How to Get a Sleeve Tattoo: a Selection of Sketches, Stages And Tips from the Fusion Salon

A tattoo sleeve is an extensive tattoo from the shoulder or neck to the hand and even the wrist, which from afar resembles the sleeve of a colorful shirt. In terms of labor intensity, this is one of the most complex tattoos, so it requires a reasonably high qualification from the master, as in the Fusion tattoo salon. How to get a sleeve tattoo? You should learn not from advertising, but best of all, get acquainted with examples of tattoos and reviews of people who have done it.

According to tattoo fans – men, getting a sleeve tattoo means adding brutality to your image, the strength of a self-confident person. Women usually choose romantic drawings, most often in the ornamental style, which goes well with jewelry on the wrist. Sometimes, tattooing is used for aesthetic purposes, to hide scars.

For each tattoo owner, the drawing has an individual meaning. However, there are enough styles of how to make a sleeve tattoo. The key difference is black and white or color image. Experts distinguish the following:

• Realism. These are animals, insects, space, and landscapes.
• Graphics. Interweaving patterns, sometimes complex, are created by thin, precise lines.
• Trash polka. A mix of styles: realistic animals, patterns, and inscriptions.
• New school and old school are two sides of the same coin. Old school is classic, and new school influences the old one.
• Biomechanics. It is a male plot with a cybernetic hand.
• Chicano. The iridescence of shadows and penumbras, gradient transitions, but with contours.
• Blackwork. Used mainly for filling in unsuccessful tattoos – partaks.

If you want to get a tattoo and understand how to get a picture on your sleeve, you should know ​​what the drawing will look like from different angles.

Choosing a Tattoo Sketch for a Sleeve

A sketch of a tattoo sleeve has many options, but carefully considering the image, including the color palette, is essential. Therefore, we recommend contacting a professional designer. You can have your own sketch, but the tattoo artist still determines the possibility of its implementation. The drawing involves several main and background elements that must be harmoniously combined. Therefore, the master must carefully work out the sketch to achieve clear detailing and a holistic composition.

Stages of Creating a Sleeve Tattoo

Since the area of ​​​​the picture is quite large, the ratio of the image proportions is essential. Therefore, it is important to consult with a specialist on how to make a sleeve tattoo.

Consultation With the Master

The tattoo artist places all parts of the drawing on the arm, taking into account its anatomical features and skin properties. If you have many moles, it is better to refuse the tattoo.

Skin Preparation Before the Procedure

For a comfortable session, you should adequately prepare yourself and your skin:

• Get a good night’s sleep and wear comfortable clothes.
• Do not drink alcohol the day before, but eat well.
• Prepare the skin — it should be clean and healthy, without irritation, rashes, or sunburn. It is better to shave the tattoo area and apply moisturizer.

You should not use the phone during the session because unnecessary movement can worsen the result.

Dividing the Process Into Sessions

On average, the stages of work on a sleeve tattoo take 10-15 sessions, depending on the complexity of the drawing, color, and density of pigment application, and also on the individual’s pain tolerance. A cooling gel or a special cream is helpful to reduce the pain, but anesthesia is not used because it “blurs” the body’s reaction to the paint and does not reproduce the real picture.

There should usually be breaks of 2-3 weeks between sessions. In general, each session lasts 1.5-2 hours.

Care For a Fresh Tattoo

The body will gradually get used to the tattoo, and this is not always a tactilely pleasant sensation. The temperature may even rise to 37-38 degrees. Healing takes an average of 1-2 weeks.

After the session, an absorbent film is applied for 2-4 hours. It is essential to follow these recommendations:

• After removing it, the tattoo area should be washed with warm water and antibacterial soap. Do not wipe; get wet!
• You need to repeat such a compress every 6-10 hours for 2-4 days. When there are no signs of inflammation on the tattoo, you can apply a moisturizing ointment. However, you should not cover your hand so as not to create a “greenhouse” effect.

In addition, do not touch the drawing with your hands during the first week, do not peel off the crust, and temporarily refuse to sunbathe.

Tips From the Fusion Salon

In our Fusion salon, which has been operating since 2013, you can get comprehensive advice on any issue and for now, here are some tips:

• Be sure to check the sterility of the salon and the conditions for sterilization of instruments.
• It is better to choose a drawing with many details and smooth lines in advance to avoid the tattoo deforming due to various circumstances, such as weight changes.
• After applying the tattoo, wear loose clothing to avoid rubbing, and refuse the sauna and pool.

Proper preparation, following our recommendations, and a professional tattoo will decorate your body, allowing you to enjoy the process and the result.