How to decide if you should get a tattoo

If you're thinking of getting a tattoo, you should think about a few things first.

1. Why do you want one?
    Figure out the reason behind wanting a tattoo. If you're getting one because a friend has one, that's the wrong reason. Do it because you really like the design and feel you are ready for it.

2. Are you even old enough?
    A lot of states will allow minors to get tattooed with a parents consent. Personally, I don't think this is a good idea. Wait until you are at least 18. You'll be more mature and can make better decisions.

3. Do research.
    If you want a tattoo you're going to have to know how to take care of it. You need to avoid certain things a couple of days before you go in to get it. Avoid sun, alcohol and anything that can harm your skin. The tattoo artist should go over with you how to take care of it, but he can't tell you what to do before.

There are tons of things to think about before getting a tattoo and these are just a few. You want to make sure it's really what you want and where you want it; otherwise, you will regret it.

So, You've Gotten a Tattoo. Now What?

You finally got up the courage to walk into a tattoo shop, sit down with an artist, and get a tattoo. It's there now, so what do you do to care for it, you wonder.
The artist who put the tattoo on you should have gone over aftercare instructions with you, but if he or she didn't, you can follow these.

-The number one thing you must do is keep the tattoo and the area around it clean. I promise you don't want it to get infected. A tattoo is essentially a wound, and for wounds to heal they must be kept clean.
Wash the area of skin with a mild antibacterial soap. Good choices are Dial or Ivory. You want to do this 3 to 4 times a day, especially in the morning and before you go to bed.


-DO NOT put alcohol or peroxide on your tattoo. Please, trust me on this. I can back up what I'm saying. The reason for no alcohol: alcohol dries out skin, and that's the last thing you want to happen to a fresh tattoo. Peroxide just isn't needed because you're washing it with an antibacterial soap. Using peroxide can irritate the skin and lead to it drying out and becoming very irritated.

-Stay out of the sun. When sun hits a new tattoo it burns and stings like crazy. Once it's healed you can get some sun. The only problem with sun, even on a healed tattoo, is it will make it look faded. A moderate amount of sun won't really fade the tattoo, but as your skin tans the color seems to fade away, even with black and gray tattoos.

-Keep the tattoo moisturized. You'll want to apply unscented lotion or a cream made especially for tattoos about four to five times a day and always after washing it. This will speed up the healing process and keep it looking new. If you use lotion don't slather it on, you want it to absorb properly. Apply just enough to cover the tattoo and to moisturize. Great picks are Eucerin and Lubriderm, unscented.

-NEVER ever pick at the tattoo. It is going to scab and itch, but picking the scabs and scratching it will lead to scarring. Resist the urge to do this.

The healing time is usually anywhere from two to four weeks. Take into consideration how your body heals and your overall health. Some people may heal in three days, others may take two months (hopefully not).

If you follow these steps you'll have no problems. If for some reason you do encounter a problem, please contact the artist who did you're tattoo. Tattoo artists know more about tattoos than doctors, because that's what they do. Doctors do not study tattoos and how to care for them. The artist will be able to tell you what to do if anything should happen.