I love the way you said 'it may not heal as perfectly as if it had been done somewhere else which isn't scarred' instead of 'as if you didn't have scars' i feel all the language you used was very sensitive and considerate. lovely video Holly
I got my scars covered with watercolor, which most of my tattoos are anyways. I'm so happy because now people enjoy the art instead of asking stupid questions about how and why I got the scars.
I've wondered this for 20 years n always been too scared to ask a tattoo artist Its embarassing wearing short sleeves in the summer because these slash marks on my forearms stand out so clearly Its really embarrassing being at work and having a coworker or some manager asking what I did to myself I'm 37yrs old... I've long grown out of that depression I was in at 16, but I have to carry around this "IM MENTALLY UNSTABLE" flag on my arms
Ppl rlly have no sensitivity ab it asking completely nefarious questions like it wasn’t a past or bad part of someone’s life almost like asking ab a dead relative or friend🤦🏼♀️ ppl need to understand just bc you can see it doesn’t mean they gotta ask personal questions
I have thick white raised scars on my thighs (and smaller ones on my hips and arms) and I just got tattooed on one thigh about two weeks ago and parts of it were completely numb - woohoo, painfree tattoos!! - while other parts hurt terribly. There is some fine lining that looks wonky since it goes over bumps, but honestly the tattoo as a whole looks amazing and for the first time since I was 10 I want to wear shorts/skirts. I have spent 9 summers wearing long pants and I am so, so ready to wear some shorts. Maybe even a swimsuit! I haven't been to the beach in ages. Will update with how it heals/if the colors look odd.
It always creeps me out 2 think about me getting tattooed on my thick raised scars even though I really want to because like the idea of me not being able to feel something being done to my body while I can see it happening freaks me out or if it's just semi numb instead of fullingim it just freaks me out it creeps me out I don't know why I'm still going to do it when I'm older but it just freaks me out
As for dark scars, I had some that were like a purpleish red that wouldn't go down (they'd been there a good year) so I spoke to my doctor about it. She said use vitamin e cream, doesn't have to be a fancy brand, I got some for like £3 in superdrug, and within a month of putting it on everyday the colour had gone and I was left with plain white, less noticeable scars, I hope this is helpful to someone 😅
me too. this summer is the first summer that i've worn shorts in public in years, and the looks and comments i receive are so devastating. i hate feeling so ashamed simply for wanting to be comfortable and dressing for the weather
If they do don't give them your business. Everyone has scars and it's nothing to feel bad about. If they act like an asshole they probably aren't skilled enough to cover them anyway. When I was looking for an artist to cover mine I specifically sought out one with experience covering scars. Harder to find, but the work he did was truly amazing and he was super nice about the whole thing.
I was really scared too. And when I got to get tattooed, the tattoo artist just told me. « Don’t worry, you are not alone in here. And I am not here to judge you. I am here to do a good job on your tattoo »
I am looking into getting my scars tattooed because they are on my forearm and they are really noticeable. I’m recovered and I really need these scars covered so I can enjoy life😔
I needed this. I'm getting a tattoo done this weekend over old self harm scars. I don't mind an imperfection. I'm not looking for perfect. This is just something I need done to finally say goodbye to the old me. My arms are covered in scars and I'm ready to cover them and move on from my past.
I have 9 tattoos over self harm scars but I’ll be honest it hurts much more but I think that’s not as painful as has been in our heads. Tattoos make our pain pretty. Is that strange?xxxx
My self harm was not to end my life. It was more of the pain I was feeling was so empty. My heart was empty. I was feeling so much pain but at the same time I couldn't pin point where it was. After self harm was done , My left wrist could NOW feel it. I have never talked about it. And know my kids looking at my scars honestly am embarrassed. Can anyone relate?
Thank you for this! I have scars on my hips and forearms and I do want tattoos over some of them someday. They're the white and feathery type, kinda. But really thank you for this video it was very informative!!
I had about 150 fairly big scars all on my thigh. Got a HUGE rose piece tattoo on my thigh. I found tattooing over the scars slightly more painful and they then became very raised for a few days after but I love how they're not covered with something beautiful.
Juniper Berry some have. My tattoos have been 2 years old and some of the ink is a bit lighter but nobody really notices and just thinks it's part of the design.
I have a few self harm scars that I've never directly asked to cover up (or even talked about) but end up being covered up during the session. My artists have never asked me about them but I'm always embarrassed wondering what they're thinking... Have you had any instances like this, as a tattoo artist? Luckily, my scars aren't too raised and are kinda light so it hasn't caused me any problems with tattoos.
They're artists that deal with people and giving people very personal things. trust me you are not the first person to end up in their chair with self-harm scars and you're most likely not going to be the last sadly. tattoos can be one of the most personal meaningful things one person can give to the other. I highly doubt they are judging you they're just going to do their job the best they can for you
When i got the first part of my half sleeve done, my brother was with me (it’s kind of our thing to go with each other since we follow each others tattoo journey) and i remember my artist seeing my scars and asking what happened in the most gentle way possible. my throat got hot and tight and i guess he noticed because he said “we don’t have to talk about it” and proceeded to put the stencil on. the rest of my session was spent laughing and joking, and it really made me forget that it happened. I wish I had the courage to open up about it, but i’m glad he didn’t try to force it out of me. I told him i’d be coming back for the rest of my half sleeve and that’s exactly what i’m doing soon.
I think it's a wonderful idea for people with self harm scars. I think it's amazing for an artist to be able to cover them up with a beautiful piece of art work that the person loves and at the same time not to be reminded daily of a bad time in their lives.
thank you for talking about this as if it's not a taboo subject and for coming at it with no judgment. yesterday i got a tattoo and i wanted to ask the tattoo artist about covering my scars and if it was possible but i was just so scared of feeling dumb or feeling stupid for it. tomorrow i have another appointment and this video has given me the courage to ask the tattoo artist about covering my scars. i've spent so much of my life covered in them and it's like a horrible mark of shame that never goes away and is impossible to hide, i can't explain how happy i feel at the thought alone of turning them into something beautiful and never having to see them for what they are ever again.
I hate having to cover up my scars with plasters and bandages in the summer so this video helped me very much as I've wanted a tattoo for over a decade but wasn't sure about the results. Thank you so much.
I just realized when I saw someone else's scars and didn't say anything about them, that someone could have seen mine and didn't say anything and now I'm panicking a little bit... ༎ຶ‿༎ຶ
Thank you for this. I actually got tattoos today over my self harm scars and my body reacted two ways. On on side of my arm it didn't swell and the ink took to the skin very well. The other side is very swollen and the ink was kind of getting rejected. My tattoo artist said it's normal and your video reassures me. Thanks x
[TW] Ah ..getting better comes with having to be honest with yourself .. so not gonna lie , if I really look at my scars , I miss cutting .. I miss the pain .. all of it .. BUT with that being said , I am ready to move on completely and I really am looking forward to getting my scars covered :)
I really admire you for talking about this! How long is it best to leave scars before getting them covered?? I have scars ranging from 6 years to a year old, I'm well into recovery and hate seeing the reminders. Again, thanks for being open about this ❤️
I’m thinking about getting a cover up on my legs. The scars aren’t that bad and every time I look at them I feel terrible and it brings me back into a bad place. I’ve been trying my hardest to stay clean but just seeing it sometimes makes that hard. I’ve relapsed back into sh more than once this year because of them and I just honestly don’t want to see it anymore. I’ve never had any tattoos before so I guess this could be a good place to start. I’ve always liked the way that tattoos look and i’ve always wanted one of a rose and a lilly because those were my grandma’s favorite flowers when she was still with us. I know this video is old and no one is ever gonna read this but I just wanted to say it to you that knowing it can be covered gives me some relief. Thank you, I love art and i’ve always been good at drawing detailed flowers because they’re just so fun and colorful in different ways so I think i’ll make a concept sketch/general picture and let the tattoo artist have artistic liberty with it. ( sort of as a reminder that the body itself is a work of art and that when I look at it I won’t see something ugly and mangled anymore. )
I have cystic acne scars on my chest and I feel really self conscious about it and they are bumpy/textured. I hope one day, after they fade more, to cover them up
I kind of think that I won’t cover my scars when I get older(too young to tattoo myself.). I would say that I am proud of them. Not that I am proud that I cut myself, I am proud that I got over it,that I was working hard to stay sober. Stay strong y’all❤️
Sad you're all the way in the UK. Glad that you help people out and understand. I have areas on my arms and upper thighs i want to cover. Even an area on my left shoulder. I have yet to find someone in cleveland who would be comfortable in doing it though.
I am a tattoo artist of 9 years and in my experience it's pretty similar.I'm sure holly will agree.I have done hundreds of tattoos over women's stretch marks and it's boosted the confidence of the client always.I've had some women who have had a few kids and had very bad marks as long as the design is right for the type of marks it can work out good and be a pleasure for them to look at after.as a 33 yo male who's tattooed for this long when you see a women's face light up when looking in the mirror at the New art that covers the marks.it really is something.as holly said they are quite rewarding.
I tried to have my scars tattooed over and looked really hard for an artist in my area who did nature work that I liked. He rescheduled less than 24h before the appointment I had been so excited for, then when I had my consultation with him, he kind of spoke to me as though I didn't know at all what I was in for, I started crying and he didn't show any understanding for how personal this is. I wound up canceling everything and eating up the loss of my 50€ deposit because I left feeling so bad about everything.
Sienna B try to do something that uplifts you. Like instead of looking at a negative past look at a bright future by seeing something that inspires you.
My apologies, but I have a question unrelated to this video's topic (great though it is to hear you speak about this). I was wondering if you, as a tattoo artist, consider it rude if a client would like to listen to music, or read a book, or do something like that that doesn't involve having to chat to the artist too much, while you're working on the tattoo? The last thing I want is to come across as rude or ungrateful, but I don't like small talk and I would rather that the artist can fully focus on the work at hand, if that makes sense?
Pauline de Groot hi there! I'm not a tattoo artist but I have lots of tattoos! in general everyone is different, and if you tell your artist up front that it helps you deal with the tattoo pain to listen to music or read and do something to distract you, they should be totally fine with it! especially with longer tattoo sessions, it's normal for small talk to die down and it's awkward. I've watched a movie, listened to music, and while getting my back tattooed I played my game boy haha! :) as long as you communicate with your artist and do things that won't effect them working, it's not rude and you should be fine! your artist should want to make you feel comfortable. ♡ I hope that helped!
Thank you for your reply. My last tattoo lasted 4 hours, and I didn't bring anything, because I thought it was rude towards the artist, but it did make the session seem much longer than it was, I guess. ^_^
Pauline de Groot I can relate! my leg tattoos took 4 hours and I didn't bring anything because it was my first tattoo and I didn't know what I was doing. it felt like it took forever and I did fidget! but with my back, 5 hours, I brought my game boy and the experience was sooooo much better. my artist didn't mind at all. :)
Most Tattoo artist I met were snobs unfriendly and give the impression that they are better... Not saying all of them are like that. Only the ones i met.. Not sure I will feel comfortable talking to them about my scars...
Slam I’ve had certain artist see my scars and straight decline my business too even attempt too cover them up. But sure enough I’ve found someone much nicer and more talented and now 2/3 of my scars are nearly invisible with the last of them being covered this month. Just got too look around and be patient.
Slightly different but related question: I get scratches on my arms when I do garden work, and was wondering if there's anything I can do to make sure any scratches on tattoos don't mess them up. (Yes, I try to wear protective gear but roses are evil and I'm clumsy.) Thanks for this video!
I am really happy that you made this video as I have a lot of self-harm scars. And also your glasses look really awesome and look fantastic on you :) greetings from Germany ❤
I had my extensive scars covered by beautiful butterflys, and it looks like artwork. I don't give a damn what anyone thinks but no-one could ever guess I had ninety percent scarring. Now ppl are complimentary not judging me. Go for it😃
I’ve always thought it’d be really beautiful for self harm scars, if they’re in parallel lines, to look like the lines when someone’s writing music, and for the little dots that are on them playing the start of a certain song that the person likes- idk it just seems a nice way to try and heal.
John Lewis If the scars are raised or very prominent before, for sure. I am not quite sure how laser treatment makes the scars less visible, so I am not sure. I'd say go to the artist and ask them what they think. Also make sure the injury that has caused the scar is long ago, I believe they say you should at least wait 2-3 years. It depends on the scars and the design you want. As she said in the video, ask the artist.
i just want a couple little butterfly tattoos over my scars on my hip because when stopped self harming i would draw butterflies on my body instead but ive never rly seen little tattoos over scars ive only seen big tattoos over them
Hey holly can u do a video explaining how different tattoo needle configurations work and how different skins effect ink and Maybe a tutorial on how u draw things .x
Theres this music video where the girl carves a word into her arm and its really symbolic to me but I'm afraid of going up to the artist and showing them what I want when it's literally SH
I'm curious about whether you can tattoo over titanium screws and plates on the bones or if that affects it negatively. I broke my ankle and had to have quite a large plate attached and it's in the way of a tattoo I've wanted my whole life. So does it have any effect? Probably a dumb question haha
Harlie Ranstead it would depend how deep your plating is In your body. I think if you have skin over it you're fine. It may change how the tattoo process feels for you due to the metal. But it shouldn't stop you.
Been thinking about getting some tattoos to cover my scars up my use to cut myself when i was younger so a lot of my upper arm and bicep area is covered in scars im embarrassed to wear tank tops or short sleeve shirts around friends and family guy at work caught a glimpse of my arm and said it looks like i took a cheese grater to my arm ever since then i started wearing long sleeves to work, thing is ive never gotten any type of tattoo so this would also be my first time not sure what to expect or what to get
I have a huge self harm scar that goes right across my inner forearm on the left arm. Wondering if I should wait to get it covered by a tattoo. It was a very deep scar and the scar is pink because of how deep it went. It has been healing for five years already. I was once told be an artist I should wait ten years before trying to cover it. Please help people.
I've got pretty flat, light scars from burning myself with a hot lighter. I'd like to get a tattoo of my rabbit with some dandelions. I know this video is 4 years old but does this sound doable?
Not sure if you still do this series but if you do, id really love to know about your experience with people throwing up during sessions? I’d love to become a tattoo artist however I have an awful phobia of vomit- I’ve been and will continue to work on it until it’s not going to interfere with things like work or my life but I could imagine that throw up is pretty common
Rheanna Brush I have about 100 or so scars on going down my arm that i cut myself with a razor blade.there all old scars about 5 or 6 years but the Ink held on most of them.there are a few that are a little bit lighter in places.but over all u really can't tell.some are welped up and u can c that but the right tatoo artists could make them look decent.but if they are recent scars.Probably need to let them heal for a while be 4 trying to tattoo them.anyways hope this help.and good luck.
I have both my forearms covered in scars totally... I’m getting a thick tribal sleeve next weekend ... I hope they cover or at least draw attention away from these nasty scars
Love your videos, so helpful and informative. I'm actually looking for an apprenticeship that how I found you in the first place with you video on apprenticeship portfolios. I do though have major surgery scars, they are years old but were so deep they actually dimple now. I desperately want them covered (and will obviously talk to and do lots of research to find the right artist) but any idea if scars like this can be covered since they are so deep?
I love your videos so much! I'm planning on trying to get an apprenticeship once I'm done with school! I also have a question I'm hoping you can answer; I plan on designing all my own tattoos for the most part and I was just wondering if tattoo artists would think I'm rude for coming in with a drawing and asking them to essentially just copy it in their style? I just don't want to seem like I don't trust their skill or their creativity and I'm not sure what the best way to go about bringing my own design into a shop is or if I shouldn't do that at all. I'm sorry if this is a stupid question! Thank you!
I have a scar which is actually a word that I'm not so proud of, so of course I'm really eager to get it covered, it's a flat scar and it's not deep so I'm wondering if you could give me an estimate on how long to wait until I can get it covered? Thanks ☺️
When I got my scars covered the artist said it's best to wait at least a year before getting it tattooed over. He was experienced in covering scars and the work he did on my arm is still perfect.
Hi. Good video. I have a question tho. I have a really bad self harm scar on my arm. It needed internal stitches as well as stitches on the surface on the skin. I cut through a nerve and I have some nerve damage on my arm so if I touch my arm I get instant pins and needles up my arm. I’m worried if I get a tattoo it will hurt too much. Should I just forget about a tattoo or could it be possible to tattoo around?
How far in advance do you book consultation and tattoos? I have different types of scar tissue on my forearm and wanna get a space sleeve to cover them, and love your work, would this style work?
I have a question for you. I am getting a tattoo next month however as I am a big guy I am in the process of losing weight, will my tattoo which will be on my lower arm be effected by this? will it deform lol.
shreya sarangi Tattoo hurts more I think. Should at least be a positive experience though. Sometimes physical pain is minimal during self harm as the emotional pain is overwhelming. In my opinion.
Honestly my tattoos felt nothing like SH, but I also cut really deep and had to get stitches a lot. I compare it to lightly running a razor across your skin. To me it wasn't painful. The healing was worse than the actual tattoo.
my fear is since i harmed my self pretty bad pretty deep 25 stitches healed for 5 months now but i want a tattoo to hide it and my concern is is it going to hurt
Thanks for this video. Very good information. Now you know if your artist doesn't mention any of this to you they might not be the one to do the cover up. Also how long would you guess it would take the average experienced artist to do a detailed, filled in full sleeve on a small woman's arm? I know annoying question haha. Sorry.
Hi I'm a recent subscriber and am very amazed by your art and your informational videos... I've got a pretty serious question, I've been thinking about getting my hips tattooed, like the side of my thighs up to my hip.. uhm. I've had one major hip surgery and am going in for another October 9th.. same scars on both hips where I mentioned I wanted my tattoos.. would it be possible to get those tattooed over?
My hip is quite badly scarred. When I am old enough to get a tattoo I would love to cover it. The issue is I'm not sure if the ink will be able to enter the skin. The reason is the scar tissue is so bad there that it is virtually impossible to damage the skin. In the next few years would the skin heal enough to be tattooed?
I'm planning to get my self harm scars tattooed over. They are quite invisible so it's not so much about hiding them but kinda symbolize that time of life being over. They are not discolored but they affect my skins shape a bit. Not much but my skin is a bit wrinkly. I would like to get an animal or something, something that's alive, something I would "kill" if I started to selfharm again. However, I have to wait at least a year because earlier this month I reshaped one of my scars. I should have gotten it stitched up but I didn't so it was a huge deep hole that looked and felt weird on my ankle. I cut off the scar tissue and closed it and now it's still healing, to a lot better shape. I wish I could get a tattoo on top of these, something organic that has lines going along my scars so the picture would hide my scars a bit
I love the way you said 'it may not heal as perfectly as if it had been done somewhere else which isn't scarred' instead of 'as if you didn't have scars' i feel all the language you used was very sensitive and considerate. lovely video Holly
+Cathy Threadgold big hug 🖤
Right? She's awesome :D
I got my scars covered with watercolor, which most of my tattoos are anyways. I'm so happy because now people enjoy the art instead of asking stupid questions about how and why I got the scars.
That's exactly what I plan on doing. :)
same
exactly! I covered mine ones too. The biggest relief
Aki Alchemicae i want water colour too on my scars. Thanks for sharing!:)
fak people . they cant even feel ur feelings
I've wondered this for 20 years n always been too scared to ask a tattoo artist
Its embarassing wearing short sleeves in the summer because these slash marks on my forearms stand out so clearly
Its really embarrassing being at work and having a coworker or some manager asking what I did to myself
I'm 37yrs old... I've long grown out of that depression I was in at 16, but I have to carry around this "IM MENTALLY UNSTABLE" flag on my arms
I'm just glad to see that I'm not the only guy with with this problem, I was asked at a past job like teenage girls do in movies?
Ppl rlly have no sensitivity ab it asking completely nefarious questions like it wasn’t a past or bad part of someone’s life almost like asking ab a dead relative or friend🤦🏼♀️ ppl need to understand just bc you can see it doesn’t mean they gotta ask personal questions
@@lucimorgan420 exactly! It's finally to the point that if someone says anything to me about it I go the fuck off on them.
32. Just started my new tattoo journey a few days ago. It's never too late
I have thick white raised scars on my thighs (and smaller ones on my hips and arms) and I just got tattooed on one thigh about two weeks ago and parts of it were completely numb - woohoo, painfree tattoos!! - while other parts hurt terribly. There is some fine lining that looks wonky since it goes over bumps, but honestly the tattoo as a whole looks amazing and for the first time since I was 10 I want to wear shorts/skirts. I have spent 9 summers wearing long pants and I am so, so ready to wear some shorts. Maybe even a swimsuit! I haven't been to the beach in ages. Will update with how it heals/if the colors look odd.
Zelda Kitten How did it heal girlfriend? :)
It always creeps me out 2 think about me getting tattooed on my thick raised scars even though I really want to because like the idea of me not being able to feel something being done to my body while I can see it happening freaks me out or if it's just semi numb instead of fullingim it just freaks me out it creeps me out I don't know why I'm still going to do it when I'm older but it just freaks me out
Shy Rose Any news on how the tattoo healed?
Omg congrats so happy for you go where that swimsuit💕
I too have raised scars and like to get a tattoo. If you dont mind can you send me a picture of your tattoo
I need my forearm done, if people are going stare there I’ll make that place beautiful again
sis same but in just 17
As for dark scars, I had some that were like a purpleish red that wouldn't go down (they'd been there a good year) so I spoke to my doctor about it. She said use vitamin e cream, doesn't have to be a fancy brand, I got some for like £3 in superdrug, and within a month of putting it on everyday the colour had gone and I was left with plain white, less noticeable scars, I hope this is helpful to someone 😅
I had those red purpleish scars for over a year now and i wanted to get rid of them. Thank you so much ♡
Thank you so much!
Wow thank you so much. I know this is old but it’s so helpful. So thank you lovely person.
I’ve been trying this too on a raised red and irritable scar but it doesn’t seem to be working yet unfortunately :(
Ty for this
I need both thighs completely covered. I’m more than ready to start wearing shorts
Exactly!!! And my upper arms
Peep ❤️
Sameeeeee
me too. this summer is the first summer that i've worn shorts in public in years, and the looks and comments i receive are so devastating. i hate feeling so ashamed simply for wanting to be comfortable and dressing for the weather
Oh how I can relate honey!
I got my scars from a turtle holding a samurai sword eating a pizza, no one will believe me... ugh anyway... I love u
Mr. Dingo1 Kev same yeah... horrible pets. No just joking.
I love you too
i’m scared that when i go in to get a tattoo on my scars the tattoo artist will judge me
If they do don't give them your business. Everyone has scars and it's nothing to feel bad about. If they act like an asshole they probably aren't skilled enough to cover them anyway. When I was looking for an artist to cover mine I specifically sought out one with experience covering scars. Harder to find, but the work he did was truly amazing and he was super nice about the whole thing.
I was really scared too. And when I got to get tattooed, the tattoo artist just told me. « Don’t worry, you are not alone in here. And I am not here to judge you. I am here to do a good job on your tattoo »
Unless hes an ass he would probably be proud to help you move past that part of your life
Honestly in my experience, most people who go into tattooing have almost ALWAYS been through lots of shit.
🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️
I am looking into getting my scars tattooed because they are on my forearm and they are really noticeable. I’m recovered and I really need these scars covered so I can enjoy life😔
Same here. And now that I have kids I really want them covered, I don't want to have to explain it to them when they're older :(
Brittany Giroux I’m honestly here for tattoo ideas to cover self harm scars on the inside and outside of my forearm
I needed this. I'm getting a tattoo done this weekend over old self harm scars. I don't mind an imperfection. I'm not looking for perfect. This is just something I need done to finally say goodbye to the old me. My arms are covered in scars and I'm ready to cover them and move on from my past.
My appointment for this exact reason is this Monday wish me luck. 🥹❤️
I have 9 tattoos over self harm scars but I’ll be honest it hurts much more but I think that’s not as painful as has been in our heads. Tattoos make our pain pretty. Is that strange?xxxx
I love this comment
Ooh I love this way of thinking about it ❤️
Does tattoo on self harm creates any problem
thank god for numbing scream though. I was a champ for my rib tat but i’m gonna get numbing scream for my forearms since ik it’ll hurt a lot
I find it shows the light at the end of the tunnel.
My self harm was not to end my life. It was more of the pain I was feeling was so empty. My heart was empty. I was feeling so much pain but at the same time I couldn't pin point where it was. After self harm was done , My left wrist could NOW feel it. I have never talked about it. And know my kids looking at my scars honestly am embarrassed. Can anyone relate?
I can relate to this a lot. ❤ Sending good vibes.
Thank you for this! I have scars on my hips and forearms and I do want tattoos over some of them someday. They're the white and feathery type, kinda. But really thank you for this video it was very informative!!
Once I graduate high school I’m definitely getting sunflowers tattooed on my arm
Gay kissing gay sex gay hugs gay day gay yay no praying the gay away homophobes stay away I put blessing on you
I have self harm scars on my thighs and I'm getting a tattoo over them and I'm so excited to have art on my skin.
I had about 150 fairly big scars all on my thigh. Got a HUGE rose piece tattoo on my thigh. I found tattooing over the scars slightly more painful and they then became very raised for a few days after but I love how they're not covered with something beautiful.
Have any of them faded on the scar tissue?
Juniper Berry some have. My tattoos have been 2 years old and some of the ink is a bit lighter but nobody really notices and just thinks it's part of the design.
Shoppingtrollies cool! Thanks for answering :)
did the scar stay raised?
I have a few self harm scars that I've never directly asked to cover up (or even talked about) but end up being covered up during the session. My artists have never asked me about them but I'm always embarrassed wondering what they're thinking... Have you had any instances like this, as a tattoo artist?
Luckily, my scars aren't too raised and are kinda light so it hasn't caused me any problems with tattoos.
galisatsuki I'm wondering this too
They are artists. Artists are sensibel and considerate beings that wouldnt judge anothers story more often than not. so dont worry
This is honestly a big reason why I'm hesitant to get a scar cover up
They're artists that deal with people and giving people very personal things. trust me you are not the first person to end up in their chair with self-harm scars and you're most likely not going to be the last sadly. tattoos can be one of the most personal meaningful things one person can give to the other. I highly doubt they are judging you they're just going to do their job the best they can for you
I got a tattoo on my forearm and had scars on my wrist and my tattoo artist actually went "whoa" lmfao
When i got the first part of my half sleeve done, my brother was with me (it’s kind of our thing to go with each other since we follow each others tattoo journey) and i remember my artist seeing my scars and asking what happened in the most gentle way possible. my throat got hot and tight and i guess he noticed because he said “we don’t have to talk about it” and proceeded to put the stencil on. the rest of my session was spent laughing and joking, and it really made me forget that it happened. I wish I had the courage to open up about it, but i’m glad he didn’t try to force it out of me. I told him i’d be coming back for the rest of my half sleeve and that’s exactly what i’m doing soon.
I think it's a wonderful idea for people with self harm scars. I think it's amazing for an artist to be able to cover them up with a beautiful piece of art work that the person loves and at the same time not to be reminded daily of a bad time in their lives.
thank you for talking about this as if it's not a taboo subject and for coming at it with no judgment. yesterday i got a tattoo and i wanted to ask the tattoo artist about covering my scars and if it was possible but i was just so scared of feeling dumb or feeling stupid for it. tomorrow i have another appointment and this video has given me the courage to ask the tattoo artist about covering my scars. i've spent so much of my life covered in them and it's like a horrible mark of shame that never goes away and is impossible to hide, i can't explain how happy i feel at the thought alone of turning them into something beautiful and never having to see them for what they are ever again.
You're fabulous and overwhelming intelligent and empathetic. I love the fact you didn't show any of the photos - major respect to you
I hate having to cover up my scars with plasters and bandages in the summer so this video helped me very much as I've wanted a tattoo for over a decade but wasn't sure about the results. Thank you so much.
I’m getting a tattoo on my left forearm over my scars in 20 days and I am so damn nervous. This helped a lot, seeing as how it will be my first
ih8cheali howell how did it turn out
I really appreciate that you were willing to talk about this. 💖
You seem like such a lovely, kind, understanding person. Thank you for this video x
Your language was amazing!! Thank you sm for using such amazing language
I just realized when I saw someone else's scars and didn't say anything about them, that someone could have seen mine and didn't say anything and now I'm panicking a little bit... ༎ຶ‿༎ຶ
Everything is fine until that one shitty person comes and ask: "wHaT iS tHaT oN yOuR ArM?"
Thank you for this. I actually got tattoos today over my self harm scars and my body reacted two ways. On on side of my arm it didn't swell and the ink took to the skin very well. The other side is very swollen and the ink was kind of getting rejected. My tattoo artist said it's normal and your video reassures me. Thanks x
[TW] Ah ..getting better comes with having to be honest with yourself .. so not gonna lie , if I really look at my scars , I miss cutting .. I miss the pain .. all of it .. BUT with that being said , I am ready to move on completely and I really am looking forward to getting my scars covered :)
I lied 🧍🏽♀️🥴
Thanks for this, I hadn't considered the affect skin integrity changes may have on holding the ink
I plan on getting the cutts on my arm covered so I can go to the Army.
I really admire you for talking about this! How long is it best to leave scars before getting them covered?? I have scars ranging from 6 years to a year old, I'm well into recovery and hate seeing the reminders. Again, thanks for being open about this ❤️
Olivia Claire I left mine until they weren't raised any more x
Thanks so much for doing a video on this. Made me feel a little bit more at ease about going to an artist to find put about getting a cover-up 🤗
I'm gonna get my sleeve started in May for my 19th birthday, also to cover up some scars
Damn my fear is when the after tattoo heals like years later will the ink fade from my scars making my scars even more noticeable
Then get them re done
Thank you for the tattoo suggestions! I'll go with sunflowers 🌻💛
I’m thinking about getting a cover up on my legs. The scars aren’t that bad and every time I look at them I feel terrible and it brings me back into a bad place. I’ve been trying my hardest to stay clean but just seeing it sometimes makes that hard. I’ve relapsed back into sh more than once this year because of them and I just honestly don’t want to see it anymore. I’ve never had any tattoos before so I guess this could be a good place to start. I’ve always liked the way that tattoos look and i’ve always wanted one of a rose and a lilly because those were my grandma’s favorite flowers when she was still with us.
I know this video is old and no one is ever gonna read this but I just wanted to say it to you that knowing it can be covered gives me some relief. Thank you, I love art and i’ve always been good at drawing detailed flowers because they’re just so fun and colorful in different ways so I think i’ll make a concept sketch/general picture and let the tattoo artist have artistic liberty with it.
( sort of as a reminder that the body itself is a work of art and that when I look at it I won’t see something ugly and mangled anymore. )
I have cystic acne scars on my chest and I feel really self conscious about it and they are bumpy/textured. I hope one day, after they fade more, to cover them up
I kind of think that I won’t cover my scars when I get older(too young to tattoo myself.). I would say that I am proud of them. Not that I am proud that I cut myself, I am proud that I got over it,that I was working hard to stay sober. Stay strong y’all❤️
Thanks so much for this. I'm looking forward to getting a cover-up for my sh scars when I turn 18 and this really helped me already
Sad you're all the way in the UK. Glad that you help people out and understand. I have areas on my arms and upper thighs i want to cover. Even an area on my left shoulder. I have yet to find someone in cleveland who would be comfortable in doing it though.
I've only started cutting recently but I hope one day I won't have to do it anymore and I'll be able to make the pain pretty
Are the rules for tattooing stretch marks the same?
^^
mxwicked I'd love to know that too as I have strong stretch marks on my boobs and hips...
But I am assuming they react similarly to normal scars.
I am a tattoo artist of 9 years and in my experience it's pretty similar.I'm sure holly will agree.I have done hundreds of tattoos over women's stretch marks and it's boosted the confidence of the client always.I've had some women who have had a few kids and had very bad marks as long as the design is right for the type of marks it can work out good and be a pleasure for them to look at after.as a 33 yo male who's tattooed for this long when you see a women's face light up when looking in the mirror at the New art that covers the marks.it really is something.as holly said they are quite rewarding.
I have some awkward large stretch marks on my upper thigh, it's quite annoying..
Stretch marks are normal skin. Not scar tissue.
I tried to have my scars tattooed over and looked really hard for an artist in my area who did nature work that I liked. He rescheduled less than 24h before the appointment I had been so excited for, then when I had my consultation with him, he kind of spoke to me as though I didn't know at all what I was in for, I started crying and he didn't show any understanding for how personal this is. I wound up canceling everything and eating up the loss of my 50€ deposit because I left feeling so bad about everything.
Don’t if u want to cover up cover up that what I’m boutta do ur not alone
i really want to get a tattoo to cover my self harm scars but i don’t know what i want
Sienna B try to do something that uplifts you. Like instead of looking at a negative past look at a bright future by seeing something that inspires you.
these glasses are so cool ❤ Also i admire how experienced you are
My apologies, but I have a question unrelated to this video's topic (great though it is to hear you speak about this). I was wondering if you, as a tattoo artist, consider it rude if a client would like to listen to music, or read a book, or do something like that that doesn't involve having to chat to the artist too much, while you're working on the tattoo? The last thing I want is to come across as rude or ungrateful, but I don't like small talk and I would rather that the artist can fully focus on the work at hand, if that makes sense?
Pauline de Groot hi there! I'm not a tattoo artist but I have lots of tattoos! in general everyone is different, and if you tell your artist up front that it helps you deal with the tattoo pain to listen to music or read and do something to distract you, they should be totally fine with it! especially with longer tattoo sessions, it's normal for small talk to die down and it's awkward. I've watched a movie, listened to music, and while getting my back tattooed I played my game boy haha! :) as long as you communicate with your artist and do things that won't effect them working, it's not rude and you should be fine! your artist should want to make you feel comfortable. ♡ I hope that helped!
Thank you for your reply. My last tattoo lasted 4 hours, and I didn't bring anything, because I thought it was rude towards the artist, but it did make the session seem much longer than it was, I guess. ^_^
Pauline de Groot I can relate! my leg tattoos took 4 hours and I didn't bring anything because it was my first tattoo and I didn't know what I was doing. it felt like it took forever and I did fidget! but with my back, 5 hours, I brought my game boy and the experience was sooooo much better. my artist didn't mind at all. :)
I needed to hear this because both of my arms have scars and i was thinking about getting some tattoos
+Ka'Brieyl Joseph
Did you do it !??
Most Tattoo artist I met were snobs unfriendly and give the impression that they are better... Not saying all of them are like that. Only the ones i met.. Not sure I will feel comfortable talking to them about my scars...
^
Abby Bfree just be patient and find a good artist, they are definitely out there
Cimura Nope 💔❤😇
Slam I’ve had certain artist see my scars and straight decline my business too even attempt too cover them up. But sure enough I’ve found someone much nicer and more talented and now 2/3 of my scars are nearly invisible with the last of them being covered this month. Just got too look around and be patient.
Abby Bfree hmm, that's weird, where did you go? Everytime I've had a tattoo the artist has been super relaxed and I have a good laugh with them
I honestly don't want to have a tattoo on my scars but my mother is pressing me making me feel very ashamed.
Slightly different but related question: I get scratches on my arms when I do garden work, and was wondering if there's anything I can do to make sure any scratches on tattoos don't mess them up. (Yes, I try to wear protective gear but roses are evil and I'm clumsy.) Thanks for this video!
I'll need to get a sleeve done on my left
I need an artist near me in Murrieta CA because I have scars that need to be covered up as they are an emotional and visual burden
I am really happy that you made this video as I have a lot of self-harm scars.
And also your glasses look really awesome and look fantastic on you :) greetings from Germany ❤
Thank you this is just what I was looking for
I had my extensive scars covered by beautiful butterflys, and it looks like artwork. I don't give a damn what anyone thinks but no-one could ever guess I had ninety percent scarring. Now ppl are complimentary not judging me. Go for it😃
I’ve always thought it’d be really beautiful for self harm scars, if they’re in parallel lines, to look like the lines when someone’s writing music, and for the little dots that are on them playing the start of a certain song that the person likes- idk it just seems a nice way to try and heal.
Would laser treatments for severe scaring prior to being tattooed reduce the amount of color loss and/or pattern changes? Take care, Ms Holly.
John Lewis If the scars are raised or very prominent before, for sure.
I am not quite sure how laser treatment makes the scars less visible, so I am not sure.
I'd say go to the artist and ask them what they think.
Also make sure the injury that has caused the scar is long ago, I believe they say you should at least wait 2-3 years.
It depends on the scars and the design you want.
As she said in the video, ask the artist.
Yes, I had laser treatment on my scars because they were so raised and red. Now they are much whiter.
What about tattooing over stretch marks and tattooing plus size people in general?
check out my comment above.hope it helps thanks Rob
*fat people
Will an Artist make fun of the tattoo I want because it means something special for me?
Another really smart video. Very well explained.
certain scars of mine don't hold ink well and others cover fine. Raised scars I've had to get touched up several times.
i just want a couple little butterfly tattoos over my scars on my hip because when stopped self harming i would draw butterflies on my body instead but ive never rly seen little tattoos over scars ive only seen big tattoos over them
Hey holly can u do a video explaining how different tattoo needle configurations work and how different skins effect ink and Maybe a tutorial on how u draw things .x
Thank you for this video 🙏
doing this to pass meps for the ARMY lol
I have a lot of long white ones and maybe 7 or 8 fairly raised pinky-red ones im worried about.
I have a ton of raised scars on one arm that I really want to cover with a fish tattoo but I'm worried I'd look really bad.
Theres this music video where the girl carves a word into her arm and its really symbolic to me but I'm afraid of going up to the artist and showing them what I want when it's literally SH
I'm curious about whether you can tattoo over titanium screws and plates on the bones or if that affects it negatively. I broke my ankle and had to have quite a large plate attached and it's in the way of a tattoo I've wanted my whole life. So does it have any effect? Probably a dumb question haha
Harlie Ranstead it would depend how deep your plating is In your body. I think if you have skin over it you're fine. It may change how the tattoo process feels for you due to the metal. But it shouldn't stop you.
Does it hurt more getting it tattooed over?
Thanks for sharing this. I will ask my mothers opinion on this tonight... wish me luck.
Im grown up but I still want her to agree with me and make me feel better about it:)
How’d it go?
I tattooed "continue" over a small scar & the ink fell off
Been thinking about getting some tattoos to cover my scars up my use to cut myself when i was younger so a lot of my upper arm and bicep area is covered in scars im embarrassed to wear tank tops or short sleeve shirts around friends and family guy at work caught a glimpse of my arm and said it looks like i took a cheese grater to my arm ever since then i started wearing long sleeves to work, thing is ive never gotten any type of tattoo so this would also be my first time not sure what to expect or what to get
I have a huge self harm scar that goes right across my inner forearm on the left arm. Wondering if I should wait to get it covered by a tattoo. It was a very deep scar and the scar is pink because of how deep it went. It has been healing for five years already. I was once told be an artist I should wait ten years before trying to cover it. Please help people.
I've got pretty flat, light scars from burning myself with a hot lighter. I'd like to get a tattoo of my rabbit with some dandelions. I know this video is 4 years old but does this sound doable?
Not sure if you still do this series but if you do, id really love to know about your experience with people throwing up during sessions? I’d love to become a tattoo artist however I have an awful phobia of vomit- I’ve been and will continue to work on it until it’s not going to interfere with things like work or my life but I could imagine that throw up is pretty common
Do tattoos increase risk of cancer or whatever if you're already at risk from chronic stress and alcohol abuse
I've got some scaring but I'm also quite a moley person can you advise as to whether moles are an issue when tattooing.
I've wanted to get my self harm scars covered, but most of them are raised, bumpy, and red. I don't think they'd hold the ink
Rheanna Brush I have about 100 or so scars on going down my arm that i cut myself with a razor blade.there all old scars about 5 or 6 years but the Ink held on most of them.there are a few that are a little bit lighter in places.but over all u really can't tell.some are welped up and u can c that but the right tatoo artists could make them look decent.but if they are recent scars.Probably need to let them heal for a while be 4 trying to tattoo them.anyways hope this help.and good luck.
THUGGA BUU Thank you
Rheanna Brush your welcome
@@l3san393 yes thank you
Thank you for making this video ♥️
I have both my forearms covered in scars totally... I’m getting a thick tribal sleeve next weekend ... I hope they cover or at least draw attention away from these nasty scars
Thankyou so much!
Love your videos, so helpful and informative. I'm actually looking for an apprenticeship that how I found you in the first place with you video on apprenticeship portfolios. I do though have major surgery scars, they are years old but were so deep they actually dimple now. I desperately want them covered (and will obviously talk to and do lots of research to find the right artist) but any idea if scars like this can be covered since they are so deep?
I used tattooing as self harming, but all of them have a meaning x
I love your videos so much! I'm planning on trying to get an apprenticeship once I'm done with school! I also have a question I'm hoping you can answer; I plan on designing all my own tattoos for the most part and I was just wondering if tattoo artists would think I'm rude for coming in with a drawing and asking them to essentially just copy it in their style? I just don't want to seem like I don't trust their skill or their creativity and I'm not sure what the best way to go about bringing my own design into a shop is or if I shouldn't do that at all. I'm sorry if this is a stupid question! Thank you!
I have a scar which is actually a word that I'm not so proud of, so of course I'm really eager to get it covered, it's a flat scar and it's not deep so I'm wondering if you could give me an estimate on how long to wait until I can get it covered? Thanks ☺️
When I got my scars covered the artist said it's best to wait at least a year before getting it tattooed over. He was experienced in covering scars and the work he did on my arm is still perfect.
Is it similar to tattooing over burns? I have a large burn on my thigh and it's interfering with my tattoo placement.
Could you do a video on how to tattoo realistic scars?
Hi. Good video. I have a question tho. I have a really bad self harm scar on my arm. It needed internal stitches as well as stitches on the surface on the skin. I cut through a nerve and I have some nerve damage on my arm so if I touch my arm I get instant pins and needles up my arm. I’m worried if I get a tattoo it will hurt too much. Should I just forget about a tattoo or could it be possible to tattoo around?
How far in advance do you book consultation and tattoos? I have different types of scar tissue on my forearm and wanna get a space sleeve to cover them, and love your work, would this style work?
I have a question for you. I am getting a tattoo next month however as I am a big guy I am in the process of losing weight, will my tattoo which will be on my lower arm be effected by this? will it deform lol.
Does tattooing hurt for self Harmer? Like is tattoo and self harming carry same pain? Sorry if it's stupid am new to this
shreya sarangi Tattoo hurts more I think. Should at least be a positive experience though. Sometimes physical pain is minimal during self harm as the emotional pain is overwhelming. In my opinion.
Honestly my tattoos felt nothing like SH, but I also cut really deep and had to get stitches a lot. I compare it to lightly running a razor across your skin. To me it wasn't painful. The healing was worse than the actual tattoo.
Getting tattoos from an artist didn't feel like SHing but tattooing myself did.
my fear is since i harmed my self pretty bad pretty deep 25 stitches healed for 5 months now but i want a tattoo to hide it and my concern is is it going to hurt
I have it on my wrist and thigh
They aren't very prominent but you do notice them
Thanks for this video. Very good information. Now you know if your artist doesn't mention any of this to you they might not be the one to do the cover up. Also how long would you guess it would take the average experienced artist to do a detailed, filled in full sleeve on a small woman's arm? I know annoying question haha. Sorry.
Hi I'm a recent subscriber and am very amazed by your art and your informational videos... I've got a pretty serious question, I've been thinking about getting my hips tattooed, like the side of my thighs up to my hip.. uhm. I've had one major hip surgery and am going in for another October 9th.. same scars on both hips where I mentioned I wanted my tattoos.. would it be possible to get those tattooed over?
My hip is quite badly scarred. When I am old enough to get a tattoo I would love to cover it. The issue is I'm not sure if the ink will be able to enter the skin. The reason is the scar tissue is so bad there that it is virtually impossible to damage the skin. In the next few years would the skin heal enough to be tattooed?
I'm planning to get my self harm scars tattooed over. They are quite invisible so it's not so much about hiding them but kinda symbolize that time of life being over. They are not discolored but they affect my skins shape a bit. Not much but my skin is a bit wrinkly. I would like to get an animal or something, something that's alive, something I would "kill" if I started to selfharm again. However, I have to wait at least a year because earlier this month I reshaped one of my scars. I should have gotten it stitched up but I didn't so it was a huge deep hole that looked and felt weird on my ankle. I cut off the scar tissue and closed it and now it's still healing, to a lot better shape. I wish I could get a tattoo on top of these, something organic that has lines going along my scars so the picture would hide my scars a bit