First tattoo? Consider these 6 questions carefully.
Your first tattoo might be the hardest one. It's definitely the one that will feel the most surreal! Due to the permanent nature of tattoos, many of us fear that we'll regret our tattoo later, so how do we know if we're ready?
The truth is, no one, not even yourself, can guarantee that you won't regret getting a tattoo. However, there are many questions you can ask yourself before taking the leap to minimize the chances of this happening.
1. HOW LONG HAVE YOU WANTED THAT TATTOO?
Spontaneity adds spice to life, but in the world of tattoos, patience can be helpful—especially when it comes to your first time. If the tattoo is something you’ve chosen impulsively or something that might not hold cultural relevance over time (what’s popular on TikTok today, for example, might be difficult to explain 40 years from now), you might want to wait 6 months to see if it's still what you truly want. Not all tattoos need to have deep or emotional meaning, but it's worth taking the time to carefully consider what you want permanently etched into your skin.
2. HAVE YOU RESEARCHED A SPECIFIC STYLE OR STUDIO?
If you’ve decided you’re ready for your first tattoo, it can be tempting to rush through the process. However, we strongly recommend holding off on the excitement until you’ve thoroughly researched the tattoo style you want and found a professional tattoo studio. It seems like there’s a tattoo studio on every street corner today, but it’s important to be a little critical. Check the studio's social media, look at the artists who work there, and see if you can find relevant information on their website. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide where you want to get your tattoo.
3. HAVE YOU SPOKEN WITH THE CHOSEN STUDIO?
Although it’s not always crucial to plan ahead, many people walk into a studio and never regret what they get. However, if you’re unsure or nervous about your first tattoo, we recommend starting a conversation with your chosen studio in advance. There, you can gather more information, and together you can discuss your desires in greater detail, as well as any concerns or questions you might have about pain or style.
4. HAVE YOU SAVED UP ENOUGH MONEY?
We understand. You want a tattoo, and you want it now. But cheap tattoos are never worth it. If you’re considering a larger tattoo like a sleeve or backpiece, and it means waiting another year to save up for something that will look striking or beautiful for the rest of your life, then do it. Smaller tattoos may not require that long of a wait. Poorly done tattoos can end up faded, unclear—or worse—permanently damaging your skin. "Cheap tattoos are not good, good tattoos are not cheap."
5. HAVE YOU DECIDED WHERE THE TATTOO SHOULD BE PLACED?
These days, people don't care as much about visible tattoos, but it's still worth considering where you want to place it. Some areas will be more exposed to sun damage and require more care, while others may be more painful to get done.
Should it be visible to yourself, or should everyone be able to see it? Will it be hidden under a t-shirt or waistband? Choose wisely, and if you’re unsure, ask us for advice. Still uncertain about the style? Wondering if the artist you’ve chosen is the right one for you after all? At Attitude, we’ve carefully selected the best artists. Share your idea with us, and we’ll help you find your dream artist and get the perfect first tattoo. Send us your inquiry today, completely without obligation.
6. F*** I REGRET, WHAT DO I DO NOW?
Take it easy, breathe deeply and calmly, there’s no need to panic; this can be resolved. Sometimes a tattoo may not turn out exactly as you imagined, or perhaps you simply regret the design. It happens.
If you read interviews with various tattoo artists in our magazine, you’ll find that they all have tattoos they might wish they didn’t have. For example, if it’s the name of your ex-partner and you begin to develop negative feelings toward that person, that tattoo might become a reminder you'd rather have done without.
Then you actually have two options. Either you can do a "cover-up" and create a new design over the old tattoo, or you can consider laser removal. It will be gone!
You can find laser removal here.
Wishing you good luck with your decision!
We are here to help whether this is your first tattoo or if you need assistance with a cover-up.
