Over the years, foot tattoos have become increasing popular body art selections. Although most common among women, men such as actor Ryan Philippe are also putting their best foot forward to be adorned with old school, tribal and classic tattoo art designs. But be forewarned! Foot tattoos can be extremely painful and not all tattoo artists are willing to do them. So, take a step in the right direction and research both designs and experienced tattoo artists well in advance – it will be worth it in the end.

Why Foot Tattoos are Popular
Foot tattoos are easily concealable which, for some, makes the top of the foot the perfect place to be inked. Socks, full-cover shoes and long-length pants all aid in covering them when needed. However, during the summer months or while vacationing in warmer climates, women commonly wear strapped sandals or thong-style flats so that their foot tattoos are easily visible and sure to be noticed. When paired with sexy stiletto heels, foot tattoos tend to take on a more tantalizing and seductive effect.

Are Foot Tattoos Painful?
Foot tattoos can be quite painful as they require the tattoo artist to ink over bones and thin layers of skin as opposed to well-cushioned locations such as upper arm or abdominal areas. And we are not talking only a few bones. Twenty-six bones make up the foot and ankle – equaling one-quarter of the bones in the human body! This is one reason many tattoo artists are not willing to ink foot tattoos: tattooing straight lines over so many bones is quite difficult not to mention trying to do it with a fidgety client in pain or who is ticklish.

Common Designs for Foot Tattoos
Foot tattoos are limited in size as each design can only extend as large as the foot being tattooed. Therefore, some of the most common designs among women that easily fit this size restriction include flower, bird and star foot tattoos. Men, on the other hand, prefer more masculine designs such as tribal, religious and animal foot tattoos.

Healing Advice for Foot Tattoos
Foot tattoos can have difficulty healing so getting them done at the right time is important. Ideally, foot tattoos should be scheduled during the warmer seasons so that open-toed sandals and flip-flops can be worn for a few days after the appointment. This allows them to heal with less chance of infection due to rubbing and enclosed bacteria. Taking a few days off, relaxing and wearing no shoes at all is, ultimately, the best way to jump-start healthy healing.

Celebrities with Foot Tattoos
As the popularity of foot tattoos continues to grow, so do the number of celebrities choosing to get them. Here is a short list of Hollywood A-listers who bare their own foot tattoos:

KELLY OSBOURNE / Singer & TV Personality: Skull and crossbones foot tattoos (both feet)

RYAN PHILIPPE/ Actor: Ladybug foot tattoo (bottom of foot)

BRITTNEY SPEARS / Singer: Butterfly and vine foot tattoo