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Tattoos have always been something you’ve been interested in; you even have a folder bookmarked with all the designs that have caught your eye. You know a few people that have them and have been intrigued about their experiences because you’re thinking about getting one.
Like many firsts in your life, getting a tattoo is a massive moment. However, it’s one of the more serious instances because once you get a tattoo, it’s with you forever. So before heading to a parlor, you should consider a few things beforehand.
1. Think About Your Skin
It’s no secret that getting a tattoo will cause slight discomfort; after all, a needle penetrates your skin. You’ve heard about different experiences from your friends, to the point where you can feel everything they’ve spoken about. Other components of getting a tattoo include the design and your skin type.
For people with sensitive skin or certain skin conditions, getting a tattoo is even more daunting because of the side effects. So before you get your new ink, apply tattoo numbing cream. It can help limit discomfort and give you a better overall experience.
2. Research Potential Tattoo Parlors
While you may have reservations about receiving a tattoo, you’re equally excited. And in that excitement, you may want to get ink as quickly as possible. However, don’t rush to the first tattoo shop you see; due diligence is imperative for this process.
Again, a tattoo is permanent, so you must ensure the place you go to fits the bill. Look at Google reviews, or ask family and friends for recommendations. You could also check out an artist’s social media to see the type of tattoos they do or if they use applications like tattoo numbing cream. By formulating a complete picture, making a decision will be easier.
3. Consider Your Design Carefully
You’ve seen all types of tattoo designs before—small intricate pieces on someone’s ankle or entire sleeves on a person’s arm. While neither may be what you want, you’ll need to consider your design. We don’t need to keep harping on the permanency, but you don’t want to regret your ink choice.
For example, there’s the dreaded case of getting your partner’s name tattooed and then breaking up in the future. While tattoo removal is possible, slight side effects may occur. Ensure the design you envision is what you want to get.
If you’re having trouble with a design, schedule an appointment with your chosen artist. Talk to them to flesh out your ideas and see if they can accommodate you. For those with sensitive skin, ask the artist if they use tattoo numbing cream beforehand.
4. Don’t Try and Haggle
Tattoo artists dislike when people come into shops and try to bargain for a lower price. It’s disrespectful to their craft and the effort put in to accommodate your needs. When you go to a barbershop or hair salon, do you try and haggle your way to a lower price? Probably not, because you’ve researched and know what you’re expecting.
So there’s no reason to try and haggle with a tattoo artist putting ink on your skin that will last a lifetime. Don’t be cheap; they’ve earned the right to charge what they want because they’ve mastered a challenging craft. If you don’t like the prices, try and find someone within your budget.
5. Avoid Tattoos Before Beach Vacations
Some people may consider getting a tattoo before their beach vacation because they can show it off with their swimsuit. But this is a big no-no; some tattoos can take upwards of two weeks to heal, and pool chemicals and ocean bacteria can cause discomfort. Direct sunlight can also impact your tattoo healing process.
Instead, it would be better to wait until you get home. That way, you can enjoy your vacation and not worry about infecting your tattoo. If you want a tattoo before your trip, plan your appointment at least a month or two in advance, so your tattoo is healed correctly.
6. Your New Tattoo Will Itch
After admiring your new ink for about a week or so, your tattoo will start itching. It’s like a fresh wound, and your body is healing itself. Naturally, you’ll want to scratch it to relieve the discomfort.
Whatever you do, avoid scratching the tattoo. Your nails can remove some of the ink, and your dirty nails could cause issues with your new piece. Instead, slap the area with a clean hand or use specific aftercare creams to provide relief. Also, don’t use tattoo numbing cream to stop the itch; applying it to fresh ink may cause discomfort.
Think About Your New Tattoo in Depth
Getting your first tattoo is a beautiful and scary moment in your life. So you’ll need to consider everything that comes with that choice. And don’t worry if you have sensitive skin; you can use tattoo numbing cream to improve the experience. But review our suggestions above to help with your tattoo decision. Then enjoy your new ink with no regrets.