Body art, such as tattoos, has become increasingly popular in recent years and with that, many people find themselves with questions about the process. Whether you’re a first-time body art enthusiast, or you’ve had tattoos before, a comprehensive guide to choosing and caring for your body art can help you get the most out of the experience.
Choosing the Right Tattoo
When you’re selecting a tattoo, it’s important to consider both the design and the meaning behind it. Take your time to decide what type of tattoo you want and where you want it. Research designs and placement ideas that you like and think about how the design will look on your body. It’s important to a long-term, permanent decision, so take your time.
You’ll want to select an artist that you feel comfortable with and get their opinion on the type of design and placement. A good artist will be able to provide you with valuable feedback on the design and make suggestions if they think the placement, design, or size may not look great when inked.
Finding the Right Artist
Hiring a skilled tattoo artist to perform your body art is essential. Not only will they help you with placement and design decisions, having your body art done by a licensed tattoo artist ensures that the process is done safely and that the design will look great.
Talk to friends, family, and coworkers who have tattoos and ask them for recommendations of artists they’ve used. Check their work and read reviews to see what other people say about them. Once you’ve done a bit of research, make an appointment with the artist you’ve chosen and take the time to express what kind of tattoo you want and answer any questions the artist may have.
Caring for Your Tattoo
Newly inked tattoos need time to heal. It’s important to follow instructions from your artist to ensure the best care for your tattoo. Some tips for taking care of your tattoo include moisturizing the area, avoiding direct sunlight, and not soaking in water.
No matter how gentle you are when cleaning your tattoo, it can still take several weeks in order to fully heal. During this time, resist the urge to pick or scratch at the area. Your skin will begin to flake during the healing process and it can be tempting to pick the dry skin; but resist the urge to do so as this can damage the design.
Taking the time to find the perfect design and artist, as well as properly caring for your tattoo will ensure that the body art looks amazing for years to come. Before getting a tattoo, ask friends, family, and coworkers who have tattoos and get their advice on the process and aftercare. Take the time to research designs, placement options, and talk with a licensed artist to get their opinion. Lastly, follow the after-care instructions provided to you by the artist to keep your tattoo looking its best.