Tattoo Myths You Shouldn’t Believe

Despite its ever-growing popularity and prominent place in modern culture, the art of tattooing is still shrouded in a haze of myths, old wives’ tales, and misguided advice. You’ve likely heard the statements before, from well-meaning friends, family, or in the corners of the internet: “You can never donate blood again,” or “Your tattoo will become a blurry mess when you get older.” These stories, often passed down from one generation to the next or from one uninformed person to another, can create unnecessary fear and hold you back from getting a piece of art you love.

The truth is that many of these beliefs are either rooted in the distant past and primitive tattoo techniques or are the result of simple misunderstandings. In the world of modern tattooing—with its professional studios, sterile equipment, and highly trained artists—many of these concerns no longer apply. As industry experts, we are here to separate fact from fiction, once and for all.

This article is your guide to identifying and dismissing the most common and harmful myths about tattoos. By reading this, you will not only find peace of mind but will also be equipped with the knowledge to make the best decisions for a safe, beautiful, and lasting tattoo experience.

Tattoos prevent you from ever donating blood

The Reality: This is one of the oldest and most persistent myths, and fortunately, it is false. In the distant past, due to concerns about bloodborne diseases, there were strict regulations. Today, however, in most developed countries, including the UK, the rules are clear and logical.

You absolutely can donate blood with a tattoo, provided that:

• Your tattoo was done in a professional, licensed studio.
• You have waited for a short deferral period (typically 3 to 4 months after getting the tattoo).

This waiting period is simply a precautionary measure to ensure no infections are present. Therefore, if you go to a reputable studio like Pink Tatpier, which adheres to the highest hygiene standards, you will have no issue donating blood after a few months.

 

Colour tattoos hurt more than black tattoos

The Reality: The colour of the ink has absolutely no effect on the level of pain. The pain of a tattoo is related to the needle’s depth, the location on the body, and the artist’s technique—not the ink’s pigment.

This misunderstanding likely comes from the fact that the technique of “colour packing,” where an artist needs to work over an area multiple times to fully saturate the colour, can cause more irritation and inflammation than the gentle shading of a black and grey piece. Therefore, it’s the technique that feels different, not the colour itself.

You shouldn’t wash a new tattoo; it must be kept completely dry

The Reality: This belief is not only wrong, but it is also extremely dangerous. A new tattoo is an open wound, and like any other wound, it needs to be kept clean to prevent infection and ensure proper healing.

Correct aftercare for a new tattoo includes:

• Gentle Washing: 2-3 times a day with lukewarm water and a mild, unscented soap.
• Drying: Patting it dry gently with a clean paper towel (not a fabric bath towel).
• Moisturising: Applying a thin layer of the artist-recommended aftercare ointment.

Keeping a tattoo dry creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow, which can lead to infection and seriously damage the final result of your artwork.

 

Tattoos always look blurry and distorted with age

The Reality: Not all tattoos age the same way. While it’s true that skin loses elasticity over time, the longevity of a tattoo depends on two key factors:

1. The Quality of the Initial Work: A skilled artist places the ink into the correct layer of the skin (the dermis). If the ink goes too deep, it will blur (“blow out”). If it’s too shallow, it will fade over time. A professional tattoo with clean lines and proper technique will hold its shape for decades.
2. Your Long-Term Care: The biggest enemy of a tattoo is the sun. UV rays break down the ink pigments over time, causing fading and discolouration. Consistently applying a strong sunscreen to your tattoo is the best way to keep it vibrant for life.

 

Swimming in chlorinated water will make the tattoo’s colour fade

The Reality: The primary concern with swimming with a new tattoo is not “fading,” but the risk of infection.

A new tattoo is an open wound. Swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, and oceans are all filled with bacteria and microorganisms that can cause severe and dangerous infections. For this reason, you must avoid swimming for at least 2 to 4 weeks (until the surface of the skin is fully healed). The chlorine in pool water can also irritate the healing skin and disrupt the recovery process.

Getting an MRI scan with a tattoo is dangerous and painful

The Reality: This is a very old rumour that dates back decades to the use of low-quality inks that contained high levels of heavy metals.

Modern, high-quality inks used in professional studios are safe. Reported cases of skin reactions (like a feeling of warmth or a slight stinging) during an MRI are extremely rare and almost always linked to very old tattoos (pre-1990s) or low-quality, homemade inks. If you got your tattoo at a reputable studio, you should have no concerns.

 

Anyone who can draw well can be a tattoo artist

The Reality: This is perhaps the most dangerous myth on this list. Human skin is not paper. Tattooing is a highly complex technical and medical skill that requires deep knowledge of:

• Skin Anatomy: Understanding the different layers of the skin and the correct needle depth.
• Hygiene and Sterilisation Principles: Preventing the transmission of infectious diseases.
• Specialised Equipment: Machine tuning, proper needle selection, and various application techniques.

A painter may have a great artistic sense, but without specialised training and a lengthy apprenticeship, they are in no way qualified to tattoo on a human body.

 

Frequently Asked Questions: Answering Other Common Rumours

1. Can tattoos cause skin cancer?

No. There is no credible scientific evidence that links tattoo ink to skin cancer. This rumour has been repeatedly debunked by dermatologists and health organisations.

2. Can you tattoo over a mole or birthmark?

Generally, no. A professional and responsible artist will never tattoo directly over a mole. Moles should remain visible so that any potential changes (which can be a sign of skin issues) can be monitored by a doctor. An artist can creatively design the tattoo around the mole to incorporate it into the composition.

3. Does shaving over a tattoo damage it?

No. Hair grows from the follicle, which is located in a deeper layer of skin than where the tattoo ink resides. Hair will grow back normally through the tattoo, and shaving or trimming it will have no effect on the artwork itself.

The Final Truth: Knowledge is Your Best Defence

Most fears and myths about tattooing stem from a lack of knowledge. The truth is that a modern tattoo, performed by a professional artist in a sterile environment, is a very safe process with beautiful, lasting results. The key to a successful experience is research and making smart choices.

Don’t let myths and misinformation cloud your decision. If you have questions or concerns, speak to a professional.

Our team at Pink Tatpier prides itself on transparency and providing factual information to our clients. For a no-obligation consultation to ask any question on your mind and receive honest answers, please contact us. We are here to ensure you walk into this artistic journey with peace of mind and complete confidence.