Whether you want to make a political statement or show off your favorite fandom, getting a tattoo is a rite of passage for many. But considering the permanent nature of tattoos, it's important to think things through, do your homework, and make sure you're putting yourself in capable hands.
Here are eight of the most common — and egregious — mistakes people make when getting a new tattoo.
Drinking before or after
If you're thinking about downing some liquid courage before taking the plunge, think again. Drinking before and after getting a tattoo is a no-no.
Alcohol thins your blood, which means excess bleeding. When you bleed more than normal, it can cause visibility issues for the artist, potentially compromising the quality of the design. Excess bleeding can also thin the ink.
Of course, there's also the fact that alcohol impairs judgment, and you don't want to make permanent decisions while impaired. And it's not cute if you have to stop and puke in the middle of a four-hour tattoo session.
Furthermore, drinking after the fact can compromise the healing of the tattoo because of its effects on your blood, so take it easy for a bit.
Not doing your research
Getting a tattoo is a pretty big decision and should be handled as such. You wouldn't buy a car without doing your research, right? When deciding on a shop and an artist, be sure to read online reviews and shop around a bit.
And take a close look at the individual's past work. Make sure his or her style vibes with what you're going for. Some artists may specialize in lettering, for example, while others are better at portraits.
Not considering placement
Where you get tattooed is almost as important as what you get tattooed. Think long and hard about placement. Certain areas of the body don't hold pigment well (see next point). Plus, some people want their tattoos to be private (for loved ones' eyes only) while others want them to be very visible.
Also, if you're planning on getting more ink in the future, such as creating a sleeve, take that into consideration now.
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