Tattoos are a well-known sign of self-expression and rebellion against the strict norms of society. Hippies in western countries brought this inky art into the mainstream, and it was slowly taken up by most of the youth in countries that were influenced by their principles and society.
Hand tattoos are said to be one of the most painful ones to do. This is because the bones are quite prominent than other body areas, and the skin is thinner with no muscle cushioning. The skin cells also regenerate quicker than the skin on different parts of the body; hence the wearer would have to redo the tattoo after a couple of months regularly or fade very quickly. This phenomenon is known as ‘ink fall-out’ and happens on surfaces that undergo repeated and abrasive actions due to contact with various textures. Sometimes, artists may try to combat this phenomenon with thickly filling ink in the skin, which might later cause imprecise or blown-out designs. Expert artists will suggest you have hand tattoos with thick line work, which can last longer.
Hand tattoos are also called ‘jobstoppers’ as corporate offices are hesitant to employ tattooed individuals, especially those who have tattoos that are difficult to cover up with clothing. Previously, any tattooed individuals were denied employment, but now it is restricted to those with visible tattoos. This is also because such tattoos were associated with lower and outcast classes, such as criminals and circus performers.
It is sometimes also seen that tattoo artists refuse to tattoo hands, which might be due to various reasons such as the great necessity to retouch the design frequently, or if they don’t think these trendy tattoos are a good idea for anyone. Nevertheless, many professionals don’t oppose your tattoo decisions, and if they believe it is a wrong placement, they will recommend another body part.
Read through this comprehensive list of men’s hand tattoos to get your next dose of INKspiration:
Flower Tattoo
Flower tattoos are an everyday inspiration for hand tattoos, no matter the gender. The colors and shading used in the tattoo give the image an almost three-dimensional appeal. Such bright tattoos can also be used to cover older tattoos or injury scars. Nevertheless, they certainly catch the attention of people!
Animal Tattoo
Animal tattoos are a trendy section of design in stylish tattoos, and these wolf and lion hand tattoos certainly are a perfect example of why they are so famous. The two animals are symbols of masculinity in their own right: the lion is known as the ‘king of the jungle’ and a sign of strength, pride, majesty, and courage. On the other hand, the wolf is a mythology character and portrays freedom, instincts, and a sharp sense of intelligence. Such men’s tattoos can show two aspects of human psychology, the Id and the Ego at war with each other.
Mini Portrait Tattoo
These mini portrait tattoos on the person’s knuckles give homage to these world-famous rappers and how they influenced this person. As seen by today’s new Bombay rap scene, many men love rap music, as shown in the film Gully Boy. So now, all you Slim Shadies, show off your tats!
Palm Tattoo
Palm tattoos are supposed to be more painful than typical hand tattoos. The skin on the palm also regenerates quicker than that on the other body parts. Hence the person would have to touch-up their design regularly, or it will fade and look shabby. If the person maintains their tattoo well, such designs are well-sought after, with a twist!
Illusion Tattoo
Illusion tattoos are a new trend in this artform. Such tattoos use brilliant shading and various colors to trick the mind into thinking that the drawing exists on different planes of art. This Illuminati sketch reminds one of the various conspiracy theories, especially “How did the artist even make this?”
Skull Tattoo
Halloween just went by, but the spooky season never stops. This amalgamation of an unlucky thing in a lucky thing is an elegant and astute representation of the bad in good, and vice versa. The skull is supposed to be lucky in some cultures too, as it symbolizes reincarnation and life after death, though the popular meaning still has negative connotations.
Script Tattoo
Script tattoos are generally placed on the hands or legs, but such finger tattoos are an intelligent way to hide a tattoo in professional environments. As said by Benjamin Franklin, once time goes by, it can never be found. This phrase really makes us put our lives in perspective!
Fandom Tattoo
Fandom tattoos are, a lot of times, a personal favorite of many boys. This Star Wars-inspired tattoo features a Tie Fighter, an X-wing, and a Jedi and Sith lightsaber. If the tattoo artist had used a magic tattoo pen, the wearer would definitely win a war against Darth Vader, General Snoke, and (spoiler alert!) Chancellor Palpatine’s combined armies.
Tribal Tattoo
Tribal tattoos show the wearer’s culture, heritage, and personality to the world. The meaning of the symbols changes from tribe to tribe, and hence it is crucial to do proper research and finding out the various definitions before zeroing in on a tribal design. There has been a considerable backlash in cases where tribal tattoos were done by non-members, as it can be considered cultural appropriation and disrespect to the tribe’s history and traditions.
Ring Tattoo
@dwightlightning69 |@3rosestattoo
Wedding ring tattoos are a new fad as an alternative to regular metal rings. This is more practical, as metal rings can wear down or get misplaced or dirty very quickly. Such men’s trendy tattoo designs also stay with the person forever, similar to the love shared between the two individuals.
Ring tattoos are an upcoming trend in the vast subject of tattoo art. It can be a significant problem in some professional work environments, but many workplaces aimed towards millennials allow such tattoos.
Come over to Aliens Tattoo Studio and get a free consultation with our in-house tattoo experts, who will help you add a bit of personality to your design. What are you waiting for? Fill up our consultation form so that we can help you find the best design and price for your newest tattoo venture!
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