Nothing comes close to tattoos as a form of self- expression. They’re great for paying homage to a loved one, marking a special phase in your life or just having artistic fun with your skin. If you’re considering getting tattooed, here’s a few things you should know.
You might want to get tattooed so bad, but doing it yourself is a bad idea. Something could go wrong in a way that you’re unable to handle. Only get it done by a licensed professional.
Research is key. Hunt around for a reputable tattoo artist. Speaking to their clients gives you a true picture of their work. Also, make sure they are certified to offer the service. You don’t want to put your skin (and health) in the hands of a questionable character. Do some research on the body art you want to have done. Some artwork may have hidden meaning that may cause trouble/ embarrassment for you.
To avoid frustration, choose an artist who specialises in the style that you like. There are various tattoo styles such as: realism, neo- traditional, traditional Japanese, minimalism and American traditional.
Educate yourself on the tattooing process. This will help you feel at ease since you’ll know exactly what’s going on. Also if the artist forgets something, you may remind him/her and make sure you are safe.
When you get to the studio, be very keen on the hygiene. Ensure the tattoo artist wears gloves throughout. They should be a fresh pair and not re-used. The artist should wash their hands before wearing the gloves. All disposable equipment should be new, while non-disposable ones sterilised before the procedure. You don’t want some strangle needles piercing your skin, do you?
Of course getting inked involves some level of pain. However, avoid aspirin (Bayer) and ibuprofen (Advil) in the 24 hours leading up to your appointment, as they can thin your blood. Lay off from the alcohol as well. You may be able to take acetaminophen (Tylenol), but confirm this with your artist beforehand.
