If you or someone you know has a tattoo, you may be familiar with the after-care required. Things you didn’t know about tattoos include the fact that the work doesn’t end once the artist puts down the ink. Typically, you need to apply A&D ointment to help heal the skin for a few weeks after, depending on the size. Then, after the skin has begun to heal, you should moisturize it. Non-scented lotion helps the irritated skin soften back to its original nature.

The tattooed area has been penetrated layers deep, causing the skin to become like a scar. Like most scars, they need to heal. The after-care methods take care of that. But after the skin starts to regrow, you begin to scab. You can’t peel off these scabs like your sunburn because it could mess up the tattoo. Rather, you need to let it peel off by itself, which is quite a shock when it comes time to take a shower.

Tattoos itch like crazy! And what makes it worse is that you can’t scratch it. Scratching new tattoos can only irritate the skin further and cause the tattoo to not heal correctly. Instead rapidly pat the area to alleviate the sensation. It doesn’t do the trick, but it is the only means of not messing up the tattoo when avoiding the feeling doesn’t work. I can remember reaching down occasionally to slap my foot just so that it would stop itching. Again, not my preference but at least it’s something.

Getting a tattoo is louder than you may think. The ink machine buzzes with a consistent pace that distracts you from the pain of actually getting the tattoo. It won’t be less painful, but at least it gives you something to focus on when you can’t hear the music subtly playing in the background. Taking a close friend with you to get the tattoo allows you to talk but still, that noise is very distinguishable from any other.

Touch-ups help keep the tattoo fresh-looking. If the tattoo is on your hands or feet, then you will need to touch them up more frequently than other areas of the body. This is because the skin is different than in other places. Also color tattoos fade more quickly, so if you want to keep the color vibrant, then consider going back every so often to refresh the color. You have to play them by ear, but know that touch-ups are available at most places, though some artists won’t touch another artist's work.

Pricing is dependent on location, size, and time required. As it turned out for me, feet tattoos are pricier based on the type of skin that is being tattooed. Also, any tattoos along the bikini lines have an initial fee. If you are planning on getting a tattoo, ask around to see what the going rate is at various parlors. You will pay more for better quality, that’s for sure, but it may be worth it in the long-run.

It may sound odd, but if you plan to get a tattoo on either, you may want to call to confirm they do tattoos there. Like I said, I have two feet tattoos. When I called one parlor, they kindly told me that they don’t tattoo hands or feet because of the type of skin there. It’s harder for the ink to stick and stay as fresh as it can be. Not all places are like this, but you may want to call ahead to just double check. Some places have no problem tattooing thinner, more sensitive skin.

Tattoos are rising in popularity for sure. I hope you learned something new, like I did when getting mine! Do you have any tattoos? What of?