Getting a tattoo requires a strong commitment. A tattoo can be a reminder of something deeply sentimental. Many people get tattoos to honor loved ones, pay tribute to themselves, or for other meaningful reasons.
Tattoo designs and sizes vary widely, and large, intricate tattoos don’t always look the best. The key to choosing a tattoo design lies in its meaning. Simple designs with significant meaning often have a special appeal when selecting a tattoo.
In essence, simple tattoos with profound meaning tend to appear more beautiful, powerful, and capable of conveying deep messages. However, before you start getting a tattoo, there are several things you need to keep in mind.
Things to Consider When Getting a Tattoo
- Understanding the Risks
Getting a simple tattoo with deep meaning is indeed beautiful, but there are still risks you need to be aware of.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the process of getting a permanent tattoo involves injecting colored ink into the top layer of the skin. With every needle prick, tiny drops of ink are inserted into the skin, gradually forming the desired image.
However, injecting any substance into the skin, including tattoo ink, always carries the risk of infection. The risk is especially high for beginners if the tattoo needle used is not sterile.
So, if you’re planning to get a tattoo, make sure that the place you choose adheres to safety protocols to prevent infections.
- Ensuring the Safety of the Tattoo Parlor
You need to ensure that the studio where you get your tattoo employs professional tattoo artists who understand safety procedures.
The tattoo studio you choose should have sterilization certification, and don’t hesitate to ask about this.
Besides the certificate, ensure that the tattoo artist wears gloves throughout the tattooing process.
- Prepare for the Pain
The level of pain you experience during the tattooing process can vary from person to person. As a beginner, this is something you must understand.
When the needle pierces your skin, you may feel sensations such as burning, stinging, tingling, or the urge to scratch.
Some people experience sharp pain, while others feel a dull pressure.
Pain also depends on the area of the skin being tattooed. Areas with thinner or more sensitive skin, or close to bones, usually hurt more during tattooing.
- Avoid Getting a Tattoo When Sick
Avoid getting a tattoo when you’re unwell, as your skin may be more susceptible to infection by Mycobacterium. Cortisol, or stress hormone levels, can spike during the tattoo process.
This is due to the body’s stress response to the foreign object entering the skin. When you’re healthy, this response isn’t an issue.
However, if you’re unwell, your immune system won’t be strong enough to counteract this response. So, as a beginner, ensure you’re in good health before getting a tattoo.
- Avoid Drinking Alcohol Before Getting a Tattoo
This is an important point for first-timers. Avoid drinking alcohol before getting a tattoo.
Alcohol thins your blood and can cause you to bleed more during the tattooing process.
This is not only concerning for your health but can also ruin the tattoo’s appearance. Excessive bleeding can dilute the ink and affect the final outcome of your tattoo.
Those are some key things to keep in mind when getting a tattoo, especially if you’re a beginner.
