The Tattoo Experience

You've decided to get a tattoo. Whether it is to be trendy, for a unique experience, or because the images or words mean something to you, getting a tattoo should not be a light decision.

Firstly, know that your tattoo will cost quite a bit of money and is more or less permanent. Even smaller tattoos can crest the triple dollar digits depending on their color schemes and designs. Be sure that the design or phrase you want to have on your body is something that will remain meaningful to you years later. Create one yourself, or find something already made to apply, or any option in between. It is your body and your choice. Removing tattoos is often more expensive and painful than receiving them - make it a worthwhile piece of art that you have inked into your flesh.

You should also read up on the possible health factors involved. Many people can be allergic to certain inks, and can break out in skin conditions and other bodily risk factors. Look to your medical history and ensure that you will not have a bad reaction. As well, choose a tattoo parlor that you trust. Research local tattoo artists in your areas, ask others who have gotten tattoos in the area what their take of a certain shop is. Hey, your tattoo should be done well and safely without risk of infection; don't go for the cheapest or the lowest common denominator if you don't feel that your art will be completed right.

Once you've done your homework and know without a doubt what your design will be, come to terms with your own tolerance for pain. If you have chosen a design that is small and very detailed, the tattoo artist will have to enlarge it to an extent. The needles and skills of human hands can only come so close to your ideal size, so if you want a small and detailed tattoo, you will have to compromise on a size. Also think about where you want the tattoo to be. Is it something you would not mind having exposed to the world? Is it more personal? Will your tattoo, if visible, prevent you from getting a job or offend others? These factors can add up, so ensure that you make the right decision. If in doubt, ask the tattoo artist for guidance.

Now comes the pain. For myself, I have a pretty wide margin for tolerating pain. Others are not so fortunate. From my own tattooing experience, let me describe what it feels like. When the artist is done disinfecting the area of the skin where he/she will create, they first outline the entire design. This is not a sharp pain at all. It is a dull and steady pain. The artist must work slow and evenly, which means breaks every ten seconds or so. Before the dull pain can turn into anything sharper, the artist has already taken the needle off of your skin to readjust their hands. In short, outlining is dull pain with many pauses. Depending on where your tattoo is, however, outlining could be a different story entirely. If most of your tattoo is placed over bone with little muscle to cushion the needle, the outlining will be more painful but still frequented with breaks.

It is when your tattoo is being colored that sharper pain begins. My own tattoo experience only started to become painful during the coloring session. The artist must press harder and stroke the needle in circular and angular motions to properly color in the areas of your design. Needless to say, my own tattoo had a large middle portion that needed color right on top of my shoulder blades and spine; was it the most painful thing I've ever felt? No, it was very bearable, just sharp and with far fewer breaks than outlining. If the pain is too much, ask your artist for a quick break - they know people have different tolerances for pain.

After your tattoo is done, your skin will remain red and sensitive for over a week. Be sure to follow your artist's recommendations of taking care of your tattoo to the letter, as well as anything your doctors have advised you to do. Generally you must put lotion on the tattoo and area for a month, avoid scratching the healing, flaking skin, and use sunscreen on it whenever in the sun. As well, make sure to take care of your tattoo after the month of healing is over. Periodically put lotion on the area and if the color starts to fade in a few years time, go back to the parlor and get a touch up.

Getting a tattoo is a worthwhile experience if you are committed to the notion of obtaining one. After your first experience, if you decide to get more, it will be more enjoyable and routine than the beginning. Before you make the decision to get a tattoo, do your research. Make sure your body can take it without harmful repercussions; know that the design or words you pick will stay with you for a lifetime, so make them meaningful; and know that you can share your experiences with others who decide to get a tattoo.