Tom Foster
There are at least 15 things to avoid when getting a tattoo, and you’re better off remembering them as rules than suggestions. Getting a tattoo is a big decision, so make sure you’re ready.
Don’t do it on a dare
Seriously, do not get a tattoo on a dare. This is a permanent mark unless you want to spend more money on laser surgery, which is reported to hurt even worse.
Hydrate
To help your artist and keep your skin a little more pliable, drink water before getting a tattoo. Don’t over-hydrate, but drink a glass or two before you go in.
Eat before you go in
Tattoos tend to take a little while depending on what you’re having done. Some can take 6 hours or more, while others can be less than an hour. Eat just enough to tide yourself over.
Lay off the caffeine for a few hours
Caffeine is great for that extra pep you need during your day. But when you’re sitting in a chair and need to remain still it can make you a little too restless.
Make sure it means something
This is always a matter of one’s personality, and how they want to represent themselves. But since it’s permanent, it does pay to affix some type of meaning to a tattoo.
Don’t use numbing creams
Plenty of people swear by numbing creams since they ease the pain for a few hours. But they also leave the skin a little too soft for the artist to gauge their own work.
Don’t use anything that thins your blood
Avoid taking aspirin or anything similar that thins your blood. Keep in mind that if you’re being jabbed with a needle for an hour or more, you don’t need excess bleeding to occur.
Avoid going after spending time in the sun
Especially if you have a sunburn. The last thing you want on your skin is an open wound that will add to the pain and possible infection.
Don’t drink alcohol before getting a tattoo
Most tattoo artists won’t even get their tools out if they discover you’ve been drinking. It thins the blood and worse, it allows for bad decisions too often.
Don’t pass on looking at your artists’ portfolio
If you know what you want then you need to decide on an artist. If they don’t have the type of skill or don’t specialize in what you want, then you need to find someone who does.
Assume that they’ll want cash
A lot of tattoo parlors deal in cash, though some will work with debit cards and credit. Still, don’t make the assumption and have the cash on hand.
Tip, for the love of God, tip
This is a person tattooing a permanent mark on your skin. They’re doing you a service that many don’t know how to do, so tip, and don’t be a skinflint.
Understand your pain tolerance
This is one of the most important things to consider and should not be passed over. If you can’t handle being pricked with a push pin just once, then you might not need a tattoo.
Plan your time accordingly
Tattoos take a while. Don’t assume that the artist will slap a stencil on you, buzz their needle around your skin, and be done. Plan for at least an hour or two, if not more.
Don’t argue with your tattoo artist
Unless your artist is being a serious pain in the backside, don’t argue with them. They know the job, they’ve done it long enough, and they can give you a good idea of what to expect and what will work. Most artists will do what is needed to give you what you want.
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