5 basic things to consider before getting a tattoo

5 Basic Things To Consider Before Getting A Tattoo

When I got my first tattoo in 2014, I wasn’t very sure what to expect. I mean, the pre-care, post care, etc. Well, I did receive some tips from my brother, who already had two huge tattoos at that point in time. By the time I got my second one in July’16 , I learnt quite a lot of things on my own. So even though the second one was much bigger, the experience was much better since I was better prepared. Here is a basic list of things that need to be considered before you get inked. Especially if it’s your first time.

Decide on what you want

Getting tattoos done are definitely a big deal, especially big ones. For one, they are permanent. Yes, you can definitely get cover up tattoos done or get it removed by laser. But laser procedures would cost you quite a lot of money and would involve a lot of hassle. And cover up is something that you settle for, not choose to have. So spend a lot of time researching what you want to get done. What significance does it hold for you right now and ten years down the line? Take your own sweet time to decide. Also, when you’re getting a script (especially in a foreign/unfamiliar language) or a symbol tattooed, spend even more time researching about it, making sure it actually means what you think it does.

Decide on where you want it

Once you have decided what tattoo you want to get done, next important thing is to decide where you want to get the tattoo done. Certain professions do not allow visible tattoos. So decide on whether you want it to be visible or keep it hidden.

Discuss with your tattoo artist

Once you decide what and where you want to get done, meet your tattoo artist. Discuss it out with him/her before you actually get it done. Your artist will be the best person to tell you if what you have chosen is practically possible or not. For example, the colors that you see on paper or screen might show up very differently on skin. So make sure you and your tattoo artist are on the same page when you finalize on the design. He/she may suggest some changes or workarounds to what you have chosen. If you are not convinced, take some more time and think about what you feel about those changes.

Choose the right studio

Since tattoos mean literally puncturing your skin to deposit the pigments, there are chances of infection if the hygiene and safety standards are compromised on. Make sure you choose a very good studio where they give a lot of importance to hygiene and quality of the ink, the needles,etc.

Health conditions and skincare

Make sure you tell your tattoo artist about any ailment that you might be suffering from or any skin condition that can get aggravated due to the tattoo or may hamper the natural healing process of your tattoo. Not only is it important to take care of your skin after you get a tattoo done, it also helps to take good care of your skin before as well. Also avoid sun damage to your skin and avoid chemical treatments like bleaching your skin just before you get the tattoo.

With the right care and decisions, getting a tattoo will actually be a wonderful experience.

Do you already have tattoos? Or are you thinking of getting one? Do let me know in the comments below!

Pic Credit: Original Image © alexzaitsev/ Fotolia

This was first posted on my personal blog Personalogues.com