending On The Tattoo Details

Another significant factor in the price of a thigh tattoo is how complex the design is. For example, do you want an artist’s masterpiece on your thigh in full color? Then the price will definitely be at the top of the range at around $2000 or even more.

This would be because it is time-consuming to get the design right, the size would take longer, and the color corrections and blending will top it off as a challenging tattoo to master.

How Long Do Thigh Tattoos Take To Heal?

A Thigh tattoo takes the same average time to heal as any other tattoo, which is 2 to 4 weeks for the outer layer and 3 to 6 months for the entire tattoo. It will be on the longer end of the ratio for larger thigh tattoos because larger tattoos mean more scarring, and the body needs more time to heal the extensive area.

Thigh Tattoo Stages Of Healing

There are stages of the healing process which differ from each other. However, if your tattoo follows these stages, it was applied correctly and only needs some time to heal.

Stage 1: The most uncomfortable stage is the first week. The artist will wrap the tattoo in cling wrap-looking bandages, which protect your tattoo for a while as it is an open wound. After that, you can expect anything from redness, swollenness, oozing, and itching.

Stage 2: The second stage occurs during the second week and entails itchiness and flaking of the skin. This is part of the natural healing process, and the flakiness is natural. It might look like a disaster, but no need for concern; your tattoo will still be intact. Ask your tattoo artist for a moisturizer suitable for tattoo healing if they don’t recommend it from the get-go.

Stage 3: The third and fourth week is when the outer layer of your skin heals, and it will look like a faded tattoo. This is because a layer forms over the tattoo. This dried skin will flake off and exfoliate, revealing a perfectly vivid tattoo. Your skin should not be itchy or red anymore. If it is, it could be infected.

Stage 4: From 2 to 6 months after your tattoo application is when the tattoo heals on the inside. This is usually the part where people slack on taking care of the tattoo, which can affect the lifetime of the tattoo. Keep up the aftercare instruction for up to 6 months for a big thigh tattoo to ensure it looks great for many years.

Factors To Consider Before Getting A Thigh Tattoo?

Deciding to get a thigh tattoo is a big decision. Usually, people choosing this placement do so with care and know what they are getting into. However, it would help if you considered a few things before getting a thigh tattoo.

The Size Of Your Thigh Tattoo

The size of a thigh tattoo can start from a tiny little flower or one-word saying to a masterpiece of a face, animal, or mandala design on your entire front thigh. Before you choose the size, you will have to think about visibility.

  • Do I want it to be visible every time I wear something short?
  • Will I get tired of the enormous size?
  • Will it stretch and wear out?

When you have a job in the corporate world, you will either have to wear long pants or a skirt forever or choose a smaller thigh tattoo that will still be hidden even if you go for a mini skirt. For men, this reason won’t really have merit.

The size might get tiring over a few years. A smaller tattoo will be easier to remove or redo than a large tattoo. Thus, you must be 100% sure of the size before going for it.

Are you someone that gains and loses much weight all the time? Or are you someone that stays consistent in size? For example, active people usually have bigger thighs that are lean and in shape. This is part of who they are and the chances of them suddenly losing that muscle is slim. Likewise, a big tattoo can stretch and wear and tear easier than a smaller one.

The Design Of The Thigh Tattoo

When deciding on the design of the tattoo, you will have to take your time and consider it thoroughly. Sitting with a dreaded design on your thigh for the rest of your life is quite depressing. Usually, a thigh tattoo is something sentimental that means something special. In this case, it won’t get tiring, and the size will probably not bother you too much.

The Placement Of The Thigh Tattoo

Where you place your thigh tattoo is something essential to think about. For example, putting a tattoo at the back of the thigh just above the back of the knee might be a good option at the time. However, later, this could become an awkward place for your tattoo and become irritating.

Will The Older You Still Love The Thigh Tattoo?

The “future you” is always someone to consider when getting a tattoo, no matter where it is. On the other hand, a thigh tattoo is essential for the future. Will your future spouse think it is classy? What about your children? Father-in-law and grandchildren? But most of all, will it grow and evolve with you or feel like a mistake later.

When To Get Your Thigh Tattoo?

A thigh tattoo is tricky, and applying it at any time of the year might not work. Firstly, getting a tattoo on the back of the thigh will keep you from sitting. Getting it on the front thigh will prevent you from wearing formal work attire to work. Thus, to avoid this dilemma, you might have to opt for summer and during the holiday to ensure you are ready for work after a few weeks of healing.

On the other hand, summertime is the time for swimming, boarding, and sunbathing. When you know the aftercare instructions of a thigh tattoo by heart, you will understand that all those things are canceled. No swimming, boarding, or sunburn is allowed to ensure the proper healing of your tattoo.

What To Wear After Getting A Thing Tattoo?

A thigh tattoo might mess around with your wardrobe for a month or two. You have to decide whether you will sacrifice this for a few months for a thigh tattoo. Guys may have difficulty keeping the tattoo open or any tight-fitting clothes from scratching it.

Maybe you have a boss that will accept a change in wardrobe for a month. Otherwise, you will have to buy loose-fitting formal pants for the duration. Guys working from home or more laid back wear sweatpants or loose-fitting shorts.

Ladies have it easier because they can wear lose fitting linen pants and dress it up or go for flowy dresses that won’t touch or irritate the healing thigh tattoo.

Can You Work Out After Getting A Thigh Tattoo?

Tattoo artists usually give a no to working out with a new tattoo. You should at least wait two weeks with a big thigh tattoo. The reason for waiting is that gym bacteria or sweat drenching the wounded area should not be the reason for the healing process to stop.

After two weeks, the outer layer of the skin has formed over the tattoo, and it will be safe to work out – depending on the size of your thigh tattoo. When deciding to exercise after getting a thigh tattoo, the following needs to be considered:

  • Size of the tattoo
  • The exercise you want to do

With a big tattoo covering the entire thigh, it won’t be a good idea to go for a jog, squat, or cycling session. Any workout that needs the leg to stretch extensively will influence the healing process of your tattoo and the end product.

With a smaller tattoo on the upper thigh, you might get away with a light leg session that doesn’t include exercise causing strain or friction on the tattoo.

The best way to go about a thigh tattoo is to get it in a season when you are not too big on working out and can take it slow and focus on the upper body for 2 to 3 weeks instead.

Thigh Tattoo Aftercare

The most crucial part of getting a tattoo is to stick to the aftercare regime 200%. Doing so will ensure you don’t get an infection, your tattoo heals perfectly with no scarring, and lasts for many years.

How To Clean The New Thigh Tattoo

Some people might keep the tattoo closed as long as possible and keep closing it for a few weeks. But, unfortunately, this is an infection waiting to happen.

1. Keep the bandage from the tattoo parlor for about 24 to 48 hours.

2. Wash your thigh tattoo with mild soap (no fragrances) and distilled water.

3. Opt for a shower, and try not to get water on your tattoo. We don’t want a tattoo submerged in water and the least water possible for it to dry and heal.

4. Dry the tattoo by slightly patting it with a towel. Don’t use tissue or cotton pads that can get stuck in the wound.

4. Repeat the cleaning three times a day.

What To Avoid When Taking Care Of A New Thigh Tattoo

Unfortunately, many don’t know how to go about the aftercare of a thigh tattoo. Please remember that this is only for a short period until your tattoo is healed. Then, you can go about your routine again.

1. Don’t submerge your tattoo in water. No swimming, hot tubs, or bathing. This won’t give the tattoo time to dry and heal, and the bacteria in public pools can cause infections.

2. Don’t wear clothes that cause friction on your thigh tattoo. This will prolong the healing process, mess with the result, and lead to infection.

3. Don’t pick at the scabs or scratch them. This is tempting with severe itchiness, but it will harm your wound and lead to longer healing time and unwanted results.

4. Don’t let the tattoo out in the sun. Your thigh tattoo is an open wound, and risking sunburn can influence the healing process and discard the ink, leaving a terrible leftover of the tattoo you wanted.

5. Don’t cover it up with bandages. The healing process needs the wound to dry out and the top layer of skin to dry, harden, and chip off. Keeping it closed will keep the thigh tattoo wet, mushy, and open for infection to creep in.

Awesome Thigh Tattoo Designs

Instagram is full of unique designs for thigh tattoos. You might know what you want, but browsing ideas can give you that exact thigh tattoo you were looking for.

Side Thigh Tattoos

Tattoos on the side of the thigh are popular with women who want to add a saying or string of flowers and delicate designs. It is also a great way to start a design and expand later. This feminine but the strong tattoo is an excellent option for a lady looking to portray strength, beauty, and sensuality.

Front Thigh Tattoos

The front thigh is a favorite for men to portray meaning, authority, and strength through their tattoos. The canvas is also spectacular for a talented artist to strut their stuff. This artwork has amazing shadows and blends and could fit a range of meanings you would like to add to your thigh.

Back Thigh Tattoos

A placement that is a little more painful but could be worth it more, as the tattoo’s longevity lasts longer. Thus, the choice is quite important. This is a fantastic example of powerful, authentic, and rawness on the back thigh.

Upper Thigh/ Hip Tattoos

Hip tattoos are popular with girls. It is higher on the leg. This can be covered easily but daring enough to expand the portion if you feel like it later. This example perfectly portrays a tattoo that can start small and go more significant as time passes if the wearer feels like adding more ink to the creation.

Conclusion

A thigh tattoo might be a bold decision, but even thinking about it means you don’t care what others think. That is precisely the attitude you should have about your body and your tattoos. So follow the planning and considerations, and flaunt your thigh tattoo when you have it.

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