Things To Consider Before Getting A Tattoo
Thinking of getting some body ink? You’re not alone. At some point we’ve probably all considered getting a tattoo. Some passed this phase without seeing the inside of a tattoo parlor while others got inked and then some.
There are a number of things you should consider before you get a tattoo with the first one being why you think you want one. Once you get passed that question then you can move on to think of the other factors involved in getting a tattoo.
Get Ready For Some Pain
Getting a tattoo hurts and anyone that tells you it doesn’t is either a really good liar or got a tiny tattoo on a tougher piece of skin. Getting a tattoo isn’t like airbrushing some color. Oh no! Think of dozens, if not hundreds or needle pricks piercing your skin at high speed. These pin pricks are necessary to inject the ink that will give you a permanent tattoo.
If you’re worried about the pain but simply must have a tattoo, start with a small tattoo that isn’t complicated in design. Once you feel comfortable and familiar with the process you can decide if you want to move on to bigger, more intricate tattoos.
It’s Permanent
This is probably the most obvious thing to consider before you commit to getting a tattoo. Once you get inked, it’s there to stay. This leads to two very important factors for your consideration. Are you absolutely sure this is something you want to do and you need to choose your design very carefully. This is definitely not something you want to rush into after getting drunk at the pub or let your buddies goad you into.
Allergies Anyone?
If you have any type of skin allergy, even a minor one, seek the advice of a medical professional before you go to a tattoo parlor. Even if you only have mild allergic reactions you really need to think carefully before you sit down and endure thousands of pinpricks and the injection of ink. You may only suffer from a mild reaction such as a bit of irritation, or you could have a full blown episode that results in swelling, itching and painful blotches. If you decide to risk these reactions and move forward, don’t be afraid to stop at any point you feel any really nasty symptoms start to appear.
Leave It For Winter
Most people get serious about getting a tattoo in the middle of summer, mainly because they realize it’s t-shirt season and the tattoo will be exposed for all to see. Not such a good idea. If you get a tattoo in the middle of summer, be prepared to spend a few weeks out of the sun. Direct sunlight is harmful to a fresh tattoo and may cause premature fading.
You’re much better off getting your tattoo during the colder months when you can cover up and keep your skin protected. Keep in mind that the tattooed area is for all intents and purposes a wound and you’ll need to treat it as such with antibacterial creams and lotions to keep your skin supply while the ink dries and the skin heals. Oh, and you can forget about hanging out at the beach with a fresh tattoo because swimming is definitely a bad idea in the first weeks following a tattoo.
Why Do You Really Want One?
If you just finished watching a movie and thought the leading man looked awesome with his collection of tattoos and you suddenly have the urge to pop in to an all-night tattoo parlor keep driving and go home. For one, this is not a spur of the moment decision, nor is it something you should do because you liked seeing tattoos on someone else.
It’s also not something you want to do as a declaration of love. The cliché of a heart tattoo with your latest fling is a bad idea. However, some people choose something symbolic to commemorate the memory of someone they have lost or after a major accomplishment. Others choose spiritual designs. All of these reasons are fine, but you need to do a little bit of soul searching to make sure you are getting a tattoo for the right reason and also make sure you chooses the right design.
Does Your Tattooist Have The Right Credentials?
This one is super important. There may be dozens of tattoo artists in your local area, but how many of them are accredited? More importantly, how good are they? Ask around to see how others have fared with the tattooist you are considering to see if he can reproduce the design you want. Picture getting a tattoo of the moon with some embellishments. Next thing you know, you’re walking out with a weird looking banana on your arm. Once you’ve asked around, ask the artist to see his or her portfolio. If you like what you see, you are almost ready to make the commitment.
Hygiene, Hygiene, Hygiene?
The sanitary practices of your tattoo artist are probably the most important thing you should consider before you allow a single dot to be tattooed on your skin. First, look around the shop. Does it look clean and well maintained? If it looks dusty, dirty and dingy, get out. The next place to look is where the needles are kept. A cautious and considerate tattooist will take a fresh needle out of an individual wrapper and will also use fresh gloves. Don’t take chances if your tattooist isn’t being careful. A tattoo involves breaking the skin and that means you can be exposed to a multitude of bacteria and disease.
Post Tattoo Care
Do not neglect the care instructions your tattoo artist gives you once your tattoo is done. This will involve keeping the area clean with antibacterial soap and applying an ointment to help the healing process as well as an unscented moisturizer to prevent the area from bunching up and scabbing. Also, avoid the urge to scratch if it feels itchy.
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