10 Things You Should Consider Before Getting a Tattoo

Some American researchers, in 2010, defined tattoos as an identification mark of the so-called Generation Y — those born after 2000.

But if you’re thinking about getting your first tattoo or want to fix an old one that didn’t come out the way you really wanted it to, we consulted some experts to assess what to consider before getting a tattoo.

O awesome.club shares with you important recommendations for choosing a tattoo and explains how to care for it properly.

If you’ve always dreamed of decorating your body with colorful and realistic flowers, but you realize that everyone has started tattooing designs like tribal in black, don’t betray your will for the sake of fashion. It will pass, but the design will remain, and it will not be easy or cheap to get rid of a tattoo.

Don’t get carried away by the most common trends. Be yourself

Hearts, infinity symbols and typical butterflies, phrases like “focus, strength and faith” or Japanese ideograms… We must be careful with this type of “fever”. After all, if everyone has similar tattoos (and many don’t even know the meaning in the case of Japanese ideograms) why be one more? Before deciding on art, consult its meanings.

Don’t get tattoos as a “test” to see if you’ll like it or not.

Over time, they can change in size and shape. So keep in mind that there is no going back. No matter how small the work, remember that the body is your eternal companion. Accept tattooing when you are sure of the decision.

Do not choose the final design over the Internet

One can even view images in groups, on Google or on Instagram. But never completely copy the final version of someone else’s artwork, or the final version of someone else’s drawing. The interesting thing is to have something exclusive on the body, without totally copying the work of others. Even if you don’t know how to draw, professional designers or tattoo artists will do it for you. Give them the elements and trust the talent of the guys.

Note the cultural elements

If you find a colorful and interesting mythological character, for example, don’t forget to read the information about him well and always resort to reliable sources before tattooing him. Think about whether this element has a negative meaning or a double meaning, or whether it might offend people around you or an entire culture. If it’s something written, make sure you know the translation well and assess whether it really conveys what you want to say.

Discover different styles

Even an ordinary rose can be sketched in different ways. For example, there are very expressive drawings and others in smooth watercolor, almost without contours. Or maybe you like minimalist or oversized styles more. The most experienced tattooists know the different styles and ‘schools’ of tattooing — such as those that work with more shadows, the colored ones and the finer strokes.

Don’t rush into booking your tattoo session until you’ve thought about it a million times. Are you not wanting to get a tattoo just because your friends already have tattoos? A survey by Escentual, a British beauty website, revealed that one in 6 people with tattoos want to have their tattoo(s) removed! Nowadays, it is already possible to remove the ink from the skin, but it is a process that usually lasts from 3 months to a year and costs more than the tattoo itself. In addition, removing the design via laser causes pain, requiring meticulous skin care.

Correlate body zone with tattoo size

A large image with a lot of detail is difficult to position on a thin wrist. On the other hand, a small, simple design on the back or abdomen is somewhat isolated.

Watch yourself from head to toe

This way, you can decide which part of the body you want to see the design on. Think about whether the design you have chosen is appropriate. For example, a heart on the neck might not be very appropriate for your style, but if it’s on the wrist, it might be better placed. Also consider whether there is a need to hide tattoos in a work environment. A tattoo on the neck or fingers can be very exposed for someone who works in a suit, as a lawyer or in the financial market, for example.

Know the areas of most pain

The degree of pain depends on each one, of course. But currently, there are few anesthesia options. Just don’t forget to clarify, with the responsible professional, if there is such a possibility. Some of the most painful parts of the body are the knees, the region of the ribs, the fingers, the foot and areas very close to the bones.

Take the time to find a good professional

It’s not worth choosing a tattoo parlor just because it’s close to your house or because it’s cheaper. Ask for the portfolio of different professionals, ask your friends or acquaintances if they know the work and if it’s good. Make sure the tattoo artist works with the drawing technique you intend to do, pay attention to the tips he gives. For example, he might say that certain details will need more frequent correction. Also, if you are working out the sketch with the tattoo artist, be prepared because this will cost a little more.

Make sure the process is safe

Do not hesitate to ask the artist to show you his workplace and the way he cleans the materials. Pay attention if you use disposable needles. Do not agree to get a tattoo if you have any doubts about the hygienic conditions of the place.

Do not sunbathe hours before;

Don’t drink too much alcohol the day before;

Eat well, because you can spend several hours in the process;

Do not shave the hair where the tattoo will go. If necessary, the tattoo artist will do it.

The tattoo heals in about 2-3 weeks. Follow all the care recommendations that the professional will pass on, and do not use products without asking first. Care may differ, but in general, some tips do not change. Are they:

At first, wash the area several times a day with clean water. Use soap without fragrances and coloring. It is normal for the tattoo to release a large amount of ink in the first few days. Do not worry; the drawing will not fade or become lighter because of this. Lubricate the drawing in the healing phase with the products indicated by the professional. Do not sunbathe or swim. It is also not advisable to go to saunas or do intense training that makes you sweat. Do not scratch the spot. Relieve the typical itch of healing with small spanks. Do not remove the skin that has started to flake off. After the healing process is complete, most tattoo artists offer the touch-up service free of charge.

Do you like this kind of art? Do you have any tattoos? Show them in the comments!