10 Things to Consider Before Getting a Tattoo

Disclaimer: This article does not advise people not to get a tattoo. Instead, it focuses on some things to consider before getting inked because a tattoo is usually permanent and might have long-term consequences.

Tattoos, or the wrong tattoos, could have a negative impact on your life. For instance, you could be turned down from your ideal job because you have an unsightly tattoo that can't be covered.

1. Know the Tattoo Artist

Not all tattoo artists are equal. Find out all you can about the artist. Do not rely merely on a sign in the window or an ad in a magazine. Never rush to get a tattoo on a dare or while you have been drinking.

2. Choose an Appropriate Tattoo

Consider your age, personality, likes, and dislikes. You might not want that huge tattoo on your back or leg at age 60 that you got when you were a teenager. Something such as a rose or butterfly is appropriate at any age on any part of your body.

One of the biggest regrets people end up with is having their partner’s name, birthday, or even face inked on their own skin forever. Couples may break up and be stuck with a permanent reminder of what used to be. That tattoo that was once enjoyed could prevent a new relationship from developing.

3. Know the Risks of Infection

Getting a tattoo puts you at risk of developing infections because of the instruments and ink used. Many artists use sterile ink, but some mix it with water to get the desired shades. If the water used for dilution is not sterile, every drop of the ink that goes into your skin could be contaminated, and you could end up with an infection.

4. Dangers of Getting a Tattoo

There are dangers of getting a tattoo. The most common dangers are being exposed to Hepatitis C and HIV. There are various other diseases that a person can also get.

5. Placement of Tattoos

Consider an appropriate place for your tattoo. Never get a tattoo near your sweat glands. Ink on your skin can negatively impact how the body sweats and can even block sweat altogether. The human body needs to sweat to protect itself against overheating. Inked skin produces 50% less sweat than skin that is not tattooed.

6. Good Reasons to Get a Tattoo

There are some good reasons why some people get tattoos. They cover up surgical scars, memorialize a loved one, serve as daily inspirations, reminders of meaningful things, or just because they love a beautiful tattoo.

7. When Not to Get a Tattoo

Do not get a tattoo if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Pregnancy and giving birth can cause a tattoo to change over time. Weight changes will highly impact your skin, meaning your tattoo may not keep its original look.

Do not get a tattoo when you are sick. Getting a tattoo could put you at the same risk as minor surgeries and should be considered a medical procedure. That means you will be exposed to potential infections. If you have a virus or even a cold, you should wait until you are completely well.

Consider not getting a tattoo if you have cancer, have had it, or are in a family with a history of skin cancer. Tattoos don’t cause cancer, but it puts people in danger who are already predisposed to having it.

8. Check the style of writing and spelling

Since tattoos are usually permanent, make sure the writing style is appropriate and the spelling is correct. Do not use a foreign language that you don't know what it means. Otherwise, your tattoo could be cursing you and those who see it.

9. Know That Some People Will Judge You

Everybody will not love the tattoo you chose, or that you have a tattoo at all. A tattoo is likely to change the way some people see you.

A study revealed that people with visible tattoos will likely be judged for their inked skin, directly or indirectly.

10. Getting a Tattoo Removed

Although a tattoo can be removed, the process is costly and time consuming. The removal will cost much more than getting the tattoo in the first place. It is a long process because there must be many removal sessions. Even that could be dangerous because a person could be left with unsightly scars that are worse than keeping the tattoo.