As long as you go to a reputable artist who follows all recommended safety precautions, getting a tattoo is perfectly safe. Be sure to be honest about any medical condition.
Pain is really relative. Everyone has a different pain tolerance. We’re not going to fool you, though — it hurts. But not that much. Some have compared it to a “hot scratching sensation.” But, people wouldn’t return again and again for tattoo after tattoo if it hurt that badly. Most of us aren’t in pain, but the beauty of the tattoo and the pride associated with wearing it far exceeds a little pin stick here and there.
How about using some sort of numbing cream? These types of products are really not recommended.
Tipping is a very nice gesture. But there aren’t really any solid ground rules for tipping.
If you get a tattoo, especially as an expression of your individuality, why would you want a tattoo like someone else’s? Instead, find other photos of what you’re looking for and have your artist draft a custom design for you. Example: If you want a tattoo of a penguin standing on a glacier, find real photos of penguins and glaciers.
If you want a tattoo of a blue rose wrapped around a cross, find pictures of real roses and crosses that you like. If the photos don’t show exactly what you want, just take them to your artist to use as guidelines and tell them what changes you want to make to the original photos. A true artist will welcome the challenge of a custom piece.
While you can get a tattoo any time of the year, your skin takes a lot more abuse during the summer with swimming, tanning, and increased exposure to the elements. Winter is really the best season to get a tattoo.
Getting a tattoo when your immune system is not 100% is not a good idea. You’re going to need your strength and your white blood cells to heal your tattoo, something your body won’t be able to do if it’s already fighting off viruses and bacteria.
Not to mention the fact that bringing your illness into the tattoo studio is very inconsiderate and the risk of spreading germs to others, especially your artist. If you have an appointment, call and schedule another appointment when you feel better.
It can be really tempting to get some rays during the summer months or hit the tanning salon, but before you ruin your tattoo, please read up on tattoos and tanning.
