Tattooing Around Moles and Freckles: What You Need to Know

When it comes to tattooing, your skin is the canvas. And just like any canvas, some areas need extra care. Moles and freckles are common, natural features on the skin. bBut they come with special considerations when it comes to tattooing. Here’s what every client should know.

Why Tattooing Over Moles Is Not Recommended

• Health Monitoring
  Moles can change over time. Growth, color shifts, or irregular edges can sometimes signal skin cancer. Tattoo ink makes it harder for dermatologists (or even you) to see these warning signs.

• Healing Concerns
  Moles don’t heal the same as normal skin. Tattooing over them can cause irritation, bleeding, or scarring, and the ink may not settle evenly, leaving the area blotchy or raised.

• Medical Complications
  If a mole needs to be biopsied later, tattoo ink can interfere with results and make diagnosis trickier. In most cases, doctors recommend avoiding tattooing them altogether.

What About Freckles?

• Freckles vs. Moles
  Freckles are flat and usually safe to tattoo over. They don’t carry the same risks as moles because they’re just clusters of pigment, not skin growths.

• Color & Design Considerations
  Tattooing over freckles won’t hurt you, but it may slightly change how the ink looks in that spot. Freckles can make colors appear a bit darker or uneven.

Best Practices for Clients

1. Get Checked First
   If you have a mole you’re worried about, see a dermatologist before booking your tattoo.

2. Expect Artists to Decline
   A responsible tattoo artist will avoid tattooing directly over moles. Instead, we design around them, using creative placement to make them part of the piece.

3. Be Open to Design Adjustments
   Sometimes leaving a little negative space around a mole can make the design even stronger. It’s about balancing safety with art.

Final Thoughts

Tattooing is about self-expression, but it’s also about protecting your skin and health. While freckles are generally safe to tattoo over, moles should be avoided — not because it’s “illegal,” but because it’s the safest choice for long-term health.

As artists, we want you to love your tattoo and keep your skin healthy. That’s why we’ll always be upfront about what can and can’t be done.