What You Need to Know Before Getting a Tattoo

Most tattoos usually have a backstory. Although symbolic meanings are never a prerequisite for getting tattoos, your artist may design something that represents your all-time favorite song or make a heartfelt dedication to a loved one. Whatever it may be, it is crucial that you are pleased with the artwork that has been permanently engraved onto your skin.

You may be excited to get a tattoo, may it be your first or seventh time, but you must consider many factors before booking another tattoo appointment.

Should I Get a Tattoo?

 

Tattoos are permanent marks drawn on your skin by injecting inks through small punctures into the epidermis. Usually, a hand-held device similar to a stitching machine is used by the tattooist to continuously pierce the skin with one or more needles. Then, the needles inject little ink drops along with each puncture.

Spending-wise, good tattoos are pricey. However, a cheap tattoo is not worth it long-term because it may need extra expenses for aftercare, maintenance, fixes, and a possible tattoo cover-up or removal.

Is getting a tattoo a bad idea?

In just a few hours on the tattoo chair, you may be the happiest owner of a brand-new tattoo, but make sure to give the permanent body art some significant decision-making. Be aware of the potential health concerns associated with getting a tattoo, such as infections, allergic reactions, and inflammation, since it leaves a permanent mark on your skin. Make sure you learn how often to moisturize new tattoo so it stays vibrant for a long time!

The commitment to obtain tattoos is highly personal and should only be taken after giving great thought to both the short and long-term effects of the tattoo. Additionally, visiting a reputable and trustworthy tattoo parlor where tattoo artists are all properly skilled is the first and most important step in tattoo shopping.

Don’t bargain – if it’s cheap, it’s sketchy!

There are better times to underspend than looking for a tattoo artist. Find a qualified, recognized tattooist instead. Sketchy tattoo artists may cause infections and poor tattoo work. Your tattoos will remain on your skin for the rest of your life, and since your health is at stake, it is an expense worth taking.

The style, size, and pattern of the tattoos you choose will affect how much it costs at the tattoo studio. Calling ahead to get a quotation is always a smart idea, even if the price can vary after the design is completed. To avoid being overcharged, bring a friend who has experienced getting tattoos so they can assist you with the negotiation process. Remember, while getting a tattoo is an investment, ensure you do not get ripped off!

However, scheduling your tattoo appointments during discount seasons or special occasions like Thanksgiving, Halloween, or Black Friday is wise to enjoy lower pricing. Always look up customer reviews online or ask your friends for ideas! It would be best if you weren’t shopping for a bargain on body art.

What tattoo designs and styles do I want?

You are definitely free to choose whatever you like! Then, your tattoo artist can iron out the intricacies during the design consultation. You may decide on placement and cost by showing them any pictures you’ve saved for reference. Before getting your tattoo, the artist will sketch the design, so pay close attention once you approve the pattern. The tattoo artist will trace the image you choose for the tattoo on your body. Tattoos are not for the indecisive ones – ensure you’ve made up your mind before getting one. Remember: tattoos are forever!

Where is the least painful area to get a tattoo?

Every tattoo procedure is painful. Although each person’s threshold for pain is different, tattoos directly placed near bones typically hurt the most, compared to areas with thicker flesh. Getting tattoos around your forearms is best if you are a first-timer with low pain tolerance. 

Will tattoos match my clothing style?

Unlike fashion trends in clothing, tattoos leave an impression permanently. Thus, they always have a big impact on aesthetics and fashion. It would help if you started considering your tattoos as another ultimate fashion statement as soon as you choose to have them.

To highlight the artwork marked on your skin, picking colors that contrast with one another is ideal. If you have tattoos in vivid colors, wear neutral-colored clothing with them. Otherwise, if you have gray and black tattoos, wear colorful clothing.

When choosing your attire to highlight or conceal your tattoo, you must also consider where it is on your body. Choose the hem, neck, back, and sleeve lines based on the parts you want to show off. If you want to avoid your tattoos being the center of attention, consider getting tattooed in places your clothes can cover, such as your chest or back, or on fingers, feet, or wrists, with designs that are not too expressive.

What does getting a tattoo feel like?

Because tattooists use needles to put the art onto the dermis, tattooing is generally uncomfortable. Needle injections cause localized inflammation and skin barrier damage. When the artist sketches or finalizes your design, you can experience itching, burning, or piercing sensations. Alternatively, some individuals say the discomfort feels prickly. The region may be uncomfortable for approximately a week after the tattoo process is finished and before the swelling subsides. Obviously, the size, details, and placement of the tattoo will also affect how long the pain lasts. Always be cautious of tattoo bubbling as well, this is why aftercare is so critical.

How do I maintain my tattoos properly and adequately?

The most important stage in your tattoo process is tattoo aftercare, which you should never skip. If it is your first time getting a tattoo, your tattooist will review what you need to do following the tattoo sesh. It is suggested that you avoid getting your tattoo wet on the day when you receive one. While you’re recovering, do not take long showers.

In general, cleansing and moisturizing are the initial steps in tattoo aftercare. Always use mild, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers when doing your tattoo aftercare. Otherwise, harsh chemicals and fragrances can irritate and even scar your freshly inked skin. After you clean it, keep your tattooed skin hydrated with a moisturizer or ointment. Also, prolonged sun exposure can easily fade tattoos. Thus, keep your tattoos protected by wearing sunscreen and clothes with UV protection.

Are there any health risks that may stop me from getting a tattoo?

The preparation and aftercare procedures may cause allergic reactions and even ink allergies. Persons with sensitive skin usually suffer allergic reactions to the preparation step that starts with cleaning and sterilizing the skin more frequently than an actual allergic response to the ink and tattoo itself. However, your doctor or allergologist may prescribe steroids, anti-allergy medicines, or extra-strength hydrocortisone lotion to relieve an itchy, red rash.

Furthermore, having a regular tattoo might be extremely risky if you have diabetes, heart disease, or circulatory problems. These medical conditions might seriously interfere with the skin’s healing process after getting a tattoo. Make sure you check with your doctor first!

Can I get a tattoo with the kind of job I have or want?

The sad and harsh truth about getting body art is that some employers will not hire applicants with tattoos. Even though tattoo fashion is becoming more mainstream, many companies still have a stigma against those who wear them. Additionally, some companies consider tattoos as distracting. It might distract you and your colleagues if you have a fully visible tattoo.

Also, some professions, especially the medical field, prohibit visible tattoos. Many health professionals who often meet and interact with patients are strictly restricted from getting tattoos. As a result, tattoos must be hidden inside clothes or with medical tape when interacting with patients.

Additionally, some people could perceive someone with tattoos as someone committing unprofessional conduct and not taking their work responsibilities seriously. In law enforcement, tattoos are viewed as a symbol of resistance and a common appearance for the “bad guys.”

How do I select a good tattoo artist?

Every tattoo has a distinctive personality and background. Hence, it would be best if you are looking for an artist with a long list of clients, some excellent client reviews, and a considerable collection of work related to your chosen design. Make sure you have the answers to your concerns before you arrive for your appointment since a skilled tattoo artist will ask lots of questions and demand enough consultation on your chosen design. Since tattoos are permanent, they do not want you enduring regret for the rest of your life just because the tattoo did not turn out as expected.

Additionally, just because a tattoo studio is close to your apartment doesn’t guarantee that it is already a good one. Verify the tattooists’ licensing and compliance with legal and sanitary requirements. 

The tattoo parlor should always be squeaky clean.

With unsanitary tattoo shops, getting tattooed is like exposing your skin to wounds that can quickly get infected. Ensure all surfaces, tools, and equipment are regularly cleaned and disposed of upon use, when necessary. The tattoo shop should always smell and look as clean as a hospital.

Ensure your tattoo artist uses disposable needles and ink cups and wears sterile gloves.

To prevent infections, always check if your artist regularly sterilizes reusable tools and uses disposables! They should also use new cups, towels, gloves, and fresh, single-use needles. Check that they open the needle pack in front of you to ensure that it is sterile and new.

How long does a tattoo session last?

Completing a simple or minimalist tattoo design should take around five minutes. However, getting larger tattoos might not be finished at once if it needs numerous sessions to achieve larger or more colorful patterns. Before you set an appointment, ask the tattoo artist to give you an estimation, so you have a better understanding of the schedule.

Tattoo maintenance is crucial.

No matter how properly and consistently you care for your tattoos, they will eventually fade since your skin is constantly shedding new layers – making tattoo aftercare and maintenance highly crucial. You can be requested to have a tattoo touch-up if you or your tattoo artist notices that the pigment is starting to fade. Your old tattoo might look as good as the first time you got it and become brighter once again. You may take yourself to any artist to have it touched up, but it is always preferable to return to the one who originally worked on it if you liked their work. However, you can have a touch-up only after your tattoo has completely healed, which can take anywhere between 4 weeks and 6 months. Touching up a tattoo before it has healed would damage your tattoo and worsen the skin condition.

Taking a quiz about tattoos can help you decide. 

Before you permanently get something inked in your skin, you have to decide if you are ready for it. Aside from getting a tattoo, online tattoo quizzes can help you with the design, color, size, and placement. Here are a few quiz questions to get you started:

  1. What tattoo design do I want to get?
  1. Simple line art or minimalist symbols
  2. My favorite song lyric or quote
  3. My birthdate
  4. My loved one’s name, birthdate, or face

  1. What tattoo color should I go for?
  1. Black or gray
  2. Single ink color (monochrome)
  3. Full-colored design
  4. Special tattoo inks, such as white

  1. How big do I want my tattoo inked on my skin?
  1. Small enough to be hidden in clothes
  2. Huge, expressive tattoos
  3. Visible but not too big

  1. Where do I want to put my tattoo?
  1. Chest or back
  2. Arm sleeves or legs
  3. Fingers
  4. Face (yes, face tattoos are a trend!)

  1. Am I allowed to get a tattoo with the kind of job I have?
  1. Never
  2. Yes, but it must not be visible
  3. No idea, but whatever!
  4. 100% yes!

  1. Am I afraid people might judge me for my tattoos?
  1. Yes.
  2. No, except for how my family or friends will react
  3. No, except for my boss
  4. No, who cares?

  1. Am I ready for the pain?
  1. No, I’m afraid of needles
  2. No, but I will manage
  3. Definitely! It will all be worth it!

  1. Have I thought of how it will look when I get older?
  1. No, I didn’t know tattoos’ appearances change as we age
  2. No, I’ll think of an alternative when it is due
  3. Yes, but I can always go for a touch-up when I need to
  4. Yes, but it doesn’t matter

Is there a way to get rid of the tattoo I don’t like? 

It is a good time to get tattooed with your pals after graduating or over spring break to commemorate a specific milestone. However, unlike changing your hair color, getting a tattoo is not a minor transformation. If you are unsure, feel pressured by others, or are terrified, don’t do it – tattoos are forever! As we age and our lifestyles evolve, one of the greatest regrets tattoo clients have is getting permanent ink that they wish they had never wanted. But the good news is getting a tattoo cover-up is simple, especially if the design is fairly small! A skilled tattooist can overlay the old tattoo with a new design.

Additionally, laser treatment can be used if you want to get rid of your tattoo completely. But remember that while the procedure can remove the tattoo, it might leave scars and be expensive. Tattoo salons provide the procedure, but it is not recommended to get a tattoo removal there because they are not medical experts. Going to a genuine, licensed doctor to get a tattoo removed is the best option. Unlike in most salons, doctors numb the area first, making the treatment much less painful and safer. In some cases, you may need to undergo multiple sessions. The intervals between treatments allow the body to break down and remove the ink without causing further skin damage.

Depending on the size, color, style, and age of the tattoo, a single session of laser tattoo removal can run anywhere from $250 to as much as $2,000.

Get a Tattoo When You are Ready

Consider whether the tattoo you are thinking about is significant for you and whether you genuinely like the design and the art itself. Go ahead and get a tattoo when you are completely satisfied with the entire idea of tattoos, can withstand the pain during the process, and are proud enough to show it off. Imagine yourself having the kind of body art design imprinted on your skin. If you’re OK with tattoos associated with your personality and fashion sense, ask yourself if you genuinely need a tattoo or want something more.

When you finally decide to get your tattoo, feel free to contact us for your tattoo aftercare products. At Inkeeze, we only provide the best quality tattoo ointments, cleansers, sunscreens, and other tattoo aftercare products without breaking your budget!