Between You, Me and the Lamp Post
Getting a Tattoo
Preparation
It goes without saying that you have to be very sure which tattoo you want and where you want it. While tattoo removal is possible, it is considered permanent body art.
Tattoo Parlor
Do your research. The tattoo parlor closest to you isn't necessarily the best one. Visit various websites and have a look at their portfolio. If the parlor inspires confidence, go for it, if not, keep looking. If you know someone who recently got a tattoo, and you like what you see, feel free to ask the person where the tattoo was done.
Consultation
When booking an appointment with a tattoo parlor, you will most likely be asked to come in for a consultation. On the day of the appointment, take a picture of the intended tattoo with you. A tattoo artist will be appointed to you with whom you can discuss the best date and time for your intended tattoo, placement, size, etc. At the time you may be asked to pay a deposit.
Pain
It's understandable that some people are afraid of the pain. Getting jabbed with one or multiple needles is not the same as being licked by a kitten. Keep in mind though, if getting a tattoo was all that painful, would so many people go for one? Some go for multiple tattoos or even choose to have their whole arm, leg or back covered in ink.
Depending on where you are planning to get a tattoo, the 'pain' is a rather tickling sensation. That being said, getting a tattoo on your inner forearm is less painful than getting one on your ankle.
Duration
A small tattoo will take anywhere from 30 minutes to 60 minutes, depending on the detail of the picture. If you're the kind that gets easily bored, take a book or a magazine with you.
Hygiene
If dirty needles or contaminated ink is a worry for you, pay close attention that the needles the artist uses come in a wrapped package and the ink is poured from a bottle. In general, you don't have to worry about needles or ink though. Tattoo parlors have a reputation to uphold and if anything were to go wrong the health inspector would shut them down. They can't risk that.
Aftercare
Taking care of your tattoo is just as important as getting it. When the tattoo is completed, the artist will place a bandage over the artwork. This bandage has to stay in place for at least 12 to 24 hours.
When the bandage comes off, the tattoo has to be washed with an anti-bacterial soap two or three times a day. Regular soap is not a good idea. Most soaps contain oils and/or perfumes which is not good for the tattoo.
After washing, pat (don't rub) the skin dry and apply a thin layer of a vitamin E ointment. Regular lotion is not recommended and certainly no hand cream. Not only will a proper vitamin E ointment make your tattoo heal faster, but the skin won't itch. The better the ointment, the better the results.
What to Avoid
Avoid sunlight. If you can't help being in the sun, cover the tattoo with cotton material.
- Avoid crowded spaces such as nightclubs or other gatherings with a lot of people. Minimize the risk of personal contact.
- Do not go swimming in a pool. The chemicals in the water might damage the tattoo.
- Avoid direct contact with pets. Pets might get hair on your tattoo or might accidentally scratch the tattoo, causing infection. The same goes for children. Small children might accidentally kick, slap or scratch the tattoo.