New Tattoo and Tennis

[CaldwellYSR]

I'm relatively new to tennis. I play 4-5 days a week for 3+ hours a day. Nothing competitive (yet) just for fun. I have been thinking about getting a tattoo on the inside of my forearm. A little closer to the elbow than this one and about that size. On the forearm of my dominant arm (left).

After talking to the artist and finding information online, everybody is saying I need to keep it out of the sun while it heals but I don't need to keep it bandaged up the whole time either. Which basically sounds to me like "don't play tennis for the two week healing period". There are worse things in life I know but I really don't want to take two weeks off from playing tennis just for a tattoo! So here's my questions to y'all:

What kind of precautions should I take to keep a new tattoo protected while playing tennis?

Will all the movement and sweating on my arm cause any damage to the tattoo?

[r2473]

You are not allowed to sweat, shower, etc. for a two week period after getting your tattoo. Its just the price ya gotta pay.

Tennis is fine though.

[CaldwellYSR]

Originally Posted by r2473

You are not allowed to sweat, shower, etc. for a two week period after getting your tattoo. Its just the price ya gotta pay.

Tennis is fine though.

Arg, would a sweatband over the tattoo be bad?

[Fearsome Forehand]

I think everyone should get a tattoo (just like everyone else) to prove their individuality.

At least it isn't a tramp stamp. More like a white trash stamp.

I suggest getting a temporary tattoo. That way about the same time the novelty wears off so will the tattoo.

If you really want to look like a bad ***, why not cut off one of your ears and staple it to your forehead? You'll make the other tattoo dudes look like whimps. They'll be so jealous.

[CaldwellYSR]

Originally Posted by Fearsome Forehand

I think everyone should get a tattoo (just like everyone else) to prove their individuality.

At least it isn't a tramp stamp. More like a white trash stamp.

I suggest getting a temporary tattoo. That way about the same time the novelty wears off, so will the tattoo.

If you really want to look like a bad ***, why not cut off one of your ears and superglue it to your forehand? You'll make the other tattoo dudes look like whimps.

I'm not trying to look badass or to prove my individuality. I'm getting a tattoo because what I'm getting is something I'm passionate about and something I've thought about doing for a long time. This isn't a spur of the moment drunken thing that will wear off. I wasn't asking for your judgement of my idea to get a tattoo I was asking for advice on protecting the tattoo while it's healing. Specifically trying to play tennis.

[Fearsome Forehand]

So, you are passionate about permanently inking some squigly lines on your forearm? To each his own.

Tattoo removal is keeping dermatologists in Porsche payments. Bear in mind that what seems cool when you are 20 or 25 seems ultra stupid when you are a bit older.

But, it is your arm, do as you see fit. I still think the amputated ear stapled to your forehead makes more of a statement.

[hollywood9826]

Originally Posted by Fearsome Forehand

I think everyone should get a tattoo (just like everyone else) to prove their individuality.

At least it isn't a tramp stamp. More like a white trash stamp.

I suggest getting a temporary tattoo. That way about the same time the novelty wears off so will the tattoo.

If you really want to look like a bad ***, why not cut off one of your ears and staple it to your forehand? You'll make the other tattoo dudes look like whimps.

That was funny.

The rest not so much.

[r2473]

Originally Posted by CaldwellYSR

Arg, would a sweatband over the tattoo be bad?

Yes. No sweating and no sweatbands.

But again, tennis is just fine.

[CaldwellYSR]

Originally Posted by r2473

Yes. No sweating and no sweatbands.

But again, tennis is just fine.

Lol well the way I play I'll be sweating in a heartbeat :P I'll just tone it down for a few weeks, play less and not play too hard that I end up sweating too much.

[r2473]

^^ Federer never sweats. Just saying.

[CaldwellYSR]

Originally Posted by r2473

^^ Federer never sweats. Just saying.

Hahaha I believe that... Either way I'm not in the best of shape and I run for every single ball when I play. Plus it's hot this summer. I'm not saying I play well or anything... just that my mentality is the way to get better is to run and try my damndest to get every ball :P That tends to end with my sweating

[wao]

Originally Posted by CaldwellYSR

I'm relatively new to tennis. I play 4-5 days a week for 3+ hours a day. Nothing competitive (yet) just for fun. I have been thinking about getting a tattoo on the inside of my forearm. A little closer to the elbow than this one and about that size. On the forearm of my dominant arm (left).

After talking to the artist and finding information online, everybody is saying I need to keep it out of the sun while it heals but I don't need to keep it bandaged up the whole time either. Which basically sounds to me like "don't play tennis for the two week healing period". There are worse things in life I know but I really don't want to take two weeks off from playing tennis just for a tattoo! So here's my questions to y'all:

What kind of precautions should I take to keep a new tattoo protected while playing tennis?

Will all the movement and sweating on my arm cause any damage to the tattoo?

You have to keep it out of direct sun while it is healing. Talk to the tattoo artist. I played with a long sleeve dry fit shirt and no issues.

[CaldwellYSR]

Originally Posted by wao

You have to keep it out of direct sun while it is healing. Talk to the tattoo artist. I played with a long sleeve dry fit shirt and no issues.

Schweet thanks

[Seth]

Originally Posted by CaldwellYSR

Schweet thanks

If you use the term "schweet" and are looking at a forearm tattoo, my advice is to sleep on it.

amiright?

Otherwise, Fearsome Forehand is dead on.

[CaldwellYSR]

So proper grammar on a casual forum determines the responsibility required to get a tattoo? I'm not trying to be defensive or anything but I really don't understand the logic behind y'all trying to talk me out of something I've been thinking about and wanted for over a year. I'm not being irresponsible in this decision. I'm taking my time and learning as much as possible before getting this tat.

[dParis]

I'm getting a grocery list tattooed on my forearm. I gave it long, if not very intelligent, thought. It's something I intend to use the rest of my life - as I'll need bread, eggs, bacon, OJ, etc. every week or two.

Please don't judge me. I just want to know if I should serve underhanded until the tattoo heals.

[mrtrinh]

dont worry about what others say about tattoos, that's a personal issue with them. I have ink (half sleeve) that recently got done too. Best thing to do is not play tennis for at least a week until the scabbing period is over. Last thing you want is for the scab to crack which can mess up the ink. After its done scabbing wear a long sleeve to cover up the tattoo for about another week until its completely heeled.

[CaldwellYSR]

Originally Posted by mrtrinh

dont worry about what others say about tattoos, that's a personal issue with them. I have ink (half sleeve) that recently got done too. Best thing to do is not play tennis for at least a week until the scabbing period is over. Last thing you want is for the scab to crack which can mess up the ink. After its done scabbing wear a long sleeve to cover up the tattoo for about another week until its completely heeled.

I should get the tattoo now as I just popped a string and have to wait a week for my new racquet!

On a serious note thanks for the advice.

[TheCanadian]

Nobody looks better with a pointless tattoo. It's a decision everybody regrets. They're disgusting and scream low class at you.

[CaldwellYSR]

Originally Posted by max

Not picking a fight, but how can one reasonably exclude "judgment" from any kind of constructive advice?

And of course, good judgment is a very good thing to have!

Flip-side, sometimes advice will come to people that they don't agree with or don't want to hear, or which suggests they forego some kind of pleasure that they love. Does that make one a "hater"?

The advice they are giving has nothing to do with the question is my problem. I'm asking about precautions in protecting the tattoo and they're making fun of the idea to get one in the first place. It's just rather frustrating is all.

Also it's hard to exclude judgement from advice but you don't have to voice your judgement if it isn't constructive to the question at hand. I do see where you're coming from though and disagreeing doesn't make them a hater. Just makes for frustrating conversation when their disagreement doesn't pertain to the question