So you want to get a tattoo? The urge to get inked and have something permanent in your constantly changing life has touched the roof?
We get it. The impulse to rush to the nearest tattoo parlour must be enticing and tempting at this point of time. But trust us doing a little bit of homework and treading down this path, well researched and well aware will pay in the end.
However if you are a restless soul and want to look cool ASAP and wants to end up with a shitty tattoo of Mickey mouse, then don’t pay heed to our wisdom- advice and go for it. Who knows maybe you will feature in ‘the Cringiest tattoo of 2019’ list. (Bad publicity is still publicity right)
But if you have a little bit idea of the big everlasting impact of the decision you are going to embark upon, then do take a look at our checklist of things to do before getting a tattoo so that you don’t become a laughing stock every time you pull your sleeves up.
1. Start small
Yes yes, we get it that big ass wolf face on your back will look killer but if you are new to the world of inking then try not starting with a bang cause chances are you might not like it, you may not be able to tolerate the pain or your skin might have a tough time healing. It’s a huge change on your body. Give yourself a chance to learn the process, how your skin takes ink, and how your body heals.
2. Think about the design a lot
No matter how it turns out to be you are the one who is going to live with it. Be 100% sure that you can stand behind your choice for the rest of your life. It doesn’t matter if your choice is a dancing hot dog if you are happy with it and wouldn’t regret it then go for it. The important thing is to go with a tattoo design that you won’t regret and won’t be ashamed of having.
3. Don’t be a cheapster
You know tats aren’t easy for your pocket but you are altering your body for a lifetime. So if your friends suggest a suspiciously cheap tattoo parlour which sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Investing in a good quality tattoo will never be a decision you will regret (Unless your tattoo says No ragrets)
4. Timing of your tattoo
Getting inked around the time you are looking for a job interview or planning to get pregnant. Research shows that having visible tattoos makes is harder to get hired and pregnancy can really fuck up with your tattoo design as your skin surface area is bound to change. (Oh the magic a baby brings into your life)
Also, Sun exposure and water submersion can damage a new tattoo, so all the beach bums, in particular, better avoid getting a new tat in the summer.
5. Visit the parlour and meet your artist beforehand
Look who you are trusting with your body. Make sure the parlour is well maintained and clean enough to not give you HIV or hepatitis (Don’t be scared at least this way you will die with a rocking tatted bod). Check the portfolio of your artist and see if his style matches up with yours. Not all artists are proficient in all kinds of tattoo designs so choose your artist wisely.
6. Always go with a visual aid
There is a high chance that what you have in mind and what you actually get inked might turn out as different as the Gucci and Pucci. Even if you want an artist to customise a design for you, attend your appointment (or pre-meeting) with printed version as that can help your artist to create a stencil.
7. Placement and tolerance of your tattoo
Getting tatted at certain areas just wouldn’t stick with time. Palms, fingers, back of your knee and elbows are few of the places. Also, you must know your level of tolerance. While there is nothing wrong with pushing yourself but for a first tattoo, you don’t have to be super macho and break your ceiling in one go.
8. Commit to your decision
I bet your laptop is filled with bookmarks related to tattoo articles and yet you can’t muster up the confidence to step into the parlour. Tons of people talk about getting a tattoo for years and never do it. If you want it, you have to make it happen.
So stop reading this article now and confirm that appointment, mark your calendar, tell everybody you know, and don’t you dare back out.
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