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Original poster

Am I too old for a full sleeve tattoo?

98 replies

bemorebernard · 20/09/2023 01:46

I follow an amazing tattoo studio online , and have several tattoos already.

I've seen the MOST beautiful full sleeve design , very feminine, tasteful in black

I'd love to get it , though it is £400 a day and will take 4 days , but you definitely get what you pay for with tattoos

Thing is , I'm 51. My arms are toned and I have confidence that now it would look good , but I'm not sure how it would look in 20 years.

That said , I'm all for living for the day . Would you just say sod it and get it ?

Please, that said it's not a tattoo haters thread and I really don't need people saying they're hideous or a waste of money , this design is very artistic , feminine and beautiful and I love it. If I was 30 I wouldn't hesitate .

OP posts:
Thread gallery
7
Blottingpaperscript · 20/09/2023 23:13

I have a full sleeve and the makings of another (and not feminine style work). Life is too short to not do what makes you happy. Mine will probably look grim when I'm 80 but I really don't think I'll be too worried by then! Hasn't held me back in any way either- attitudes have changed dramatically.

iamwhatiam23 · 20/09/2023 23:14

I am covered in tattoos and i say you are never to old. However I honestly can't see how that can possibly take 4 days, please check your not being ripped off.

TattedBarley · 20/09/2023 23:22

iamwhatiam23 · 20/09/2023 23:14

I am covered in tattoos and i say you are never to old. However I honestly can't see how that can possibly take 4 days, please check your not being ripped off.

Beautiful design and so glad you’re going for it! You’re never too old. But deffo agree with above. I am also heavily tattooed and that design could easily be completed in one to two day sessions imo. Make sure you’ve checked the artist’s portfolio first!

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Beauty
Original poster
bemorebernard · 20/09/2023 23:34

Jasperdale · 20/09/2023 22:45

Not too old at all. I despise tattoos personally I think they make the person appear rough so do be aware you may be judged. However your life and if it’s what you want bloody go for it life is too short!

I'm a proper prissy lady and I look it so don't think I'll get too harshly judged !

OP posts:
Original poster
bemorebernard · 20/09/2023 23:34

afterdropshock · 20/09/2023 22:44

You shouldn't have sent the studio your arm though. You might need it.

😂Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
bemorebernard · 20/09/2023 23:35

InterFactual · 20/09/2023 22:42

I genuinely thought the picture was a silver birch log. If you want to look like a tree then go for it I guess.

Oooo I love silver birch

OP posts:
Littlepinkstarsbyradish · 20/09/2023 23:37

I have two full sleeves in my mid 40s and have never regretted them
do what you want, a good artist will make sure the tattoo can settle well with ageing skin and you can always get touch ups later down the line if there’s any fading or blurring

Canisaysomething · 20/09/2023 23:48

I hate tattoos but 51 is too old to give a fuck what others think so absolutely go for it.

Original poster
bemorebernard · 21/09/2023 00:01

So you reckon the design here could be done in lesser time ? It is a full sleeve front and back and looks quite intricate .....but I've told the studio for financial reasons I can't just book 4 days at £400 a pop so be interesting to see how far they get in the first sitting

They say they can start it next week , now this studio used to have the very famous polish Dan whose wait list was over a year so yes I'll be researching the artists portfolio first

OP posts:
AlexaCanYouHearMe · 21/09/2023 00:08

I would not personally. At 50+

You do know right @bemorebernard that you can't just walk into a tattoo parlour and get a sleeve, like in one go. It takes many visits and can cost £3000 to £5000.

It's a no from me. (Sorry...)

111111111a · 21/09/2023 00:11

Just do it. We're all gonna be dead soon! One life and all that

Original poster
bemorebernard · 21/09/2023 00:13

AlexaCanYouHearMe · 21/09/2023 00:08

I would not personally. At 50+

You do know right @bemorebernard that you can't just walk into a tattoo parlour and get a sleeve, like in one go. It takes many visits and can cost £3000 to £5000.

It's a no from me. (Sorry...)

Yes if you read my post you'd see it going to take 4 full day sittings but you didn't read my post so,,,,,🤷‍♀️

OP posts:
FailWhale · 21/09/2023 00:21

This is stunning 🤩 My main concern would be it will identify me as a mumsnetter when I follow this artist and get something too 🤣🤣 seriously though, gorgeous and really glad you've booked it. Look forward to seeing the final result - love your idea of taking it off the arm onto the cheat too 😍

Lysianthus · 21/09/2023 00:32

Yes

dreamingbohemian · 21/09/2023 00:49

Age doesn't matter but I have 2 concerns OP

Top artists are booked weeks and months in advance, if they can start a multi session next week that's a bit hmmm

You haven't even researched the artists portfolio yet??? Are you crazy? Those photos are illustrations, not real tattoos. You need to look through his entire portfolio and see how quality it is

Please please don't rush into this, it's a lovely idea but it's forever. Never rush or scimp on tattoos

RantyAnty · 21/09/2023 00:53

Let us know how it goes.

Now I'm thinking I should get wings or bingo cards tattooed on my bingo wings?!

BabyFireflyx · 21/09/2023 00:58

But weird several PPs saying they don't like tattoos, getting a little dig in there, and then saying go for it.
I say go for it, as a heavily tattooed mid 30s woman. I've heard all the arguments about ohh how will it look when you're old?! Well that's down to the observer's opinion not that of the tattooed person. I figure my body will look like I intended it to but with more wrinkles and sagging - that'll be the only bit taken away from my own choice. If someone else is forced to give me sponge baths and wipe my arse then at least there's an interesting canvas for them to look at during.
It fits for you, you have the means and more than enough understanding of the permanence. Don’t let anyone patronise you out of the choice you make, even the ones who frame it as a shit sandwich. Your skin is your own to do with as you please.
I still get a little thrill seeing parts of me in a mirror when getting into the shower when I've not thought about what's tattooed there for a while (like my full back) it just reaffirms every time that I love what I've had done.

SemperIdem · 21/09/2023 01:03

Agree with others who have said it’s a little bit suspicious that the studio has the time available just like that.

Do your research and be prepared to travel to have the best tattoo artist you can afford.

Get the tattoo but make sure the person doing it is capable of delivering what you want, from a skills perspective.

jonnyjanetkeogh · 21/09/2023 01:06

Tomorrow is not promised, so go for it and enjoy your tattoo. You said yourself you've wanted a sleeve forever so don't let future hesitancies put you off ❤️

flexigirl · 21/09/2023 01:14

I'm proudly old and covered in ink. I have both sleeves done amongst lots of others! I love the tattoo but think the price seems an awful lot for what you are getting? My left sleeve ( done at the grand old age of 48 two years ago 😉) cost £620 over three sittings. So I say go for it if you can afford it ! Come back and show us OP my next one is booked for December 🥳🥳 good luck !

Original poster
bemorebernard · 21/09/2023 01:23

Thanks guys yes the image is beautiful but this studio ive waited a year for previously so I'll definitely do the research. Also into the time scale as they're saying 4 days at £400 per day , Thank you .

OP posts:
Louise303 · 21/09/2023 02:07

Beautiful two of my adult children have 3/4 sleeves so far but it is all covered roughly £450 for each part of the arm. Is this the full tattoo you want? this should not take 4 days. Or are you adding more cover shading etc? there tattoos are very detailed, I would say go for it it is a lovely design.

PlanofAction842196 · 21/09/2023 02:28

No age limit

Flatandhappy · 21/09/2023 05:26

That is gorgeous, you must have a higher pain threshold than me though - I have realised that 90 minutes is my limit. In terms of age I am 60 and got a new tattoo on my foot a few weeks back. Do post pics.

WelcomeToLagos · 21/09/2023 05:32

have said fuck it before and really regretted it?

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