A face tattoo is a type of tattoo that features the face. Many ethnic groups have facial tattoos as part of their traditional body art. This tattoo can be quite expensive and painful, and it is also a career-limiting decision. If you’re considering getting one of these tattoos, here are some things to keep in mind before you make your final decision.
Face tattoos are a centuries-old tradition
Face tattoos have a long and storied history. Tattoos were once considered an aesthetic practice. Young girls looked up to their mothers’ beautiful tattoos and longed to apply lipstick in the same way as they did. In addition to aesthetics, tattoos carried rich symbolism. They symbolized a connection with nature and the cosmos, and certain designs were considered protective against evil spirits. However, nowadays, the younger generation views tattoos as “backwards” and “weird”.
The history of face tattoos goes back at least 10,000 years. In some Indigenous cultures, the practice has been around for centuries. For example, the Maori in New Zealand are renowned for their beautiful swirling linework. However, in Western cultures, face tattoos have long been associated with jail, gang affiliation, and deviance. In ancient Rome, tattoos of boldface lettering were used as symbols of slavery. As these tattoos were made popular in American prisons in the 1970s, their meanings were also often associated with criminality. Today, many face tattoo designs have evolved into gang symbols, such as clocks, dots, and cobwebs.
They are expensive
If you want a face tattoo, you need to prepare yourself for the cost. Full face tattoos can cost $500 to $1,000 depending on the complexity of the design. You might also need more than one session. Moreover, some tattoo artists are not comfortable tattooing your entire face. In such a case, you can consider getting a miniscule face tattoo instead.
While face tattoos are incredibly expressive and can cost a lot of money, there is a risk of backlash. Especially if you’re in your early 20s, it’s better to start with smaller designs and work your way up. Getting ink on your face could also affect your career prospects, as some industries are not accepting of this type of tattoo.
They are painful
Face tattoos can be very painful. This is because the tattoo needle punctures the skin around the face many times per second. In addition, the face does not have enough fat to cushion the needle from the skin, so the pain can be intense. Many people do not fully understand how much pain face tattoos can cause until they’ve gotten one.
The pain is a mixture of a burning sensation that can remind you of a bee sting or a hot knife being dragged through you. During the initial outline, the pain will be more intense than after the design is complete. It will subside after a few days, but the intensity will increase if the tattoo is intricate or larger.
They are career-limiting
Many employers have a negative perception of face tattoos. While they may be an excellent choice for many, they can negatively impact your career prospects. Employers may think you’re irresponsible or impulsive, and they may not want to work with you if you have face tattoos.
Tattoos on the face and hands are a huge turnoff for some employers. In addition, there is also the social stigma surrounding them. Six out of ten employers wouldn’t hire someone with a face tattoo. On the other hand, four out of ten employers would be fine with a limited number of tattoos. Additionally, some employers have strict guidelines about appearance and dress code. Tattoos and unnatural hair colors are often prohibited in the workplace. For these reasons, it’s important to cover up tattoos to avoid career-limiting consequences.
Some jobs in creative fields are tolerant of tattoos. Creative jobs tend to value self-expression and body modifications more than others. For example, a web developer may not want to see a butterfly tattoo on his or her face. Whether a face tattoo is acceptable depends on the placement and design of the tattoo.
They are a sign of rebellion
Face tattoos are a centuries-old tradition in some indigenous cultures. The Maori of New Zealand, for example, have tattooed their faces with intricate swirling linework. In Western culture, however, face tattoos have long been associated with jail, deviance, and gang affiliation. During the 1970s, face tattoos became popular among men in U.S. prisons. They were often in the form of gang symbols, such as clocks or numbers. They were also used as time records.
The meaning of face tattoos is complex. Depending on the design, it can convey a cryptic message or empower a person. While some people use tattoos as a sign of rebellion, others use it as a form of self-expression. For instance, rappers sometimes use them as a way to show off their individuality.