Top tips for tattoos

With life slowly getting back to normality and close contact services recently reopening, one thing that many people are booking is tattoos!

Maybe lockdown has inspired you to finally get that tattoo you have been wanting to book for years, maybe you have lost someone and want a permanent dedication to them or maybe you fancy doing something a little different to your body? It can be a daunting experience; it is a decision that will be with you forever! As someone with nearly 20 tattoos I’ve shared a few tips if you are thinking of taking the plunge or need reassurance before your appointment! 

Research your artist

This is the most important tip I could give! Please before booking check out local artists online and investigate them as much as you can! Look at their style of work and see if you would be happy with their art on you! There is no point in going to an artist who specialises in realism when you’re looking for a fine line piece, you’ll regret it and could’ve easily found an alternative! 

Message the artist and see if they would be able to do the design you are looking for! A lot of the time they will also create you a unique design based on your ideas and references! It is worth the conversation and guaranteed you will feel confident before you book!

Plan and save

Tattoos can be costly, believe me! Big designs can be up to and sometimes even £500 + which is a lot, especially when a lot of people have lost their jobs or little income due to Covid. However, the end product will be worth it if you’re going to an artist you love! 

Most artists will be booked months in advance which does give you the opportunity to save up money before your appointment! However, plan a date when you have got some free time. Sometimes they hurt and almost always they scab, so maybe avoid getting one before getting off on holiday.

Follow the aftercare

If you are a frequent booker and have a few tattoos, you will know how important aftercare is. Why sacrifice a great piece by cutting corners whilst it is healing? 

Always keep it moisturised! I use Palmers Cocoa Butter which has been recommended by multiple artists but ask them yourself. Your artist might use a different cream which works just as well! 

No sun! Keep your tattoo out of the sun for as long as possible during the healing process as it could be detrimental.

Avoid soaking it and stick to showers rather than baths during the healing process as you should avoid soaking it in bodies of water. However, do not panic if it does get wet, it happens! Keep it clean and hydrated in showers or with a wet cloth.

Any questions will mostly always have a good answer from your artist, and they’ll give you the best service possible as it is their work.