Tattoos are freaking awesome! Getting your first tattoo can be terrifying and exciting, and you probably have a million questions. How bad will it hurt? How much will it cost? How will the end result look?
There is way more to it than just picking out a cute design and showing up at a tattoo parlor. Here are some helpful tips that you should know before you get yourself inked.
1. It’s OK if your tattoo doesn’t have a deeply rooted meaning
You’re allowed to get a design simply because you like it. Just make sure you like it enough to wear it every day for the rest of your life.
2. Do your research!
Before getting a tattoo, make sure you do your research on the tattoo parlors you are interested in. Look up the reviews and the artist's portfolio. Get suggestions from friends and look the artist up on social media to see their designs.
3. Make sure that the parlor you're going to is clean
You'll want to make sure that it has been regularly inspected by the health department. Unsterilized needles are nothing to mess around with.
4. Stay hydrated and don't go to the parlor with an empty stomach
Eat something beforehand and remember to drink lots of water. You want something in your stomach, and you want to stay hydrated. Even if you’ve gotten a tattoo before, it’s still a good idea to do so. Otherwise, you might risk passing out. You also might have to wait a while, so you may even want to bring a snack
5. Check the prices
Tattoos can be pricey. Some tattoos can be $50 and others can be hundreds. Make sure you can afford the tattoo you want.
6. Don’t make any tattoo decisions lightly
Think long and hard about the tattoo you want. A beautiful design can bring you joy forever, but you'd better be extremely sure about putting any person's name on your body. No matter how madly in love you are right now, putting your S.O.’s name on your body is a risky choice. Be 100% sure that you can stand behind your choice for the rest of your life.
7. Know your pain tolerance
Everyone has a different pain tolerance, so I can’t tell you how exactly it will hurt.
8. Take care of your tattoo
A new tattoo takes about two weeks to heal. Your new piece of skin art is an open wound that you'll need to tend very carefully, both to protect the art and to avoid infection. Your tattoo artist will likely suggest using a special ointment over your new ink.
Also: Don't plan to go swimming or soaking in a tub during the time that it's healing. You can shower (please, please keep the area clean), but definitely pat the newly tattooed area dry when you're done. Don't even think about rubbing it. Finally, keep that area out of the sun while it's healing, and don't wear any clothing that's likely to stick to it.