7 Things You Didn't Know about Getting a Tattoo ...

By Michelle

I currently have two foot tattoos and found out along the way some things you didn’t know about tattoos. I wasn’t expecting them to be work, rather simply art that makes the body beautiful. It’s a means for self-expression, especially in today’s culture. Here are just a few things you didn’t know about tattoos that I think are worthwhile to know.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:

1

After-Care

After-Care 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.

2

Scabbing

Scabbing 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.

3

Itching

Itching 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.

4

Loud Noise

Loud Noise 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.

5

Touch-Ups

Touch-Ups 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.

Famous Quotes

If you would take, you must first give, this is the beginning of intelligence.

Laozi
6

Pricing

Pricing 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.

7

Hands or Feet

Hands or Feet 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?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

I have 4 love them all no regrets , choose carefully let the tat mean something to you , one tattoo I never understood was when people get their own name on their body , I knew how to spell my name since I was 3 .

I have 2 tats both on my upper back/shoulder a angel sitting on a cloud with doves flying from her hands and then later I had added the words " never lose hope" a personal thing for me had the 1st now for 15 yrs and yes I have had the color redone once and the words I had added 2 yrs ago and I'm 52 and thinking about getting another one on my inside wrist with " this too shall pass" words that are comfort for me, to me it didn't really hurt it just felt like a little bit of a scratch at first then I didn't really feel it any longer and yes they can be addicting once you start

I have one on my left ribcage. It's of an old key with the word Elysian in the middle.

this is some really good advice for people who don't have tattoos and are planning to get one and have no clue what they are getting into. and i know personally y some places won't do get tattoos. i have one, took 3 springs and yet the color won't stick on one part. and i gave up as the pain on that spot is not worth it:P

I have 10 tattoos, ranging from a thigh piece to tiny ones behind my ears. I loved your story. The main thing people fail to focus on I find is just as you said, Aftercare!!! The number one! Always take care of it. Treat it as you wish to be treated!

im getting two beautiful one on both my thighs, one thigh will have Gabriel the angel, the other thigh will have a quote in old English font.

I'm a 58 year old female, my first tattoo is more than 30 years old, I still love that one as well as the following 6. there is a name, but on a banner in case it needs to be filled in! and my kids names which will be there forever!

Related Topics

first time tattoo ideas for girls obsessed tattoo color riche le stylo smoky eye shadow garnet namaste tatuaggio cool easy henna collarbone tattoos woman where the wild things are tattoo ideas tattoo quotes about strength cute white tattoos tattoo ideas deep meaning

Popular Now