If you ask me, #YOLO is leading a lot of people to make some seriously bad decisions. And tattoos might actually top that list. Now just because you’re not planning to get a Deepika Padukone-esque RK tattoo, doesn’t mean you’re exempt.
Trust me, there’s a whole lot you don’t know about tattoos (and my tattooed friends would agree).
In fact, here are 10 things they wish they knew before they got inked.
It’s Okay to Start Small
Sure, you are tempted to go for that huge-ass phoenix across your back, but if the pain is more than you imagined, you’d rather have a tiny airplane at your ankle than a half-finished bird on your back.
The Tattoo Changes With Your Body and With Time
Of course you’re not thinking of babies when you’re getting your first tattoo, but stretch marks and pregnancy are very much a reality as you grow older. Think about where you want to get your tattoo accordingly.
Tattoos on Some Body Parts Hurt More Than Others
Certain parts are bonier than others, like your shoulders, ribs or feet. Tattooing these spots is more likely to hurt than tattooing areas like your thigh, lower stomach or upper arm.
More Retouching = More Pain
Tattoos on areas that are exposed to water very often – like the palm of your hand or the soles of your feet – will naturally wear out faster and need retouching.
So beware!
Everyone’s Tolerance for Pain is Different
So your friend said getting a tattoo felt like an ant bite. Well, mine told me that it felt like a bee stinging her over and over and over again on the same exact spot, and then again on the next spot till the whole tattoo was completed.
Ouch!
That Extra Rs1,000 may Actually be Worth it
Experience counts. Ask your friends where they got their tattoos done and make sure you like the artist’s work.
P.S. Don’t go asking for discounts. You may live to regret it.
Take a BFF
For one, you’ll have moral support, someone to talk you through it. You can also have this person monitor the progress of the tattoo if it’s in a spot you cannot see.
Shave it Off!
If you haven’t already waxed, the area you are tattooing might be shaved first.
A word of advice: Make sure the spot is hair-free before you arrive to save you time and trouble.
People Judge. A Lot
Remember, you are just as beautiful without a tattoo. But if it’s something you really want, go for it. People are going to say all kinds of things about your tattoo and judge you for it too, but don’t let that get to you.
You Might Have to Explain it to Your Kids, One Day
Lastly, your tattoo must be something you can stand by for the rest of your life, so don’t just flip through a book of designs and pick one.
(Lisabelle Gonsalves has recently turned freelance writer, after a 10-year career in lifestyle journalism. A travel blogger with a borderline unhealthy love for shoes, when she isn’t writing for her favourite beats – fashion, food and travel – she’s daydreaming about boogying with Meghan Trainor. Don’t judge.)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)