TATTOO TIPS

TATTOO TIPS
Top 20 Tips For Getting Tattoos
If you’re considering a tattoo, here are some helpful hints and important
considerations before you head to the parlor.
1. Choose wisely. Understand that it’s permanent. Take your time in
choosing a design and an artist. If it’s simply an impulse that is
causing you to be interested in getting a tattoo, resist the urge
and slow down your decision.

2. First time? If you are a firsttimer,
don’t go with an extravagant
and large design. Your artist should be able to do a small design
that could be expanded. Tattooing is not a necessarily pleasant
sensation and it may be a bit overwhelming if you are starting
with a huge tattoo. Also, once you actually see it on your skin you
may have a change of heart as to how extensively you want to do
this.
3. Temporary/Permanent. Should you be too young for a permanent
tattoo, or not convinced that you want it to be permanent, try a
temporary tattoo. Henna and some tea extracts may be used to
give you something that could last for a month or two while you
‘try it on.’ There are many websites with info and designs for the
temporary tattoos. Simply search on temporary tattoos for
information, and if you want actual designs, add ‘free’ and
‘designs’ to your search.
4. Research. Talk to someone you know that has tattoos and ask
them all your questions. Did it hurt? Have you had any reactions?
Are you still glad you did it? What would you do differently? Do
you recommend the artist that you used? As with anything in

which you don’t have a background, better to trust the people
your friends trust.
5. Consider other effects of tattooing. In most states, you cannot
donate blood for at least a year after any tattooing procedure, due
to the fear of hepatitis. The exception to this is a state that
regulates tattooing establishments for their hygiene practices. Do
some homework, especially if you plan on donating blood within
the next year.
6. Blood. There may be some slight bleeding, so if you are weak at
heart, this could be stressful. Also, if you are on significant blood
thinners for any other problem, you may want to consult your
physician before getting the tattoo.
7. Is the tattoo going to become an obstacle of your faith? For
Jewish individuals, having a tattoo is taboo. In fact, should
someone with a tattoo convert to Judaism, they could not be
buried in a Jewish cemetery unless the tattoo was removed.
Christians, for the most part, believe that God calls us to honor
our bodies and that tattooing would not be in keeping with that
admonition. Again, since tattoos are permanent, think about ALL
considerations before diving in.
8. Be cautious about putting someone’s name in a tattoo.
Human relationships are very fragile, and putting a girlfriend or
boyfriend’s name on a tattoo may be another source of heartache
later if the relationship doesn’t work out.
9. Hand, foot, and/or face tattoos may be taboo with the artist him or
herself. The artist realizes the possible negative reaction people
may have to you with a tattoo and placing them in a highly visible
spot only exacerbates the possibility. It may affect job

opportunities and other places where you are trying to make a
great first impression. The other concern with the hand and foot
areas is the physical wear and tear that these locations endure.
If you are a person that works with your hands heavily, don’t
choose that area. The tattoo will get distorted and be highly
visible, as well. For your feet, make sure you are ready to do
what it takes to heal them properly, a 3 month process of being
barefoot as much as possible and truly pampering your skin.
10. Know how to take care of your skin after the tattoo. Leave the
bandage on the wound overnight. Wash it gently the next day. Do
not scratch or rub it. Once healed, keep it out of the sun as much
as possible to keep the colors from fading. This is another
important consideration when determining the location of your
tattoo.
11. Relax. Worrying about your design, the prospect of pain, how
long it is going to take or whether it will look any good won’t make
the experience a positive one. If you have done your research,
left the kids with a sitter, and you know what to expect, then your
tattoo encounter will be one to remember – for all the good
reasons.
12. Take a book, magazine or MP3 player, some lollypops and a
drink. It might take a while, and you want to be able to sit and
enjoy it (well, as much as you can!). Reading might take your
mind off being uncomfortable, or the music will take you away all
together. The lollypops and drink mean you don’t have to leave to
eat, and they’ll keep your blood sugar levels up. If you need to
take someone with you, make it someone who will support your

decision to get a tattoo. For example, your mom might not be
such a good idea= Unless she has tattoos herself!
13. Ask. If your potential artist cannot answer any questions, find
another. A good tattooist will be able to answer anything you ask
of them. They should also be polite and well mannered.
14. Sticky bandage. If the bandage is too sticky to remove
afterwards, soak it off in warm water. Don’t try and peel off a
stuck bandage – it might damage the skin, and it’ll be extra
painful!
15. New, new and new. New pots of ink and new needles – and
make sure you see them open the packet. New (well, sterile)
instruments, straight from the autoclave.
16. Clean, clean and clean. You, the artist, the parlor – everything.
Make sure you’re in good health, and shower beforehand. The
artist will be working closely, and you don’t want to put them off
by a pong! Make sure the artist washes his hands, and the area
to be tattooed, and wears gloves. Make sure also that the parlor
has running hot water, you can see the autoclave (and that it’s
working) and it looks clean. Afterwards, wash your hands before
you touch your new tattoo.
17. Watch the artist to see how they operate. Visit a few parlors and
compare, then go with what you feel is best. If you are not sure,
don’t. It’s not a hair style that can grow out in a few weeks to look
okay.
18. Wear comfortable clothes. You might need to sit down, in the one
spot, for several hours. Donning your prized jeans and tight top

might be great for the club (after your tattoo has healed properly),
but it won’t be comfortable sitting in for long periods. If you are
getting a tattoo somewhere you’ll need to partially undress, make
sure you can expose the site easily. If you are uncomfortable with
undressing, try lifting a top, or pulling it down, or lowering a pair of
pants. Remember, though, the artist won’t be worried, and you
shouldn’t either.
19. Don’t drink beforehand. Drinking thins the blood, which means
you’ll bleed more, making the artist’s job harder. Also, it will be
more difficult to heal, running the risk of a dodgy finished tattoo.
20. Think. Think about the design, the colors, the artist, the location
(of the tattoo), the time you’ll need to put aside to get it done. Be
100% sure before you decide. Try a temporary tattoo (henna,
vegetable die or decal), to see if you really like the design and/or
location. And make sure you know what the tattoo means,
especially if you are going for something like a Chinese character
or similar. Nothing more embarrassing, or potentially offensive,
than not knowing for certain what a tattoo actually says!