Falling in love with multiple designs and having trouble choosing just one is more common than you might think. Faced with this dilemma, many people wonder, “Can you get multiple tattoos in one sitting?” And if so, “How many tattoos can you get in one sitting?” Don’t worry! Whether you’re torn between two designs, in a hurry, or just want to make the most of your tattoo artist’s availability, this article will address all of your concerns about getting multiple tattoos. It is indeed possible to get more than one tattoo in one sitting, but there are several factors to consider. Scroll down to learn more!
How many tattoos can you get at once?
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The answer to the question, “How many tattoos can you get at once?” is, “As many as you want.” While there are no hard and fast rules for how many tattoos you can get at once, there are several factors that affect your ability to get body art in one session.
So, can you get two tattoos in one day? Yes, but one important thing you need to know before getting multiple tattoos in one session is this: a tattoo is essentially a fresh wound. Just like any other wound, a tattoo needs proper care to prevent the possibility of infection or allergic reactions and enough time to heal from the inside out. Therefore, you need to consider the following factors before booking an appointment for multiple tattoos:
1. Your pain threshold
If you’ve been tattooed before, you know it’s not always easy. As the session progresses, the adrenaline levels drop and the pain increases. So if you’re in a lot of pain from your first tattoo, it can be very difficult for your artist to do another one.
2. Healing time
Getting multiple tattoos can leave you with multiple wounds that can deplete your body’s immune system. It may take longer for all of the tattoos to heal at once, or you may experience discomfort during the healing period due to multiple areas of your body being affected.
3. Expertise of the artist
The client and the tattoo artist are equal partners in the tattooing process. It is just as important that your artist is comfortable with the idea of multiple tattoos in one session as it is that you are ready for it. Therefore, talk to your artist well in advance to make sure he/she is okay with it.
4. Placement of tattoos
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The placement of the tattoo has a great influence on the tattooing and healing process. It becomes even more important in the case of multiple tattoos. You need to make sure that the placements are compatible. For example, avoid having your stomach and back tattooed in one session.
Quick tip
If you have a low pain threshold, it is best to choose areas with thicker skin and more fat layers, such as the forearm and thighs, as opposed to areas with thinner skin, such as the ankle and knee.
5. Complexity of the design
Whether you are getting a few tattoos or several tattoos on different parts of your body, opt for simple designs that are the tattoo artist’s specialty rather than large tattoos with complex designs that require a lot of time and concentration from the artist.
6. Time and costs
Getting multiple tattoos in one tattoo session saves you multiple trips to the tattoo parlor. However, a multiple tattoo session takes longer to complete and the artist has to block out their time slot. Plus, the longer hours and the artist’s tip can end up costing you a fortune.
These are the main considerations you need to consider for a multiple tattoo session. But if you want another tattoo, how long should you wait until the next session? Find out in the next section.
How long should you wait between tattoo sessions?
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It is recommended to wait until the tattoos are completely healed before getting the next one. Generally, the time between two tattoo sessions is 3-5 weeks. If you want to wait until your tattoo is completely healed, you may have to wait 3-4 months.
That’s why many people choose to get multiple tattoos in one session when they’re going to an event or when they want to change their appearance as quickly as possible.
Trivia
Celebrities like Rihanna, Cara Delevingne and David Beckham were the first to get multiple tattoos and helped bring it to the mainstream.
While there are clear benefits to getting multiple tattoos at once, there are also certain disadvantages. Learn more about them in the next section.
Disadvantages of getting multiple tattoos at once
While it sounds fun and exciting to get multiple tattoos in one session, it is generally not recommended, especially if you have a low pain tolerance or poor healing ability. Here are some disadvantages of getting multiple tattoos at once:
1. Can cause severe pain
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Multiple tattoos in one session means more hours of tattoo needles piercing your skin to deposit the tattoo ink into your dermis. The longer it takes, the more pain you’ll have to endure.
Jude, a vlogger, shared her personal experience of getting multiple hand tattoos in her video. She said that she had wanted to do this for years, but she said, “That was painful, really painful, probably one of the worst pains I’ve ever felt in my entire life. Especially the cuticles, the tips, you know, they really hurt (i).”
2. May prolong healing time
The multiple tattoo wounds can put a strain on your immune system and lead to a longer healing period, resulting in more days of unhealed painful tattoos on different parts of the body.
3. Can lead to tattoo regret
Multiple tattoos can really sharpen your personality. However, if you haven’t thought through your designs and they don’t match, you may regret it later, even if skilled tattooists do their best.
4. May lead to a design mismatch
If you have selected different types of tattoo designs and the tattoo artist does not have the right expertise for one or more of them, your tattoos may not turn out as perfect as you would like.
5. May require intensive aftercare
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A tattoo is a wound that needs aftercare instructions to heal completely and quickly. Multiple tattoos mean you have multiple wounds that need intensive care, which can become overwhelming at some point.
Caring for multiple tattoos is more difficult and requires extra care and attention. Continue to the next section to learn more.
Aftercare Tips for Multiple Tattoos
While it’s tempting to get a tattoo and come out of the tattoo shop feeling like a new person, it can be difficult to heal those wounds. Following these aftercare tips can make the process easier for you.
Ask your tattoo artist for specific aftercare instructions regarding the size, location, and details of your tattoos. Clean and sanitize your hands before touching any of your tattoos. Use a mild, antibacterial soap to clean your tattoos. Apply a thin layer of aftercare products, such as a gentle, hypoallergenic tattoo balm or moisturizer, to your fresh tattoos a few times a day. Wear loose, comfortable clothing to avoid rubbing or irritation. Apply a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher 15 minutes before going outside. Itching during the healing period is common, but resist the urge to pick or scratch at your tattoos. Avoid soaking your tattoos in hot tubs or pools until they are fully healed. Adjust your aftercare routine based on the healing stage of your tattoos, as some may require more cleaning or moisturizing than others. Avoid vacations or sporting events during the healing process. Eat healthy and drink plenty of water for healthy tattoos.
It is possible to get multiple tattoos in one session, but it depends on several factors that may or may not be under your control. Both the client and the professional tattoo artist need to be comfortable and committed to the process for it to work. Factors such as a high pain threshold, suitability of the artist, placement, and design should be kept in mind. Remember that getting multiple tattoos in one session can lead to delayed healing and complicated aftercare. Therefore, make sure to clean your tattoos with antibacterial soap and apply a tattoo balm or moisturizer a few times for a smooth healing process. However, if your tattoo starts leaking pus a few days after the tattoo session, consult a doctor immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tattoos does the average person have?
One study found that 38.2% of participants had 1 tattoo, 29.9% had 2-3 tattoos, and 23.6% had 4-9 tattoos (1).
Are 5 tattoos a lot?
The number of tattoos that is considered “a lot” depends on your personal preferences, cultural practices, individual pain threshold, and how they reflect your personality.
Can you do a sleeve tattoo in one go?
Yes, it is possible to do a tattoo sleeve in one sitting. However, it is not recommended due to the length of the tattoo session, healing time, artist fatigue, cost, etc.
Key Points
You can get multiple tattoos at once, but you need to consider factors such as your individual pain tolerance, placement, design, and budget. Ideally, you should wait at least 3-4 months before getting another tattoo session. More intense pain, complex healing processes, and incompatibility of the artist are some of the disadvantages of getting multiple tattoos at once.
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
If you’re thinking about getting multiple tattoos, you’ve come to the right place. Watch the video below to see if it’s a smart move and how to go about it.
Personal experience: Source
StyleCraze’s articles are interwoven with authentic personal stories that add depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
(i). Spontaneously getting multiple tattoos because I’m sad lolhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgZMdnweZE4Was this article helpful? 
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Gazala Ansari is a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience. She writes on relationships, makeup and lifestyle and holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in English Literature from Central University of Jharkhand.
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Eshna is an associate editor and certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple major bachelor’s degree in psychology, English and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.
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Shreya is a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience. After graduating from Christ University, Bengaluru, she started as an intern writer for a non-profit organization, Bhumi. After that, she wrote for a progressive content website.
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