When it comes to getting a tattoo, there’s a lot more to consider than just picking a design and an artist. While you might be on the hunt for the best tattoo in Canggu or wherever your locale of choice may be, you should know that the journey of getting inked extends far beyond that. From the variable pain levels to the financial and emotional implications, tattooing is a complex experience.
The Pain is Unpredictable
You’ve probably heard friends saying, “It’s just like a little pinch,” or, “It feels like a cat scratching you,” but let’s get real: the pain is highly unpredictable and varies from person to person. Factors like your pain tolerance, the location of the tattoo, and even the tattoo artist’s technique can all influence the level of discomfort you experience. Some describe the sensation as a ‘burning’ feeling, while others say it feels more ‘vibratory’. Either way, if you’re expecting a pain-free experience, you may need to adjust your expectations.
The Price Goes Beyond the Initial Cost
There’s a reason why good tattoos aren’t cheap and cheap tattoos aren’t good. An experienced, reputable artist will cost more, and that’s because you’re paying for skill and safety. But the costs don’t end when you walk out of the tattoo studio. You’ll need aftercare products like specialized soap and ointment, which can add up. Additionally, you should be prepared to tip your artist; 15-20% of the total cost is generally considered a good tip.
The Healing Process is A Commitment
You can’t just “set it and forget it” with a tattoo. The initial healing phase takes at least two weeks, during which you’ll need to keep the area clean, moist, and protected. This involves washing the tattoo with a gentle, fragrance-free soap and applying a thin layer of ointment multiple times a day. Activities like swimming and sunbathing are off-limits during this period. Even after the tattoo looks healed on the surface, the deeper layers of skin may still be repairing, which can take up to a couple of months.
You’ll Get Unsolicited Opinions
Suddenly, everyone’s a tattoo critic. From your Aunt Karen warning you that you’ll “never get a job” to random people in the grocery store asking if your tattoo has a ‘meaning,’ be prepared for unsolicited opinions. How you deal with this is up to you, but developing a thick skin can make the experience less stressful.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
From exhilaration to potential regret, you may experience an array of emotions after getting tattooed. The “adrenaline high” that often accompanies the tattooing process can crash, leading to feelings of fatigue or even temporary regret. It’s crucial to remember that these emotional ups and downs are quite common and usually temporary.
It Can Be Addictive
The process of getting a tattoo taps into various emotional and psychological elements — the anticipation leading up to it, the adrenaline rush during, and the satisfaction of seeing the completed work. All these factors can combine to create an addictive experience, compelling many to return for more ink sooner than they’d initially planned.
Artists Are Not Miracle Workers
Instagram and Photoshop have given people unrealistic expectations of what can be achieved with ink and a needle. Super tiny tattoos may look great in photos, but details can blur over time, making the design unrecognizable. Plus, not all skin types take ink the same way. Your artist’s expertise comes into play here, so heed their advice to avoid disappointment.
Touch-Ups Are Common
Even with proper care, your tattoo may require a touch-up. Over time, colors can fade, especially on tattoos that are frequently exposed to sunlight. Some tattoos may also heal unevenly, requiring a quick touch-up session. This is more common than most people realize, and many tattoo artists offer free touch-ups for a certain period after the initial session.
You Might Need To Update Your Wardrobe
Depending on where you decide to place your tattoo, your fashion choices may have to be revised. Some professional settings still frown upon visible tattoos, which may mean investing in clothing that adequately covers your new ink. Even outside of work, you might find yourself gravitating toward outfits that better showcase your tattoo, making it a new focal point of your style.
It’s Permanent (Mostly)
While it’s true that tattoo removal technology has advanced in recent years, erasing a tattoo is neither easy nor guaranteed. Depending on the colors used and the depth of the ink, you may require multiple sessions to lighten or remove the tattoo. Each session can be costly and more painful than getting the tattoo in the first place.
Future Body Changes
Your tattoo might look amazing now, but how will it adapt to future changes in your body? Weight gain, weight loss, and skin stretching due to pregnancy or muscle gain can all affect how your tattoo looks. Aging will also have an impact, as skin loses elasticity over time.
Cultural Sensitivity
Last but not least, be aware that some designs may have cultural meanings that you’re not aware of. Always do your homework and be sensitive to cultural appropriation issues. What might seem like a ‘cool design’ to you could be a sacred symbol to another culture.
Understanding these unspoken truths about getting a tattoo can prepare you for the entire process, from the initial idea to long-term care, making the experience both fulfilling and meaningful.