What Is an Underboob Tattoo?
Literally speaking, an underboob tattoo is a tattoo that’s under your breast(s). But if you want to widen that interpretation, it could include tattoos that wrap around the sternum, cleavage, side boob, and ribs—anything in the general chest area. Roman says she does a lot of little scripts or floral pieces around the side of the boob or the ribs but that the sternum is growing in popularity, too, whether it’s bigger pieces that stretch out underneath (à la Rihanna’s iconic piece) or more discreet, simpler designs between the boobs.
How Much Does a Sternum Tattoo Cost?
Tattoo cost depends on so many different factors that it’s hard to give a good estimate. But if you’re looking at getting art done in the sternum region, you can expect to pay up. “It’s typically a more difficult area for a tattooist to tattoo because the skin is very thin in comparison to other areas like your forearm, so it is a little bit tricky,” Roman says. “Because of that, it could possibly be more expensive.”
Do Underboob Tattoos Hurt?
Yep. The underboob area is a sensitive spot, so you can definitely expect this one to hurt. “Tattoos can vary in pain, depending on the style that you’re getting, the kind of artist that you’re with, and the kind of method that they use,” Roman says. “But typically, the rib and the sternum area have been known to be more a painful area.” Noted.
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Can I Wear a Bra Over My New Tattoo?
As you might guess, you don’t want to wear something immediately after getting a tattoo that’s going to be rubbing the area or creating friction. Otherwise, Roman says it could cause the scabs or any flakiness to rub off before the right time, which could ultimately take some ink with it and fade the tattoo. No good. Instead, she suggests for the first four days, wearing a string bikini that’s not too tight around your torso, like a traditional bra would be.
What Should You Wear When Getting a Chest Tattoo?
Another thing you should think about ahead of your appointment is what to wear during it, especially for an underboob tattoo. Pro tip: Bring a button-up or a zip-up jacket. Roman says, “You can zip open the middle and have your body covered, but it gives full access to the sternum.” Genius.
When Should I Get an Underboob Tattoo?
If possible, plan your tattoo for the wintertime so you can rely on big sweatshirts and sweaters instead of bras. Plus, it’ll give your tattoo plenty of time to heal so you can show it off in the summer.
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How Do I Choose a Sternum Tattoo Design?
Although you can choose to do whatever tattoo design you damn well please, Roman has one suggestion for the sternum area: Choose a balanced design. “It doesn’t have to be perfectly symmetrical…but at least balanced so that it doesn’t look like one side is heavier than the other,” she explains.
How Do I Choose an Underboob Tattoo Design?
When it comes to the side-boob area or the ribs, you have even more freedom to do whatever design you want, but Roman says it looks especially nice when you shape it to the angles (or curves, rather) of your body.
Can You Lie Down on Your Tattoo?
If you’re new to tattoos, there are some obstacles you don’t think about until you’re faced with them. For instance, sleeping. If you’re a stomach or side sleeper, get used to your back, at least for a few days so the new tattoo doesn’t get stuck to the sheets (yep, it happens). “If you have a fresh tattoo, you definitely don’t want to sleep on it or have it sitting on the sheets, especially because it could secrete a little bit,” Roman says. “You want to be careful not to sleep directly on the tattoo.”
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When Should I Moisturize My New Tattoo?
Roman says immediately after and for the first two days, keep it simple: Cleanse with unscented soap twice a day (morning and night), pat it dry, and let it air out. After two days, when it starts to tighten up and dry out, add light layers of unscented lotion to your cleansing routine to keep everything moisturized. Continue to cleanse and moisturize for the next two weeks or until all the flakes and scabs come off on their own (don’t pick and peel!).
How Long Does an Underboob Tattoo Take to Heal?
As long as you take all the proper precautions, the healing time of an underboob tattoo is the same as any other. Roman says allow up to two and a half weeks for the area to fully heal.
How Should You Prepare for a Tattoo?
The night before, get a good night’s sleep. Before the appointment, eat a full meal to make sure your blood sugar level is up since you know it’s gonna be painful. Roman suggests also bringing snacks, things to watch like Netflix, music—whatever you gotta do to keep yourself distracted.
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What Causes Tattoo Fading?
To prevent your tattoo from fading over the years, take care of your skin, simple as that. Understandably, you might want to show off your underboob tattoo at the beach, so Roman says to just make sure you always wear sunscreen and moisturize daily to keep it from fading.
What Are the Risks of an Underboob Tattoo?
The tattooist you choose is a critical part of the success of your tattoo. “You want to make sure you go to someone who feels really comfortable, especially if you’re going for more of a fine-line tattoo like I do,” Roman says. “It’s really easy in that area for you to go too deep, and that’s when you see what’s called a blowout, which kind of looks like the ink spilled underneath the skin.” Louder for the people in the back: Make sure you’ve done your research and go to someone who’s reputable and comfortable tattooing in this area.
Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan.com.
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