When you want to get a tattoo for the first time, there are a number of things you should definitely consider. It’s something you carry with you for the rest of your life. therefore it is advisable to think carefully about the design. Nothing is as beautiful as a unique tattoo. It is also good to pay attention to which tattoo parlor you get the tattoo at. A good tattoo shop meets certain conditions. The care of the tattoo also requires the necessary attention.
The design
Realize that a tattoo is something permanent, something that you carry with you for life. So think carefully about the design you want to have and its location on the body. In principle, a tattoo can be placed on any part of the body.
There are many books in a tattoo parlor from which you can get inspiration for the design of your tattoo. But of course it is also possible to make a design yourself first. You can then work out the design together with a tattoo artist. These people have a lot of experience with this and can translate your wishes into the perfect picture. In any case, make sure that the design of your tattoo is unique! Of course you don’t want something on your body that many other people have.
Choosing a tattoo parlor
Also take a good look at which tattoo parlor you prefer. Not every tattoo parlor works the same way. Some only work by appointment and have waiting lists of up to several months. Other tattoo parlors only work without an appointment. You should also pay close attention to whether a tattoo parlor meets the health requirements set there. The tattoo shop must be a member of the Dutch Association of Tattoo Artists. When this is the case, you know that the work is done hygienically. This limits the risk of infections.
Getting the tattoo
The tattoo is made using an electric needle, which introduces color pigments into the skin. The tattoo artist will first draw the design on the skin so that it is clear how it will look exactly. Only then will the tattoo actually be done. First the main points will be set. These are then colored in and shadow effects are applied. This coloring does not have to be with a color, but can also be done with black ink. If you opt for a small tattoo, for example a letter or symbol, the tattoo often takes no longer than 20 to 30 minutes. But there are also tattoos that require several days of work! When the tattoo is ready, the tattoo artist will explain how to care for the tattoo. He will also apply some nourishing cream and cover the tattoo with some transparent foil. The tattoo artist will often give you a cream to use at home.
Aftercare
The tattoo artist will always provide instructions on how to care for the tattoo. Often a letter is also provided, so that you can read at home what you should pay attention to. You should
carefully observe the following things during the first week after having a tattoo:
- Do not go swimming with the tattoo
- Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight, and sunbeds are also not recommended
- Do not scratch the scabs on the tattoo
- Make sure your clothing does not rub the tattoo
- Do not wear woolen clothing over the tattoo, as lint can irritate the ‘wound’
- Only rinse the tattoo with water, no soap
- Do not rub the tattoo with a towel, but pat it dry with a clean towel