To Ink or Not to Ink? Deciding Whether or Not You Should Get a Tattoo

Tattoos are a beautiful form of art and can be a way to express your individuality. And now, tattoos can even be removed using a minor form of surgery for the wearer. This makes tattoos even more appealing than they were in years past, many people- young and old- no longer hesitate before "getting ink done." But before you go and get that ink, there are a few things you should consider.

First, tattoos are meant to be permanent. This is why you should definitely think it through before choosing to get a tattoo. And once you've made the decision to get a tattoo, make sure you're choosing a design you'd like to have on your body for the rest of your life. Again, tattoos are meant to be permanent.

While tattoos can be removed- in many cases it's simply not possible to remove a tattoo completely. How large the tattoo is, what part of the body it's on, what type of ink was used and how deep the ink was put into the skin will determine how much of the tattoo can be removed successfully.

The older methods of tattoo removal- dermabrasion (when the top layer and secondary layers of skin are removed by scraping), cryosurgery (when the skin is frozen before the tattoo is removed surgically or through dermabrasion), and excision (where the tattoo is removed using a scalpel and then stitches close the wound) are all rather painful methods of removal and less effective than the laser removal, which is the newest method to date.

Aside from the fact that tattoo removal and application are both painful- there's also the risk of getting an infection or other disease if you choose to use a less than reputable or professional tattoo artist. Before you just walk into the nearest tattoo parlor off the streets, it's best to make sure that the place you are using follows your state's health regulations and germ control methods.

If you're seriously considering using a tattoo artist- it's perfectly acceptable (and recommended!) that you ask to see the premises where tattoos are done, see their current licensing and you should ask other people you know and trust about experiences with that particular tattoo artist. Make sure, once you've chosen to get tattoo, that you insist on the tattoo artist using a brand new needle. Most tattoo artists charge for the needle, but it's well worth the peace of mind.

If you're determined to get a tattoo, make sure you choose your design carefully. Not all symbols, designs, etc- mean what you think they do. Ensure that you're clear on the meaning of the design you are choosing. The last thing you want is something permanently on your skin in a visible place that's going to offend others, that could be a disaster just waiting to happen.

Before you decide to get a tattoo, make sure you keep in mind- with tattoos being permanent- that having a tattoo can affect your job options or affiliations with certain groups if it's in a visible place. It's not a good idea, for example, to get a tattoo on your hand if you work in an office setting or a tattoo on your face if you're working in a medical field or customer service job. Since jobs can come and go, it's just wiser to make sure you aren't going to have a tattoo in a place where your clothes won't cover it while you're working.

If you can't decide whether or not you should get a tattoo, then perhaps you should ask people you know who have tattoos about their experiences. Get suggestions, advice and even a referral to a good tattoo artist (if that's what you decide) from people you know and trust. You might find that your decision to get a tattoo or not becomes easier after you've talked to others who've had tattoos done.

While there are many pros and cons to getting tattoos, there are many who choose to get tattoos regardless of possible downsides. It's an extremely personal choice and no one can make the decision for you, besides yourself.

It you feel that a tattoo would be a good way to express yourself and you have chosen a design you'd like to have on your body permanently, then go for it. If you find yourself still undecided about whether or not your should get a tattoo, perhaps this isn't the right time. Don't rush a decision, after all, tattoos are permanent. Take a few weeks or a few months to consider it and then make your decision later.

After all, you're the only one who can decide whether or not the pain and expense is worth it or not.