Planning on getting a tattoo...advice?

[Camarolover98]

Hey guys. I've finally decided that I want to get my first tattoo. Since I know that a few of you guys on here have gotten them before, I was wondering if you have any advice for me before I get it done.

I already know what I want to get, and have a good idea of where I want it on me. I'm just new to the whole thing, and don't really know much about the process.

For instance, what sort of things should I look for in the place that I'm going to get it done? Any particular questions that I should ask them? Any health issues I should be aware of (before, during, and after I get it)? How bad is it going to hurt? Any special cleaning or caring procedures that I need to know about?

Any advice you can give me would be much appreciated. Thanks guys!

[ellik]

look for references and examples of their work. I wouldnt just fork cash over to anyone with the tools. Look at their portfolio..... otherwise you might find out that they know how to tattoo, but have the artistic ability of a 2nd grader.

[vanbibber]

keep neosporin handy. it seems to work the best.

[maxcamaro]

my friend just got a tatoo and is having an alergic reaction to it so be carefull.

edit: also he said he has to use some special soap in the shower

[CAMAROWIDBASS]

you dont have to use any special type of shampoo, just when its healing dont rub it or scratch it.

And aply neosporin like 2x a day for about a 15 days untill its done healing.

And yea it hurts...

[Fbody3400]

Make sure the place is CLEAN, and make sure they use a new needle every time.

Depending on where you get it, and your tolerance of pain, it could range from screaming to "Oh, your already doing it".

I've asked several tattoo artists whats the best technique for allowing them to heal, and allowing them to keep their color. Everyone has said something different, but they have the same general idea: Keep it covered for about 6 hours after you get it done.
For a couple weeks afterwards, you have to clean it, just use a wet paper towel and pat on it. Then, use some sort of lotion (i use A&D).
After all of this, a couple weeks or months in, if you notice the color starting to fade put more lotion on. I put lotion on usually every night, and mine are prestine ;)

No swimming, not a lot of direct sun contact, and try not to sweat a lot. <---- for the first few weeks.

[Everglades W68]

Originally posted by Camarolover98:
Any advice you can give me would be much appreciated. Thanks guys!

Advice: Don't get a tattoo.

[Fbody3400]

Originally posted by Everglades W68:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Camarolover98:
Any advice you can give me would be much appreciated. Thanks guys!

Advice: Don't get a tattoo. </font>[/QUOTE]Boooo... its not the '50s anymore, oh wait, even back then a bunch of people had them...

[dashboardrunner]

haha it depends on where you get one but i have six and one is fresh from sat.. all on my arms and all where ya cant seem em with a shirt on... and none of them really hurt, much... haha i actually slept through part of one of em... (long story)... everybodys given good advice before me so i wont go into the healing process... but i will say that one of mine i didnt do hardly anything to and it still looks as good as the day i got it close to 2 months ago... its gravy though... post pics when ya get it done....

[v6man]

personally i wouldnt use neosporine that stuff heals the tattoo to fast. i use the a&d and let it take its time healing. and use a thin coat of not a thick one.

when in the shower wash your hands first then you can lightly clean the tattoed area. pat dry when you are done.

and yes tattoos will hurt, all depends on the person. 2 people can get the same tat in the same spot and one will hurt less. it just happens.

have fun and enjoy your new art. :D

[97camRS]

What ellik said!

Also, I never used neosporin just cocoa butter on it 2 - 3 times a day. Wash off by hand for a few weeks, no rubbing it. When you get out of the shower, pat dry, don't rub. I usually tried to keep my shirt off of it as much as I could for the first few days. That was just a personal preference though. I also tried not to sleep on it for the first couple nights. I have 4 and have followed this and all look good!

As far as pain. None of mine hurt. All are on my arms. Depends where you are getting it though. I had a friend pass out getting one, he said it didn't hurt, but he doesn't like needles. So if you don't like needles be prepared. :D

[xX315Xx]

Dont let it dry out. I used Kinney Drugs Tripple Antibiotic/Bacitracin for the first week. Then i got a non scented lotion to put on it after it was done healing. I seran wrapped it when i went to bed (on my wrist) so i didn't get goo all over the place.

Ask to take a quick tour of their parlor, show you the needles. Make sure they open the packages in front of you, and assemble the gun/etc in front of you as well.

[Potr2001]

well no one has said it yet so... just make sure whatever it is you get that your going to want it there when your 90.... dont be like my friend who has a naked chick on his leg and regrets it cause he has to tell his kids not to look at it....