7 Must-know Things Before You Get Your First Tattoo

Getting a tattoo for the first time can be exciting or intimidating. It depends on the knowledge you have before inking it on your body. You need to know the answers to several questions running in your mind. Otherwise, you might end up regretting it to a great extent. Then you may need to go for another tattoo to cover the original design or pay for laser tattoo removal later on.

Instead of making a spur-of-the-moment choice, you need to choose aptly to be happy with your decision for years and years. Therefore, before you roll up for your appointment, read this blog. We have penned down7 must-know things before you get your first tattoo.

Did you do thorough research before getting into the salon?

Before you step into the parlour, you need to perform thorough research on the same. You can check its reviews online and also visit the salon beforehand and ask about the artist’s license. You should also research guidelines in your state as rules may differ from state to state. Additionally, do not shy to ask below-given questions to your artist as it’s your right:

• What do they do to clean in between the tattoos?
• How often do they clean the parlour?
• On what kind of surface do they tattoo?

You should never hop into any parlour just because it’s nearer to your home. It will not guarantee you quality, therefore do your homework ahead of time.

Do your artist changes needles and wear clean gloves?

You have to be sure that the artist with whom you are planning to ink tattoo with changes needles. Because reused needles can cause you HIV or Hepatitis B. Also, neatness and tidiness are a must. So, your artist must be wearing clean hand gloves during the whole process.

Does your artist want you to first shave the area of getting a tattoo?

If you want to have a tattoo on your arm or hairy part of your body, then the artist might ask you to shave that part. Like a doctor asks to shave before a surgery, tattoo artists also may ask you to clean the area before coming in for the tattoo. But most of it may not even require to shave.

What should you avoid before getting a tattoo?

You should avoid two risky things. One is alcohol, and another is sunburn. If you have a few shots before getting your tattoo, then it will thin your blood, which can make you bleed more during the tattoo. And the excess blood will mess up with your result.

You should also avoid going in the sun as sunburned or dry peeling skin could interfere with getting you a tattoo.

Which part of your body will hurt the most during tattoo placement?

It is the common question which every person prepping for a tattoo may want to ask their artist. It’s not like getting a tattoo will not hurt, but pain differs from person to person. Typically, if you wish to get a tattoo over the bones, then that may pinch you the most.

Therefore, we would suggest you learn about the most and least painful places for tattoos before you step in the parlour. It will help you to make a wise decision for yourself.

How long showers can you take after getting inked?

You should avoid taking long showers after getting inked. Though to keep your ink clean, you need to wash with soap and water but try to consume less water only. If you soak your tattoo, then the water may slow down the healing process of deteriorating your newly-forming skin. Hence, until it heals, you should try to keep your showers short and limit the inked area’s contact with water.

Can you get the exact tattoo that you want?

No, not all the time. You might not be able to get the desired tattoo. Sometimes, your artist might refuse to make the design that you want and ask you to compromise. For instance, if you desire to get a lyric in a tiny font, your artist might suggest you keep a bit bigger font. Because too small font can bleed together over time.

Your artist is a pro in making tattoos, therefore hear them out first instead of reacting.

It’s a lifelong commitment!

Generally, tattoos are like a marriage. It will hurt you like hell, bring a smile on your face whenever you look on it, and its colour will also fade over time. Therefore, you need to make your choice of design very wisely. Also, taking care of the above-listed things will make your lifelong commitment successful.

Author bio:

Hi, I am Mike Morleye. As a professional writer, I put together my writing skills to share knowledge on diverse topics in a readable, understandable and appealing format. You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter.