Thinking about getting a knee tattoo? You’re not alone! Knee tattoos are becoming increasingly popular, but they also come with a reputation for being quite painful. If you’re curious about knee tattoos and want to know more before taking the plunge, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about knee tattoo designs, from pain levels and aftercare to placement ideas and popular styles.
Do Knee Tattoos Really Hurt?
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the pain. Many people rate knee tattoos as being on the higher end of the pain scale. This is due to a few factors. Firstly, the kneecap itself is bone, and tattooing directly over bone can be more sensitive. Secondly, the skin around the knee is surprisingly thin and contains many nerve endings, making these areas more reactive to the needle.
However, pain is subjective and varies greatly from person to person. One person’s “excruciating” is another’s “manageable.” Hanah Elizabeth (@hanahelizabethtattoo), a professional tattoo artist, shares her experience: “The pain of tattoos varies from person to person but knee tattoos tend to be up there on the pain scale for most. From personally having my own done, I found it painfully uncomfortable to sit still for, but it wasn’t unbearable – it’s a unique experience I will say that!”
While knee tattoos can be painful, it’s important to remember that the discomfort is temporary. Many people who have knee tattoos find the pain to be manageable, especially when they focus on the final result. And, as someone with a knee tattoo myself, I can attest that while it wasn’t a walk in the park, it was definitely tolerable, especially compared to my foot tattoo which was significantly more painful.
Knee Tattoo Session Length: What to Expect
The duration of your knee tattoo session depends on several factors, primarily the complexity and size of your chosen design. A simple blackwork design will naturally take less time than a detailed, full-color piece.
Color tattoos often require more time, and artists may recommend splitting them into multiple sessions. This allows for proper healing between lining and coloring stages, ensuring the best possible outcome. Ultimately, the time it takes will depend on the level of detail, the area you want to cover, and your tattoo artist’s speed and technique.
Reflecting on my own knee tattoo experience, a full-color pink peony by Hanah Elizabeth, the session lasted approximately 4 hours, including breaks. My friend Steph, who also sports a knee peony tattoo by Toby Gawler (@tattoosbytoby), spent around 5-6 hours over two sessions to complete hers.
Knee tattoo by Toby Gawler
A beautifully detailed peony knee tattoo by Toby Gawler, showcasing the artistry possible in knee tattoo designs.
Knee Tattoo Cost Breakdown
The price of a knee tattoo can vary considerably, depending on the artist’s pricing structure. Some artists charge a flat rate per piece, while others bill hourly. Hourly rates can range from £70 to £100 (or equivalent in your local currency), but this can fluctuate based on the artist’s experience and location.
For a larger, more intricate knee tattoo, you can expect to invest anywhere from £200 to £500 or more. Again, design complexity, size, and artist location are the main factors influencing the final cost.
It’s crucial to discuss pricing with your chosen tattoo artist during the consultation or booking process. They will be able to provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific design idea and their rates.
Preparing for Your Knee Tattoo Appointment
Proper preparation is crucial for any tattoo, but it’s even more important for potentially sensitive areas like the knee, especially for longer sessions. Our general tattoo preparation guide offers valuable advice, and Hanah Elizabeth adds specific tips for knee tattoos:
“You can prepare the same way as you would with most other tattoos. Exfoliate the area beforehand as knees are notoriously dry and thick skinned, so any extra help you can give with skincare prior will help greatly,” she advises. Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells, creating a smoother canvas for the tattoo and potentially aiding ink absorption.
Hanah also emphasizes the importance of internal preparation: “Having a nice big breakfast, mentally preparing for the session and being realistic with the process expect it’s going to hurt a bit more than most others.” A good meal will help stabilize your blood sugar, and mental preparation can help you manage the discomfort.
Using a quality exfoliating body wash, like this one from Stories & Ink, can prepare your knee skin for tattooing, ensuring a smoother and healthier tattoo application.
Knee Tattoo Placement Options
When considering knee tattoos, there are several placement options to explore, each offering a different aesthetic and design potential. You might want to seamlessly integrate your knee tattoo into a larger leg sleeve, or you might prefer to treat the knee as a standalone canvas. Many, like myself, opt for the knee as a focal point for a unique design.
Knee Cap Tattoos
As the name suggests, knee cap tattoos are centered directly over the kneecap. These designs often lean towards traditional tattoo styles and are typically standalone pieces. Popular motifs for knee cap tattoos include peonies, bear heads, roses, mandalas, and sacred hearts. The rounded shape of the kneecap can beautifully frame these bold and symmetrical designs.
Knee tattoo
A striking knee cap tattoo by Hanah Elizabeth, showcasing a bold and symmetrical design perfectly suited for the knee.
Above Knee Tattoos
Positioned just above the kneecap, above knee tattoos can extend into the lower thigh area. This placement offers more space for designs that wrap around the knee. Excellent design choices for this area include floral frames, butterflies, cutout mandalas, and barbed wire. Another trendy idea is a two-word phrase spanning across both legs, creating a visually impactful statement.
Knee tattoo
An above-the-knee tattoo by Hanah Elizabeth, demonstrating how designs can elegantly frame the knee joint and extend onto the thigh.
Under Knee Tattoos
Under knee tattoos, also known as upper shin tattoos, frame the kneecap from below. This placement works well with designs that have a horizontal or band-like orientation. Suitable designs include horseshoes, chunky charm bracelets, flowers, floral bands, moths, and bats. The shape of this area lends itself to designs that complement the curve of the calf and shin.
Ultimately, the best design and placement are a matter of personal preference. If you have a specific idea in mind, consult with your tattoo artist. They can offer expert advice on what designs will work best with the knee’s unique anatomy and your desired aesthetic. Remember, your tattoo should be something you love and are happy to wear for years to come.
Knee Tattoo Aftercare Essentials
Knees are notoriously tricky to heal due to their constant movement and tendency to swell. “It’s tender and super swollen for a few days after so, if you can, take a few days off and rest as that will definitely help,” advises Hanah Elizabeth. Proper aftercare is essential to ensure your knee tattoo heals well and looks its best.
Key aftercare steps include:
- Use a quality tattoo aftercare cream: Keep your tattoo moisturized with a product specifically designed for tattoo healing, like those found in our tattoo aftercare collection.
- Avoid soaking: Steer clear of baths, swimming pools, and prolonged water exposure while your tattoo is healing. Showers are fine, but avoid direct water pressure on the tattooed area.
- Don’t pick or scratch: Itching is a normal part of the healing process, but resist the urge to scratch or pick at scabs. This can damage the tattoo and increase the risk of infection.
- Elevate your leg: Elevating your leg, when possible, can help reduce swelling, especially in the initial days after getting your tattoo.
Hanah also recommends “wet healing” for knee tattoos: “Personally, I prefer to wet heal knee tattoos. I found that helpful with my own knee to avoid dry cracking with the amount of movement it has.” Wet healing involves keeping the tattoo consistently moisturized with a breathable bandage or wrap, which can help prevent scabbing and cracking in this high-movement area.
Always follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist, as they know their techniques and products best.
Will My Knee Tattoo Fade?
Tattoo fading is a common concern for tattoo enthusiasts. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep your tattoos vibrant, including knee tattoos.
Hanah assures us that “everyone’s skin heals differently but, as long as you’re keeping your skin moisturised, there’s no reason why they should fade faster than others.” Moisturization is key to maintaining the ink’s vibrancy and preventing dryness, which can contribute to fading.
Lifestyle factors also play a role. “People’s jobs and lifestyles will play a part in that – how often they’re on their knees or if their skin is open to the elements will affect the area like it would any other tattoo.” Minimize friction, excessive sun exposure, and harsh chemicals to prolong the life of your knee tattoo.
Using a daily moisturizer, such as Stories & Ink Daily Moisturiser, packed with fade-fighting ingredients is crucial for keeping your knee tattoo looking its best over time.
Knee Tattoos After Surgery
Yes, you can absolutely get a knee tattoo after surgery! In fact, tattoos can be a fantastic way to camouflage scars and boost self-confidence. However, it’s crucial to wait until your knee and any surgical scars are fully healed before getting tattooed.
Consult your surgeon for guidance on how long to wait post-surgery. It’s also advisable to seek out a tattoo artist who specializes in tattooing over scars. These artists have the expertise to work with scar tissue and ensure optimal tattoo results.
Top 5 Knee Tattoo Design Ideas
Looking for inspiration? Here are five popular and visually striking knee tattoo design ideas:
Mandala Knee Tattoo
Mandala tattoos are universally appealing, and they look particularly stunning on the knee. These ornamental and symmetrical designs can cover the entire kneecap or be incorporated into a larger sleeve. This example by @6rilink showcases the intricate beauty of a mandala knee tattoo.
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Spider Web Knee Tattoo
The classic spider web tattoo is a timeless choice that looks fantastic in various locations, including the knees. Its bold lines and symbolic nature make it a popular and impactful knee tattoo design.
Knee tattoo
A striking spider web knee tattoo by Tom Stals (@stalstattoo), a testament to the enduring appeal of this classic design.
Floral Knee Tattoos
Flowers are always a winning choice for tattoos, and they adapt beautifully to the knee’s shape. Peonies, in particular, are a popular option, and their name even playfully relates to “knee.” Floral knee tattoos offer a touch of elegance and natural beauty.
Knee tattoo
Rosie’s pink peony knee tattoo by Hanah Elizabeth, a perfect example of how floral designs can elegantly adorn the knee.
Industrial Knee Tattoos
Industrial or chain-link fence tattoos have gained significant traction in the tattoo world. Designs featuring broken fences or chain links wrapping around the knee create a unique and edgy aesthetic. @lucyarbeit is known for their impressive industrial knee tattoo work.
[
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Bee’s Knees Tattoo
Pun tattoos are always a fun and memorable choice. The “bee’s knees” pun is perfectly suited for an under-knee tattoo featuring bees. This playful design is sure to spark conversations and showcase your personality.
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Read More
Ready to explore more tattoo inspiration and guidance? Check out our other articles on tattoo aftercare, pain management, and design ideas to further your tattoo journey.
