10 Things You Should Know Before Getting Your First Tattoo

Getting a tattoo is sort of like your big day. ? Choose wisely and you'll be happy for a lifetime or make a poor decision and end up regretting it or even going through a painful removal process.

To help you make the right decision, we've rounded up the 10 things you should know before getting your first tattoo.

Keep reading to find out more!

#1 It's expensive

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Average prices in Singapore start from about $50 for a tiny, simple tattoo and can go up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars for larger and more intricate designs.

If any fading or warping occurs as the years go by, you may need to get touch-ups which adds to your expenses!

#2 Don't be a cheapskate

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Bargaining with a tattoo artist can be considered disrespectful. If the prices are too high, look for less famous tattoo artists who are just as talented but with more affordable rates.

It's also important to place safety and hygiene before a good deal. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is!

#3 Pain and infection

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The bigger the tattoo and the more elaborate the design, the more painful it will be. If not taken care of properly, tattoos can get infected too! The body part you tattoo will also affect how much pain you feel.

If you have a very low pain threshold, you may want to reconsider getting a tattoo.

#3 Fading and warping

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Thin and colourful tattoos are the most susceptible to fading and shifting. The body part you tattoo also matters! Read up on what are the best parts of your body to tattoo and the ones to avoid so it'll last long.

Tattoos that are exposed to sunlight will fade so you need to be selective of when to show it off. When you have it displayed in sunlight, you have to slather it with sunscreen religiously!

#4 Consider future tattoo plans

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If you're getting your first tattoo, there's no harm in starting small. Getting a small tattoo is a great way to learn about the tattoo process, how your skin takes ink and get you mentally prepared for a larger and more elaborate tattoo.

If you do decide on a small tattoo, consider your future tattoo plans. Tattoos can be addictive and you might be tempted to keep getting more and more tattoos. Make sure to consider your possible future tattoos so that your earlier tattoos don't get in a way of an idea you have later on.

#5 Don't drink alcohol before you get tattooed

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You've seen people waking up to new tattoos after getting drunk in movies and TV shows, but it's really not a good idea to drink before getting tattooed.

Alcohol thins blood and can make you bleed more while you're getting a tattoo. Besides the health cons, the excess bleeding may also mess with the tattoo design.

#7 Check for hygiene and sanitisation level

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Make sure the tattoo artist and parlour is reputable and has proper sanitisation procedures.

Visit the tattoo parlour before you get your tattoo to check the cleanliness and overall comfort level. As you'll be spending a few hours sat in one position and gritting your teeth in pain, it's best if you're in a comfortable environment.

#8 Aftercare

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A fresh tattoo is basically an open wound that needs care. Resist the urge to flaunt your new tattoo as direct sunlight and people's curious fingers are not ideal for a new tattoo.

You will need to apply a moisturiser formulated specially for fresh tattoos that you can find in most tattoo parlours. Avoid baths, saunas, swimming pools or any situation where your tattoo will be soaked in water. Make sure to take quick showers and use mild soap.

If all this seems like too much work or you're the type of person who is lax when it comes to hygiene and taking care of wounds, a tattoo may not be a good idea!

#9 It will itch

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Once the pain starts to fade, itching will take its place.

Never scratch your tattoo as that may ruin its design or cause an infection from the bacteria on your nails. If the itch is too unbearable, you can tap your tattoo lightly.

#10 You may regret it

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This is pretty obvious but something that needs to be reinforced! There are certain tattoo designs that you might regret later on such as someone's name, someone's face, an impulse tattoo or a trendy tattoo design that will look dated in a few years.

If you've made it to the end of this article and feel confident in getting inked, check out some of our tattoo ideas or 10 awesome tattoo artists to follow on Instagram for inspiration!

Share this article with your friends who are thinking of getting their first tattoo!

Text by: GirlStyle SG