10 Things to Know Before Getting a Tattoo
Your hair stylist has several. Your kid has one. Even your co-worker probably has one underneath that suit. Everyone seems to have a tattoo these days, and if you're thinking of getting inked, there are some details to consider before you make a commitment.
1. Brace for Pain. A tattoo is created by repeatedly puncturing the skin with a needle and inserting ink in the puncture sites. So if you do not want it forever, or can't take the pain, perhaps you should consider another form of self-expression.
2. Find a Pro. The Alliance of Professional Tattooists advises seeking out a professional tattoo artist and a clean environment. The group recommends that you "feel free to question the tattooist as to any of his sterile procedures and isolation techniques. Take time to observe staff members at work and do not hesitate to inquire about their experience and qualifications in the tattoo field." Investigate your state's licensing rules and find out whether your tattoo artist adheres to them.
3. Consider Your Skin. Some inks used in tattooing can cause skin irritation or even an allergic reaction. Red dye most frequently causes such problems, even years later, according to the Mayo Clinic. You also may have problems with bumps called granulomas or raised areas of scar tissue (keloids).
4. Be Wary. The Mayo Clinic cautions about the potential for contracting blood-borne illnesses when getting a tattoo. These include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tetanus and HIV, all of which can be transmitted by unclean equipment.
5. Check the Tools of the Trade. A quality tattoo artist will always use needles, tubes and inks from unused, sealed packages, according to the University of Michigan Health Service Department. The tattoo provider also should have an autoclave for sterilizing any nondisposable equipment. If the salon doesn't meet these requirements, try another studio. Check to make sure the tattoo area is clean and that the artist either washes his hands or wears gloves.
6. Get Nosy. Do not be afraid to ask questions. The Alliance of Professional Tattooists warns that "if the artist or studio does not appear up to these standards or if they become evasive when questioned, seek out a professional tattooist." Find out how long your tattoo artist has been working. Ask to see some of her work -- or even better, watch her work.
7. Take Care of Your New Art. Take the bandage off after 24 hours. Wash and gently pat dry the tattoo with a clean paper towel. Apply an ointment, such as A&D, and rub gently with clean fingers until the surface is smooth and clean. Don't pick or scratch at your scabs.
8. Avoid Sun and Soaking. While your tattoo is healing, stay out of the sun and avoid submerging the affected area in a tub or swimming pool, according to the University of Michigan Health Service Department. It should take about two weeks for your tattoo to heal. After that time, you can apply moisturizer to the area. Always use sunblock on your skin; sunlight can damage and fade tattoos.
9. Watch for Warning Signs. If your healing period has come and gone, and your tattoo is still red or burning, consult a doctor. Those are signs of an infection.
10. Do-Overs Cost. Tattoo removal can be expensive, and there are no guarantees that the tattoo can be completely removed. "Tattoos can be removed, although results may vary depending on the inks used and the depth of the tattoo," according to the American Academy of Dermatology. "Dark blue, red, some lighter blues and green inks all respond well to laser treatment, but the best candidates for tattoo removal are people with light skin who have a black ink tattoo."
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Comments:
Thanks for the tips! Getting a tattoo can be addictive, and it seems more and more teens are opting to get one. I just hope they consider these things before getting inked since a tattoo is a lifetime commitment. You can't just remove an unwanted tattoo, and laser removal can be a bit costly. :)
As a young woman who got several LARGE tattoos earlier in my life, one thing I will say is that I do regret getting them. I do not regret the artwork or the quality of the work (they are beautiful and very well done), but I do regret getting them on such public places on my body. People judge others based on many things, and I find that tattoos are one thing that I do get judged about. I have conducted several "sociological experiments" wherein I subject myself to various situations, some with tattoos exposed and some covered, and there is a considerable difference in reactions and treatment from people. My advice to all of you considering getting tattoos....please really think about it. If I would have known as a 23 year old what I know now as a 32 year old, I never would have tattooed myself.
Actually, here is something else: It's the art stupid! 1) Do not assume that photos you see in the studio are the artists work. Ask questions about the person and their thinking. See if the artist can talk about how they and their client decided on the tattoo. 2) Do not judge the artist by a brand new tattoo which often look better than they will after a year, but a quality tattoo looks good forever. 3) Look for craftsmanship, look minutely at lines, do they look clean and straight, like the artist was controlling the machine. 4) Craftsmanship look for sharp points, such as on a feather, a dagger or something like that. Do the lines meet cleanly at the point without a gap or a "berry". Every artist can make this mistake occasionally but a good one - very rarely. 5) You should see some but not a lot of bleeding during the process. If it is really bloody, something is wrong. 6) Pain varies a lot and is easiest over fleshy areas and hardest over boney or ligamentous areas. If you are a newbie, discuss this with the artist. Don't expect them to argue with your dumb plan. 7) Don't put a lot of detail into too small an area, it will not look good. A good design should be clear from well outside your personal space. You don't want to give strangers an excuse to get close. The greatest regret is often that the design should have been bigger, not smaller. I recommend unscented lubriderm or gold bond NOT A&D. Put on the minimum, your goal is ONLY to keep the tattoo supple, not cracking from scabbing. A quality tattoo should not bleed a lot. You should be able to remove the bandage after about 4-5 hours (not 24 ) and it should not be oozing much if at all. Shower normally, don't submerge or let the shower "beat" on the tattoo. No swimming for several weeks. Keep out of the sun for months.
And never, ever get a tattoo on your face.