As with all important choices in life its
better to be 100% sure before you commit yourself. Keep telling
yourself that you will have to live with a tattoo for the rest of your
life. Surveys have shown that more than 50% of people regret getting
the tattoo that they chose. We think that figure is a little high but
if you take your time over all aspects of your decision you
should avoid becoming part of this statistic. Reasons for peoples
dissatisfaction are mainly for one or more of 5 reasons.
A. Wrong design.
B. Inappropriate placement.
C. Change in personal circumstances.
D. Poor workmanship.
E. Fading due to age or inadequate aftercare.
A. Wrong design.
This site is all about making sure you don't fall foul of the first
obstacle, there are nearly 10,000 designs and photos here so take your
time choosing. It would take hours to look at all the pictures so come
back another day and take your time. Make a short list by printing or
adding individual pages to a folder in your favorites and sleep on it
at the very least in fact we recommend that you mull it over for a
couple of weeks, there's really no rush.
B. Inappropriate placement.
Be sure you want it where you put it. If you're the sort of person
who wants a facial or intimate tattoo you probably won't be reading
this advice but for the rest of us its wise to be able to cover up
easily with, for example, long sleeves when required. Hands are
possibly the most difficult to cover up in the sort of situations
where concealing them would be an advantage like job interviews where
you can't really wear gloves.
C. Change in personal circumstances.
By this we mean a tattoo of a loved ones name or picture who
subsequently becomes less loved. This is the most common reason for
removals and cover ups. We strongly discourage personalized tattoos of
this kind.
D. Poor workmanship.
Some tattooists are Grand Masters and can freehand (draw without a
guideline trace) these will have a portfolio of photos of previous
work, their parlor will likely be very clean and in a good area.
Whereas less talented tattooists are likely to be the other end of the
scale. Ask around, don't just assume they are all good.
E. Fading due to age or inadequate aftercare.
After the tattoo has healed its main enemy is direct sunlight so
try to avoid exposure and use a strong sun block. Immediately after
you should keep the dressing for the required period, don't pick the
scab, avoid swimming or sunbathing, use the correct cream properly and
keep everything else out of contact with your tattoo.
Advice
- Tattoo choice and care.