You’ve probably been considering a tattoo for a while now, but you’re still on the fence about whether or not to take the plunge. You want to make sure that this will be your choice and not just something that someone else wants for you. Here are six things you need to know before deciding if getting your first tattoo is the right decision for you!
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1. Research Your Artist and Tattoo Styles
Like you would research a doctor or any other professional, you need to research when finding an artist. Not all artists are equal, and you want to make sure that you’re going to a reputable one.
There are various tattoo designs, and you should learn a bit about them beforehand. Watercolor tattoo style, old school, and tribal are among the most popular tattoo styles today. Knowing about them puts you in a better position to choose the ideal design and artist for your personality and taste.
2. Take Your Time Getting Ready for Your Big Day
You should give yourself at least a month, if not more, to prepare for your tattoo appointment. You want to make sure that you stop smoking and drinking well in advance. If you’re on medication, consult with your doctor about how much time you’ll need to take it before showing up for your session. Also, consider any allergies you may have to the ink or the process of getting a tattoo.
3. You Get What You Pay For
Remember that you receive what you pay for when it comes to tattoos. You can’t go into a tattoo parlor and expect them to provide excellent work just because the price is low. These artists are professionals, and they know how much their time and talent are worth.
You also want to keep in mind that tattoos are permanent unless you’re getting laser removal. If the quality of the work isn’t good, you will be stuck with it for a long time. You may also regret going to an artist who charges a low price because they might not do a good job.
4. Tattoo Aftercare is a Big Deal
If you’ve never had a tattoo before, it’s going to be pretty painful. You’re going to need to follow your artist’s aftercare directions carefully so that you don’t get an infection and heal as quickly as possible. Not only will it keep the design looking good longer, but it’ll help you avoid any pain or discomfort while it’s healing.
5. Placement and Size Matter
Think about where you want your tattoo to be and what size you want it to be. You don’t want to get a small tattoo on a large area or vice versa. And think about the implications of your chosen placement. For example, if you get a tattoo on your arm, you’ll have to cover it up when you go to work.
However, don’t let where you want your tattoo dictate its size. You don’t want a tattoo so big and long that it becomes a hassle or too expensive to get inked.
6. Make Sure Your Artist Has Insurance
You should not only take a look at your artist’s portfolio, but you should also find out if they have insurance. This way, you can understand how reputable their business is and how well the tattoo will be done. It’s not unheard of for artists to do shoddy work or take on more clients than they can handle. Thanks to insurance, you won’t be on the hook if something goes wrong.
Tattoos are trendy these days, and you will undoubtedly see a lot of them as you go about your daily life. If this sounds like something that would be exciting to you, go ahead and get that first tattoo. Just make sure that everything is well-planned out beforehand for you to come out with a fantastic piece!
