What You Need to Know Before Getting a Tattoo

Some people get tatted on a whim, while others like to prepare. If you’re the latter, there’s a lot you need to know!

From managing expectations to tattoo aftercare, the whole experience is a fun one that you surely won’t regret (if you do it right). Keep reading if you’re curious about what you should know before getting inked.

Consultations are a must

If you’re a bit nervous about getting permanent ink on your body, it’s best to schedule a consultation with your artist of choice to make sure that all of your expectations are met. Have you looked at your artist’s portfolio? Are you happy with the hygiene and safety protocols of the shop? Are the size and design of the tattoo doable in the location that you’ve chosen?

What You Need to Know Before Getting a Tattoo

There are a lot of questions that you should list down if ever you have second thoughts. It’ll definitely make a difference in how your tattoo comes out.

Tattoos aren’t cheap

Tattoos are an art form that take a lot of time, care, and expertise. As such, any proper tattoo will not come cheap. Small designs can cost up to Php1,500, while larger, more complicated designs can be Php3,000 and up. It really depends on how difficult your tattoo is and how much effort your artist will have to put in to execute the design.

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That’s why you should definitely ensure that the tattoo is something you want and have the budget for. Many people will attest that tattoos aren’t something you should cheap out on.

The process may or may not hurt

The pain level of the tattoo process will depend mostly on where you choose to get the tattoo and, of course, your own pain tolerance. Areas with thinner skin and more nerves, like the neck, ankles, or ribs, will hurt more than fleshier areas, like the upper arms, thighs, or calves.

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Manage your expectations by doing your research or consulting with your tattoo artist. There’s no way around the process, so the most you can do is relax, take deep breaths, and enjoy the experience.

Tattoo aftercare is no joke

So you’ve got your tat, what next? It’s got to heal! Because tattoos are deposited via needle, your skin is actually being broken to retain the ink. To put it simply, tattoos are one big wound, and if you don’t take care of it right, you’ll definitely see an infection coming.

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After you get your tattoo, your artist will give you a verbal rundown of aftercare tips and most likely send you home with a list of instructions. You’ll be advised to use gentle, unscented soaps and lotion for the next few weeks to avoid irritated skin. Remember that the way your tattoo looks also depends on how you take care of it, so look after it well!

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