Hey Tattooed Fans and Friends, last time we talked about the Tattoo Do's, now let’s take a look at some of the Tattoo Don’ts…
Don’t get a tattoo illegally. If some scratcher is taking the risk to tattoo you in his garage while you’re underage, chances are he’s putting your health at risk too. Wait until you are 18 and get your tattoo safely and legally by a Professional Tattoo Artist in a clean, licensed Tattoo shop. Otherwise, you could end up with an ugly tattoo, raised scar tissue, Hepatitis or much worse.
Don't get a tattoo on a whim…or because you're on vacation, or graduating, or because you’re bored. Never get a tattoo on a dare - you‘ll regret it later. And think long and hard before you get your boyfriend’s/girlfriend’s NAME tattooed on your body! I know you’re in love today…but will you be next year, or ten years from now? A tattoo lasts a lifetime, and although tattoo removal is possible, it’s very expensive and painful. If you have any doubts, wait until they clear up. KNOW what you want…THEN do it. (See that list of Tattoo Do’s)
Don't pick or scratch your tattoo when it is healing. Your new tattoo WILL itch, it’s part of the healing process. Tattoos scab over just like an other open wound. Don't pick at the scab because it takes off the color and can make your healed tattoo look spotted and blotchy.
Don't expose your new tattoo to sunlight or indirect sunlight, UV rays are bad for tattoos. And...no tanning Bed! And stay out of the pool for at least two weeks, the chlorine(bleach) in the water can adversely affect your new ink.
Don't use Neosporin, Vaseline or peroxide on your new tattoo. These products can pull the pigment (ink) from below the surface of the skin and ruin your new tattoo. Follow your Tattoo Artist’s detailed aftercare instructions.
Don't get drunk or high before you get your tattoo. You'll act like a jackass and end up pissing off your Tattoo Artist who is trying to concentrate and do something permanent on your skin. And alcohol thins your blood and makes you bleed more easily, and can also make you pass out more easily - ending your tattoo session. Choose your tattoo SOBER, and get your tattoo SOBER. Celebrate later. (Invite your Tattoo Artist…buy him/her a shot - or two!)
Don't Bring your child to the tattoo studio. A tattoo shop is not a suitable environment for children. There are SHARP hazards, and other sights and sounds that children should NOT be exposed to. You will not be able to supervise your child while getting a tattoo or piercing. Your Tattoo Artist (and everyone else in the shop) will appreciate it if you can find a ‘sitter’ for the kids so that you can come to the studio alone.
Don’t bring a cheering section with you. Many tattoo shops will not let friends accompany you into the tattoo area and in some states it’s prohibited by law. Ask about bringing a (single) friend but Tattoo Artists won’t appreciate (or allow) 3 to 5 of your friends crowding around and disturbing the work area. And don’t have them take pictures unless EVERYONE agrees in advance.
Don't ask for a deal, discount, break…or if the Tattoo Artist can cut you some slack. Cheap tattoos are often - cheap tattoos. And don't bargain shop - go from Artist to Artist to see how cheaply you can get your tattoo. Tattoo Shops aren’t garage sales or flea markets. Tattoo Artists hate bargain shoppers and it shows you really don't care how your tattoo looks. Every Tattoo Artist has a different style, most have a specialty (see the list of Tattoo Do‘s). Choose your Tattoo Artist for the work that they do - doing so will get you a tattoo you'll love for a lifetime.
Hope you find this list of basic Tattoo Don’ts useful. And be sure to check out the list of Tattoo Do’s! Think before you ink! To read Part 1 of this article (and more like it) visit our collection of Tattoo and Body Suspension Articles HERE!
Thanks, Kevin at www.SABodyArt.com - Promoting the Tattoo Lifestyle!
