If you?ve decided that you?re going to join the growing numbers of people with tattoos, it?s important to make sure you?re getting your tattoo safely. You may have heard the rare horror stories of people who?ve contracted HIV or Hepatitis from getting a tattoo.
Now, before you say, ?But I LOVE my boyfriend,? just take some time to consider what you?re doing. Tattoos are pretty much permanent. They hurt going on, and hurt worse coming off.
If you?re serious about getting a tattoo, make sure that what you?re having inked into your skin for pretty much eternity is something you?ll be happy about forty years from now. When you consider which kind of tattoo design to get, ask yourself the following questions:
1.) Why am I getting a tattoo? Is it self-expression, marking an important life milestone or turning point, paying tribute to an important element in your life (perhaps your love of antique cars or cats)?
Look for evidence of training. You?ll often see certificates (that should be up to date) posted regarding health department inspections and course completion. Different areas have different requirements for tattoo shops (and some have none). Find out what?s required in your area. Your local tattoo shop should be able to provide evidence of meeting those requirements and hopefully going above and beyond.
Ask to see the equipment that will be used. All needles should be brand new and in sealed packages. Your artist will open them in front of you. If that doesn?t happen, walk out. Tattoo guns will be covered with plastic film and your artist will wear disposal exam gloves. If your artist has to take the gloves off for some reason, he/she will put a fresh pair on when they return to begin working on your tattoo again. The tattoo shop should look clean. It?s probably not going to look like your doctor?s office, but it should be neat and clean and reasonably organized.
2.) What do I love now that I am absolutely certain I will love in forty or fifty years? If you?ve loved cats since you were a little kid, or you?ve shared a love of antique cars with your dad since forever, you?re probably good.
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