Tattoo Myths Debunked: What’s True and What’s Not?

Introduction

Thinking about getting a tattoo but worried about things you’ve heard? You’re not alone. There are a ton of myths floating around when it comes to tattoos—and most of them are outdated, wrong, or just straight-up weird. At Korda Tattoo Collective in Zurich, we hear these myths all the time, so we figured it’s time to clear the air.

Here are the most common tattoo myths—and the real facts behind them.

Myth 1: Tattoos Are Super Painful Everywhere

Let’s be real—tattoos do hurt. But not as much as most people think. And no, it doesn’t feel the same everywhere. Some spots like the ribs or inner arm are more sensitive, while areas like the upper arm, or thigh are more manageable.

We always explain the pain level during your consultation, and we’ll help you pick a placement that fits both your design and your pain tolerance. Want to know how size and placement affect your tattoo cost too? We break it down in this post.

Myth 2: You Can’t Get a Tattoo if You’re Sick, Pregnant, or on Medication

Okay, some truth here—but it depends. If you’re sick, your immune system is already working overtime, so it’s best to wait. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s generally advised to hold off due to possible infection risks. And if you’re on certain medications (like blood thinners), you definitely need to tell your artist first.

We always ask health-related questions in our booking form, and we’re happy to advise you if you’re unsure.

Myth 3: You Can’t Donate Blood After Getting a Tattoo

This one depends on where you live and the rules of your local blood donation service. In Switzerland, you usually have to wait four months after getting a tattoo before donating blood. That’s it.

Myth 4: Tattoos Fade Fast or Change Color

Tattoos can fade over time, but not overnight. Good ink, good technique, and good aftercare make all the difference. Sun exposure and skin type can also affect how your tattoo ages.

Want your tattoo to stay fresh for years? We’ll give you all the aftercare tips you need, and we even offer touch-ups if needed.

Myth 5: Only Certain Skin Tones Can Get Certain Tattoo Styles

Nope. All skin tones can be tattooed beautifully—it just takes the right technique, experience, and design choices. At Korda Tattoo Collective, we’re proud to tattoo a wide range of skin tones and body types. You can always bring reference photos and we’ll help you adapt the design to make sure it pops on your skin.

Myth 6: Tattoos Are Permanent—You Can’t Get Rid of Them

Tattoos are mostly permanent, yes. But laser removal exists and is more effective than ever. It’s not magic though—it takes multiple sessions, isn’t cheap, and depends on the tattoo’s age, color, and placement. Another option? A well-designed cover-up, which can often be cheaper and more artistic than removal.

Myth 7: Tattoos Are Just a Trend

Tell that to the thousands of years of tattoo history across cultures. Tattoos have never really gone out of style—they’ve just evolved. Today, they’re more mainstream, more artistic, and more personal than ever. Whether it’s your first tattoo or part of a full sleeve, it’s about expression—not fashion.

If you’re wondering how to pick the right artist to match your style, check out our guide to choosing the right tattoo artist in Zurich.

Myth 8: You Can’t Go Swimming, Work Out, or Be in the Sun Right After

This one is actually true—but only for a short while. Fresh tattoos are open wounds and need to heal properly. No swimming, no direct sun, no sweating like crazy at the gym for at least 10-14 days. It’s temporary, but important. Follow our aftercare tips and your tattoo will heal clean and strong.

Myth 9: You Should Show Up With a Group of Friends for Support

Support is cool—but the tattoo chair isn’t a hangout spot. Most studios, including ours, prefer that you come solo (or with one calm friend max). It helps you focus and lets us work without distraction.

Conclusion: Don’t Believe the Hype—Ask Us Instead

There are a lot of myths out there—but you don’t need to sort through them alone. If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo and you’ve got questions, just ask us. We’re here to give you honest answers, helpful guidance, and artwork you’ll be proud of for life.

➡️ Ready to book a session or consultation? Contact us here and let’s talk.