Things to Know Before Getting your First Tattoo

Today, more than ever, people express themselves with unique clothing, hairstyles or tattoos. It’s the time we live in. Being a free spirit is not frowned upon anymore, but encouraged. However, while some opportunities to express yourself, like coloring your hair or taking on an edgy fashion style, are temporary, others are not, and by others, I mean primarily tattoos.

Things to Know Before Getting your First Tattoo

Tattoos have become extremely popular these days and according to a Harris Research Poll, done in 2015, almost half (47%) of Americans aged between 18 and 29 have at least one tattoo. Many even confessed getting their first tattoo without much forethought or planning. And after the first one was done, the decision to get more tattoos became much easier.

However, if you’re amongst those who prefer thinking about something before actually doing it, consider some of these things first:

In Favor of Getting a Tattoo

Memories are probably one of the most common sparks to getting a tattoo. Whether it’s a small quotation piece of something someone dear to you once said or a significant date in your life, these are the kinds of things you can start with. Not too big, but still nicely done, these tattoos are small reminders of something you want close to your heart forever.

Things to Know Before Getting your First Tattoo

Another form of a common “memory tattoo” is a portrait, usually of departed loved ones. People often feel the need to keep those who are no longer with them somewhere close. Portrait tattoos come best in the form of beautiful realism tattoos since they are the best way of turning photographs and images into exact copies on the skin. One very important thing to remember when it comes to doing this type of tattoo is choosing the right artist for the job. Do the research well and make sure the person doing your tattoo is able to meet all your specific requirements.

Tributes are very similar to memories but with one important distinction: you do them for the ones still living. Most people get their children or spouses. A family is something you cherish the most, so it only makes sense to put them on your skin forever.

Things to Know Before Getting your First Tattoo

If you truly love something and feel very passionately about it, don’t hesitate when it comes to making it permanent. It can be a hobby, a favorite cartoon character from your childhood or even your pet turtle. What’s important is that it makes you happy anytime you look at it.

Things to Know Before Getting your First Tattoo

Sometimes, it’s all about the looks. As important as it is to have a meaning behind something you’re going to have for the rest of your life, some people get tattoos just for the art itself. They simply love the colors and the artwork and there’s nothing wrong with that. You can often hear the question – “What if you get tired of it in a few years?” But you don’t! I can tell you, from my personal experience, that I still get excited every time I look at my meaningless tattoo of a muffin. It’s something that becomes a part of you and you love it.

Not in Favor of Getting a Tattoo

Regret is the main reason why people avoid getting tattooed. The statistics show a 10 point increase, from 14% in 2012 to 23% most recently, in the number of people who regret getting a tattoo.

Regrets are often caused by bad decisions such as:

Getting your boyfriend/girlfriend tattooed – if you’re not married or in some form of serious relationship, avoid getting your significant other’s name or face tattooed on your shoulder. Chances are, it won’t end well and you’ll get stuck with a very painful and very expensive removal process.

Things to Know Before Getting your First Tattoo

Choosing a bad artist – ending up with something that doesn’t really look anything like you’ve imagined is a good enough reason to quit before you’ve even started.

Things to Know Before Getting your First Tattoo

Doing something because it’s a trend – if you’re planning on getting a tattoo just because your best friend did, think twice. You don’t want to wake up tomorrow with a permanent stain on your skin you didn’t really want.

Things to Know Before Getting your First Tattoo

At the end, if you do want to get a tattoo, just do it. Ultimately, it’s your own decision and it should be until the end. Don’t listen to anyone else, they’re not going to live in your skin. If you think tattoos are beautiful works of art, then they are the right choice for you.


Author Bio: Samantha has a B.Sc. in Nutrition and has spent two years working as a personal trainer. Since then, she has embarked on a mission to conquer the blogosphere. When not in the gym or on the track, you can find her on Ripped.me, or in a tea shop.