Getting a tattoo can be a freeing, exciting, yet nerve-wracking experience, especially for first-timers. If you plan to get your first tattoo, you surely have several questions in your head right now. That’s a good sign, as it means that you are concerned about the whole process, and you are thinking about things well before jumping into the act.
This article features six critical reminders that you should know before you get your body inked. Once you are done reading this article, you will be ready to make that brave decision come to life.
- Tattoos are permanent pigments on your body
Everyone knows that tattoos are permanent, but not all take this fact seriously. Before getting your ink, remind yourself that it is not something that you can easily remove. While there are expensive, painful, and tedious laser tattoo removal services, remember to think about the tattoo design you plan to get before having it permanently inked on your skin. Some clients have meaningful tattoos they removed after a few years because they do not like them anymore, while others have silly tattoos they keep forever.
What design are you getting? Will you still love it when you are in your 40s, 50s, or 60s? Any design that you choose to tattoo on yourself will be permanent, so unless it is something you want to see on your body for the rest of your life, do not even consider getting one. If you are unsure whether a tattoo is something you can handle permanently, try using temporary tattoos first and see how you feel about them.
- Carefully choose where to place it
Your tattoo’s placement is just as important as the design you want to get. Some parts of the body may be more painful to tattoo than others, and ink in particular areas can get you more judgemental looks.
Another thing to consider is your workplace. If you are working in a conservative industry where tattoos are not welcomed, you might want to consider placing it somewhere you can hide.
If you want to see how it will look in your chosen body part, you can ask your tattoo artist to do a temporary stencil first.
- Find an excellent tattoo shop
Your first tattoo should be inked by someone you trust. Find a good artist who can do the job well. If you have friends with great tattoos, ask them for recommendations. Read reviews about the tattoo parlors you are eyeing, and it is best you visit them beforehand. That way, you can get a feel of their vibe to see whether it is the right place for you.
It is better to speak with the artists too. That way, you can gauge whether they can be someone you can trust.
Also, make sure to choose a clean and well-maintained tattoo shop. Remember that you will get your skin inked in that place, so it needs to be like a sterile hospital. The last thing you want to do is go to a sketchy location that exposes you to a dirty environment.
- Expect it to be painful
No matter what pain tolerance level you have, you need to know that getting a tattoo can be a painful experience. However, you will feel numb once your adrenaline kicks in, and the pain will then subside. Some clients cry, some scream, while there are also a few who can tolerate the pain. It all boils down to what part of your body is getting inked and to what extent your pain tolerance is.
- Consider proper timing
Fresh tattoos should not be exposed to sunlight, so never get a tattoo if you plan to go to a beach party in a week. You need to find the right timing before booking a tattoo appointment. Your tattooed area will get sore for a while, so if you are going to use that particular body part for work, you might want to reschedule your appointment.
- Aftercare is important
Your tattoo needs proper TLC after. If you are not ready to follow the aftercare instructions given by your tattoo shop, then do not even think of getting one. The first two weeks are the most crucial time when you need to be diligent about the aftercare.
What you need to do is clean your tattoo with warm water and antibacterial soap every few hours. You will also need to apply a thick layer of unscented lotion to keep it moisturized. Once it heals, you need to use sunscreen and moisturizer. Your tattoo artist or shop will discuss all these with you after the session.
Conclusion
Getting a tattoo is a personal decision that could give you extraordinary results. Before booking that appointment, consider all the considerations listed here to not experience any problems later. Find a place you can trust to give you quality tattoos you will forever be proud of. Are you looking for the best tattoo shops in Buffalo? Look no further because Lucky Deville Tattoo is Western New York’s premier tattoo parlor, home to award-winning tattoo artists. At Lucky Deville, we specialize in giving clients state-of-the-art tattoo services. Come visit our shop today!
