Tattoos are beautiful. From many cultures, worn in many ways, one of the most powerful ways to express yourself is through a tattoo. Getting a tattoo can awaken a part of yourself you didn’t know you had, & even make you feel more confident & beautiful. But to get there, you have to have the courage to take the first step in actually getting a tattoo & trust us; we know that can be intimidating. Today, we’re going to talk about all that you need to know when getting your first tattoo, the choice, the fear, the pain, & all. Let’s get started.
It’s Going to Hurt
I’d love to be the person that tells you that getting a tattoo won’t hurt, but honestly, it will. The pain level will depend entirely on the individual, & if you aren’t good with needles or with seeing blood, it may be time to reconsider. Be honest with yourself & with your comfort level with needles, as tattoo sessions can last for hours & you don’t want to be scared out of your brains the whole time it’s happening! Something you’re also going to want to look into is tattoo care, and thankfully, you can find all you need to know about Tattoo After Care on Cosmopolitan.com.
Make Sure You Pick Something Meaningful
Perhaps the biggest problem with getting a tattoo is choosing a design. Often, we’re eager & we want this process to be quick & over with, but if you’re looking to create a meaningful tattoo, it’s going to take some time. If you aren’t sure where to start, think of something that has meaning to you that you can’t live without. Whether that’s a ninja turtle or a videogame character, if it’s special to you, then you do you, girl! But please, whatever you do, don’t get your girlfriend or boyfriend’s name tattooed on you. Just don’t. More about the entire process of getting a tattoo can be found on our post Tattoo Process Explained.
Tattoos Aren’t Cheap
Another important aspect of getting a tattoo is that you’re going to need to do some serious saving. Depending on the size or detail, you could spend anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand per session. Obviously, the smaller the tattoo, the less money you’ll be paying. But despite how much it can cost, it’s worth it if it means something to you. When it comes to creating a permanent art piece on your body, it isn’t that expensive in the long run.
Timing is Everything
And lastly, something to consider before committing is the downsides to getting tattoos at certain times. Ultimately, tattoo artists recommend getting new ink during the colder months as you will be out in less sun. If you didn’t know, the sun is the arch-nemesis of a healing, fresh tattoo, & can cause it to fade super quick (which is a big no-no). Make sure you reconsider getting that tattoo before the summer, as won’t be able to swim or tan! If you’re interested in learning more about what to expect when getting your first tattoo, check out the First Tattoo Guide for Tips & Tricks for Beginners.
