How long does a Tattoo take?

Having a tattoo is a big decision. You want it to be perfect, and you want it to last forever. How long does it take to get a tattoo, though? Well, that depends on how big the tattoo is and how much detail there is.

We've got your answer if you've ever wondered how long a tattoo takes. If you're thinking of getting inked and want to know more about the process, read on!

The size and design of your tattoo

The size of your tattoo also determines how long it takes to finish. The bigger the tattoo, the longer it takes. So if you want a small design on one finger, it will be quicker than a large arm piece.

The detail of your tattoo will also affect how long it takes for an artist to complete it. More intricate designs take longer to create because more lines are involved, and more sections (like shading) need several passes before they're complete. This can cause some delay because each pass must dry before moving on; however, if you have an experienced artist working on your piece, they should be able to work through this step quickly so as not to slow down your entire experience at the shop. Too much!

The number of colors used in any design can also affect how fast (or slow) things go along during this process. However, we again advise choosing an artist with ample experience with multi-colored pieces so as not to have any issues; with getting everything right!

Which part for your body you are having tattooed

Where your tattoo is on your body will impact the amount of time it takes to complete. Tattoos on the lower back and legs are the most time-consuming because they need more ink than other areas like arms, hands, chest, or stomach, where there is less skin surface area available to cover with a design. Also, if you are about to get a new tattoo and are curious about the pain for each body part, check out Vlogigurl's - a professional tattoo artist - article called her Tattoo Pain Guide.

Here are estimates for individual parts of the body:

One side of the forearm: 2–5 hours

Complete forearm wrapping: 4-6+ hours

Half-sleeved upper arm: 3-6+ hours

For a whole sleeve 9 to 12 hours

Upper arm inside: 1.5–3 hours

Upper arm back: 1.5–4 hours

Shoulder cap: 3-5+ hours

Back: 2 to 8 hours or more 4 to 12 hours for a large back

Full Back: 12 to 20 hours

Chest: 4 to 6 hours

For the front torso: 8 to 20 hours

Sternum: 2-4 hours

Stomach: 2 to 4 hours

Single side of the thigh: 3-5+ hours

Thigh wrap, partial: 6–12+ hours

Full thigh wrap: 9–15 hours

2-4+ hours for the calf or shin

Full-wrap of the lower leg: 6–12 hours

The detail of your tattoo design

The more detail, the longer the tattoo. The more complex the design, the longer it takes to tattoo. If your tattoo design has multiple colors and shades, it will take longer than a black-and-white piece. And if you're getting a large piece of art (like an arm sleeve or chest piece), make sure to give yourself plenty of time for healing between sessions.

Time equals Money 

Tattoo artists usually charge an hourly rate and, depending on their skill level, experience, and notoriety, that rate can range $100 – $150 per hour.

For example, an experienced artist will charge more than a beginner. Similarly, it's worth noting that larger tattoos will also mean higher prices (as do detailed tattoos). Tattoos are also pricier if placed on sensitive areas like the chest or back. But what if you're looking for a good deal? Some tattoo artists have special deals available for certain days of the week or certain times of day when they aren't as busy—so be sure to ask about special pricing before committing!

Here is a quick breakdown of how long it would take to do tattoos of various sizes:

• Usually, making a little tattoo takes less than an hour.
• It would take one to three hours to create a palm-sized tattoo.
• It can take up to five hours to create a hand-sized tattoo.
• A full sleeve tattoo can be created in 6–10 hours
• It can take up to 30 hours to do a very large tattoo, like a back piece.

This is merely a very rough estimate, so please keep in mind that other considerations besides the size and design of the tattoo

To Summarize…

It all depends on the size and complexity of your tattoo, but generally speaking, a small tattoo can take around four to six hours. A medium-sized one will take between seven and 10 hours, while large tattoos can take up to 12 hours or more.