Why Some Tattoo Placements Are Problematic

As a tattoo artist in Munich, I get all kinds of requests every day. And certain ones give me that familiar feeling the moment I hear them — not because the idea is bad, but because I already know how it usually ends.

Today I'm sharing five real cases from my practice: what happened, why it went sideways, and how you can avoid the same situation. Young tattoo artists will find this useful too.

#1 Face Tattoos

Let's start with the most intense one.

You'd be surprised how many people come in asking for a spider across the whole face. It's usually younger people who see trends on social media and want to express themselves — which is completely valid. But here are the two things everyone should know.

The tattoo code

In the tattoo world there's an unwritten rule: visible areas like face, neck, and hands are done last — when the body already has tattoos. A face tattoo with nothing else on the body is like a single piece of furniture in an empty room. It's not forbidden, it's about aesthetics and context.

Healing and placement

Your face is the dirtiest part of your body by the end of the day — dust, pollution, constant touching. For fineline tattoos or clean linework, it's not an ideal surface. Healing is more demanding, and the long-term quality is often compromised.

And yes, we live in a world where tattoos are accepted. But you don't know yet where life will take you. Some jobs, some situations — a face tattoo can limit you in ways you can't predict at twenty. And you'll definitely upset your mum.

#2 Hands and Foot Soles

Next up: hands and the soles of feet — two placements with very similar problems.

The same code applies here: hands get tattooed when there's barely any space left elsewhere. If hands are the first thing someone wants, it looks incomplete.

More importantly — durability. Socks, shoes, constant movement, sweat, friction — after two to three years a foot sole tattoo rarely looks like it did on day one. The inner palm shares the same fate. This is especially true for the actual sole — the walking surface — where pressure is maximum.

These spots can look great, but they need regular touch-ups and are not the best choice for your first or second tattoo.

#3 Neck Tattoos

The neck — also one of the last placements by tattoo convention.

Beyond the aesthetic argument: the neck is a poor choice for very solid black fills or for projects where every line needs to be razor-precise. The skin is constantly moving, clothing rubs against it, backpack straps and scarves do their thing — all of this affects healing and how the tattoo ages.

Visibility, healing, overall image — the issues are the same as with the face, just slightly softer. Many people underestimate how much the neck frames the face and the whole person.

#4 Mucous Membrane Tattoos — Lips and Beyond

Mucous membrane is a category of its own.

Nothing immediately dangerous happens — but the results don't last. After two to three months, a tattoo on the inner lip is often barely recognisable: patches, gaps, uneven fading. After two to three years, it's usually gone.

The zone is permanently moist, constantly exposed to food, drinks, bacteria. Aftercare is difficult. Many clients imagine it as a hidden secret forever — in reality it's a temporary tattoo that dissolves surprisingly fast.

My honest take: if you want a mucous membrane tattoo, go in knowing it's almost always a temporary thing.

#5 Dangerous Zones — Around the Eyes

This is no longer about aesthetics or durability — this is about health.

Tattoos placed too close to the eyes can damage facial nerves. I know cases from the tattoo community where people were left with permanent nerve damage, vision problems, or loss of facial movement.

Even more extreme: sclera tattoos — colouring the white of the eye. This is banned in many countries for a reason. Risks include permanent blindness.

My rule for these zones is simple: if there is any risk to nerves or vision, I decline. No project is worth that.

Final Thoughts — Get Advice Before You Commit

I've encountered almost every one of these cases in my career. Thankfully without serious consequences — but with enough experience to tell you honestly: some placements just aren't a good idea, especially for your first tattoo.

If you're unsure what placement works for your project, book a consultation in Munich — I'll help you make a decision you'll still love in ten years.