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Tattoos

Your word: Take your time deciding whether you really want a tattoo.

Article by : SpunOut.ie

You must be 18 to get a tattoo without parental consent!

First, ask yourself if you really want it. Will you be happy with a tiger on your spine at the age of 67? Ask yourself questions such as:

  • What design do I want?
  • What part of my body do I want it on?
  • Will I always be happy to have it there?

 

Stuff you should know:

  • A tattoo is permanent - ink pigment is punctured deep into the skin. Tattoo removal is expensive, so you need to be sure about wanting it!
  • It's illegal to get a tattoo if you're under 18.
  • Hygiene is very important - a professional tattooist must do the tattoo. Take a trip to your local tattoo parlour just to have a look around and make sure it looks spotless. Also, have a look at the tattooist, and see if they are wearing gloves and have a steriliser in the studio.
  • Ask to see his/her certificates. They should at least have one certificate from a health board, stating that the premises have been checked. Training certificates are not very common, as most tattooists have worked their way up through apprenticeships, so don't be too worried if they don't produce them. Always try to find someone who has previously had a tattoo done by this tattooist and ask him or her if they had any problems.
  • Contrary to popular belief, tattooists do not change needles between tattoos. The needles cost a fortune so it isn't really practical, but they do take the needles apart and sterilise them between tattoos. This cleans them and kills any bacteria, so it is like they have never been used. Gloves are just as important. If the tattooist isn't wearing gloves, that means they have been in contact with God knows how many people's blood in that day alone. Infection is very easily spread that way.
  • While you're in the tattoo parlour, check out their range of designs and try to pick out at least three that you would consider having done. Then LEAVE!! Do not get a tattoo done now - leave it for about two or three months while you make up your mind. When you finally do go to get your new tattoo, make sure you know which one you are getting, where you're getting it and how much it costs.
  • Don't forget that getting a tattoo hurts and once they have started you can't stop. Be prepared for the pain, as it can come as a shock. Some parts of the body are more painful to have tattooed than others. For example, the lower back hurts because of the bone, the inside of the ankle and upper arm hurt because of the nerves, whereas the outside of the upper arm and breast are relatively painless, as is the stomach. But everyone has a different pain threshold, so don't quote me on these!
  • Just remember whatever you have done, wherever it is, the tattoo will be on your body for the rest of your life (unless you have laser surgery). There is also a positive side to this, as you are permanently displaying someone's art, which I find amazing.
  • Make sure to follow the after care advice of the tattooist.

 

Whatever you decide: good luck and be brave!

 

By: Tracey McGrory

 

The opinions of writers featured on SpunOut.ie do not necessarily reflect the views of the SpunOut.ie team or those of Community Creations. We try to give everyone a chance to have their opinions heard but we are not responsible for inaccuracies contained within these.

 

 

 

 

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