Before getting a tattoo, there are more than a few things to consider. Although the health risks and the potential for regret have been used as cautionary tactics for those who want to "get inked," it is important for you to make a decision about tattoos that reflects what you truly believe.
Choosing a Tattoo Artist
Getting a tattoo is not something you should do on a whim when you happen to be downtown. If you want to ensure your safety and come away with impressive body art, it is important to spend a few days researching local tattoo artists before you make your decision. Some artists have been doing this for years and practice solid safety techniques, while others will have set up shop yesterday without even a proper license.
Consider watching a tattoo artist at work before getting a tattoo. Pay attention to the way the art looks when the artist has completed his work, and ask to view a portfolio. This will tell you whether or not the artist is experienced.
Additionally, ask to see a license issued by your state or county. The artist should own an autoclave in which tattoo machines and other equipment are sterilized before and after each use, and the shop should be clean and free of clutter. You may also want to comparison shop, but put a clean shop and talented artists above tattoo prices.
Preparing for Ink
Getting a tattoo can be a lengthy process, depending on the size and complexity of the art, so make sure you dress comfortably. If the tattoo will go on your lower back or abdomen, make sure you wear pants with an elastic waist so they can be rolled down easily. A loose t-shirt is also a good idea, particularly if the tattoo will be on your upper body.
Never drink alcohol prior to getting a tattoo, and make sure you aren't on any medications that might thin your blood. Excess bleeding can be caused by either of those substances, and will interfere with the tattoo artist's work. Additionally, it is not a good idea to get a tattoo when you're sick, as you need healthy white blood cells to help heal the area afterward.
Choosing the Body Art
Getting a tattoo means placing permanent ink on your skin, so it's important that you choose an image you will appreciate for the rest of your life. It might have significant meaning, or it might just be something you think is attractive.
Most tattoo artists cover their walls with flash, which are pre-conceived designs based on a template. However, you can bring your own artwork to the shop to see if the artist is willing to re-create it, or you can look through their portfolio to see if there is something you would like better.
Enduring the Pain
Regardless of what you hear from friends, getting a tattoo is painful. The degree of pain varies according to tolerance, but you should expect to feel at least a small amount of discomfort. In most cases, the amount of pain you will have to endure depends on where you are getting your tattoo. For example, body art on your upper arm will likely hurt less than over your ankle bone.
While you're getting a tattoo, communicate freely with your artist, and make sure to talk over the tattoo machine so he can hear you. He will be more than willing to stop for a minute if you need a break, and sometimes talking can help to distract you from your discomfort. You might also consider sucking on a lollipop or a peppermint during the procedure.
Many agree that the most painful areas for tattoos include your abdomen, ribcage, spine and chest, depending on whether you are a man or a woman.
Caring for a Tattoo
The tattoo is in place, the artist has been paid, and you're ready to show off your body art to the world. However, the aftercare of the area is almost as important as the hard work you undertook to get it in the first place.
The artist will likely have covered the tattoo with a bandage, and this should be left in place for a minimum of two to three hours. Afterward, you can gently remove it (or have someone else remove it if it's in a difficult-to-reach area). You'll need to gently wash it with a mild antibacterial soup, then blot it dry with a clean towel.
It is important that, after getting a tattoo, you don't submerge it in water for an extended period of time. Wait at least two weeks before taking a long bath or swimming in a pool, and don't apply any ointments or creams unless you clear them with your artist or doctor.
Getting a tattoo can be a liberating and exciting experience, but take care of it as time goes on. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and don't lie in a tanning bed where the tattoo is exposed, or the tattoo ink will fade. Other than that, your tattoo is a permanent fixture on your body, and something that you can show off for years to come.
 | If you'd like to remove a tattoo, you can try laser tattoo removal, but you need to find a licensed doctor, and don't expect miracles. |
 | Tattoo regret is an all too common affliction, but it's entirely preventable. Learn how not to hate your inking decision. |
How much does a tattoo hurt? Whether you're going to get through being inked without tears depends on many variables, including yourself. |
What is the most painful area to get a tattoo inked onto your body? These spots might look amazing when they have been adorned with body art, but they will demonstrate that sometimes beauty really does require pain. |
 | Temporary tattoos are a fun way to add some decoration to your skin. The procedure is painless, quick and easy to wash off, making temporary tattoos a fantastic alternative to the traditional ink and needle methods. |
