On a whim me and my friend decided to mark our bodies permanently with ink, on a whim. We were at work a typical day when tattoos became the topic of conversation. Here's how the conversation went.
Me: I don't feel like being at work today.
Friend: Me either.
Me: we should leave early.
*fill in this gap of time with how we actually got on the topic of tattoos.*
Me: I want to go get a tattoo.
Friend: if you go I'm coming with you.
Me: Really? Cause I'll really go.
Friend : Girl yes I down.
And with that we took our happy (half shocked) down to the tattoo parlor half way through our work shift. Why you may ask, because we're young, wild, and free that's why. 2 hours later I rise from the tattoo bed with the all seeing eye between my boobs. Making this my 4th tattoo. My friend got an arrow with her middle name on her arm, her first. What makes this so funny is that it was completely random, we didn't plan it or expect it. Thus my tweet about expecting the unexpected. It's how life surprises you , and it keeps things interesting.
Inspired by my new tattoo, and budding friendship I decided to write a post about tattoo care as well as the "guidelines" on getting a tattoo. Because k things more permanet then ink.
Before you get your tattoo, have atleast a general idea of what you want. Never go in there and pick something out of the book. It's not original, or fun. Now I'm not saying that your tattoo has to be something your drew yourself and dreamt of getting before years (but it's cooler of you did) it could be something that you saw on the Internet and thought would be cool to get. If that's the case go for it. Make little tweaks to me it yours. As long as you like it and it ,ears something to you, you're golden.
Ask around, never go to the first tattoo parlor you see. Ask people where they got there's places you've heard of all that and check out their work. Most importantly don't get your tattoo and a tattoo party or by someone who's work you've never seen. Get someone you've been referred to and like their work. The reason I say don't go to a tattoo party is the fact that 1. You've never heard of these people doing the tattoos and 2. You don't know their sanitation habits. There's millions of people at the party getting tattooed,maybe not millions but alot. Do you think they bought enough needles , sanitation products and everything for everyone? They have no idea how any people may show up. Also there's probably drinking at the party and you don't want someone coming at you with a needle drunk, just saying.
Expect to spend some money. For a decent tattoo expect to spend at least 50 and that's for a small one. Anything larger think atleast in the 100 dollar range. If you want something good. Just remember, you get what you pay for. If someone is doing your tattoo for 10 dollars don't expect to get something that is amazing. Tattooing is art and it's hard art and it's not cheap to get the proper materials and invest that much time and effort into the job. Don't skimp, put aside a far amount of money to get the best work done. This is going on your body for life, I'd you're not looking to make a serious investment in something that will, be on your body for life then you shouldn't get it.
After you've gotten the tattoo now it's time for the proper care.
This part is really easy. Treat is as if it's an wound, cause technically it is.
Make sure you don't use any skin irritating products on your skin. Fragrance, and exfoliators with irritating ingredients it will irritate the tattoo.
Gently rinse over the tattoo with warm water and apple A & D ointment over the tattoo daily. When drying the tattoo , gently pat the area until dry. DO NOT RUB.
What to expect? Itching and scabbing. It will itch like crazy but don't scratch just pat it gently (or harshly) just don't dig your nails in there, it can lead to infection. The A & D ointment is a skin protector and it will help your skin heal and smooth over. Whe your skin scabs over it will peel off to reveal tne final form of your tattoo. Just be patient this only last a few days .
Now just be clear there is healing then there is infection. The tell tell sings of infection is puss. No tattoo that is healthy pusses over and oozes. None. Your body doesn't just ooze, treat it just like a wound. If it oozes green, or yellowish puss then it's infected. Go to a doctor. If it's crusty and your skin is still red days after first receiving the tattoo it's infected. If it's painful to the touch days after getting the tattoo (at least a week ) go get it checked out. It shouldn't hurt a week later.
Of course always ask your tattoo artist about the after care instructions. They are the professionals ofcourse. Happy inking!
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