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Worth inking about

Are you SURE you’re ready for your first tattoo? Consider this checklist before you take the plunge

It's a life-changing decision that shouldn't be rushed - this will help you figure out if you're making the right choice

ARE you contemplating getting a tattoo that will be etched on your skin for the rest of your life?

Sounds pretty scary when it's put like that, doesn't it?

It's the kind of thing that shouldn't be done on a whim - you need to be absolutely certain before taking the plunge and undergoing the body artist's needle.

Here are some dos and don'ts to think about before coming to a decision...

Be original

Get a tattoo with a memory, story or emotion behind it - it should be meaningful
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Get a tattoo with a memory, story or emotion behind it - it should be meaningfulCredit: Getty Images

A tattoo must be something that is meaningful to YOU - don’t get a tattoo just because you saw something on the internet that looks 'cute' or 'cool'.

If you don’t have an idea that you're absolutely in love with, then it’s probably worth avoiding the tattoo parlour for now.

Location, location, location

Don't get a tattoo on a part of your body that you may regret in later life
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Don't get a tattoo on a part of your body that you may regret in later lifeCredit: Getty Images

A tattoo can be done  anywhere on your body. You need to think hard if you want your tattoo to appear to the world or remain hidden under clothes.

Does it have to be a certain place to give it importance?

It is also important to remember to place your tattoo somewhere it can be concealed - maybe from a boss, parent or perhaps at a fancy business dinner.

Don't follow trends

A tattoo must be meaningful to YOU... don't follow stupid trends
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A tattoo must be meaningful to YOU... don't follow stupid trendsCredit: Getty Images

Are you getting this tattoo because it is of importance to you, or because everyone else is getting one?

If you’re not 100 per cent sure you want a tattoo - and you don't feel passionate about your choice - then properly mull it over it until you’re certain.

Many tattoo artists suggest that if you really want something, then wait two years and see if you’ve changed your mind.

If you haven’t then go for it.

Paying the price

Tattoos can be very expensive
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Tattoos can be very expensiveCredit: Getty Images

Are you prepared to pay that amount of money?

If a tattoo is not something that you desperately want, are you really happy to spend a large chunk of your pay-check on one?

If you really want a tattoo, then you won’t let the price get in the way...

Personalised problems

If you're considering getting a tattoo for any of these reasons, you really should think hard before inking your skin because you could live to regret it...

Getting a name of a boyfriend or girlfriend is a dangerous move. After all, you won't want a permanent reminder of them if you break up.

Honouring a memory is sweet, but constantly being reminded of something sad can cause serious mental issues
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Honouring a memory is sweet, but constantly being reminded of something sad can cause serious mental issuesCredit: Getty Images

Also, a reminder of a bad memory can be bad for your mental health.

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TATT'S YER LOT, PET

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Katie Price tells The Sun that devoted husband Kieran's inked tribute to her isn't done yet
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Paris Jackson pays tribute to her popstar dad Michael with another Bad tattoo

When you are certain:

Research

Remember to research before deciding where to get your tattoo done
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Remember to research before deciding where to get your tattoo doneCredit: Getty Images

It is important to do your research before you get your tattoo.

You need to find a good, clean, reliable licenced tattoo artist – and this can take time.

When you’re looking online it’s important to look at the artist’s portfolio and NOT the price. However, it is true that higher prices normally go hand in hand with higher quality - so it's definitely worth forking out the extra.

Don't Drink

Alcohol and tattoos is just not a good combination!
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Alcohol and tattoos is just not a good combination!Credit: Getty Images

Remember not to drink 24 hours before getting a tattoo.

Alcohol dilutes the blood, making it bleed more when getting tattooed - this makes it a lot messier and provides more of a challenge to the artist to be exact with his needle.

And obviously don't get a tattoo while you're drunk!

Eat

Don't starve yourself on the day - you need to be comfortable in the chair - and prevent a fainting episode
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Don't starve yourself on the day - you need to be comfortable in the chair - and prevent a fainting episodeCredit: Getty Images

Eat before you go to get tattooed or bring some food– it wouldn't be ideal if you passed out halfway through your inking.

Be Safe

Make sure that the equipment being used on you is clean and safe
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Make sure that the equipment being used on you is clean and safeCredit: Getty Images

Before you get started, properly check the equipment and make sure it's being opened from the sealed packages.

As long as you've gone to a reputable business, this simply won't be something you'll need to worry about.

Ouch...

It will hurt - this is something that just needs to be accepted
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It will hurt - this is something that just needs to be acceptedCredit: Getty Images

If you've got a low pain threshold, hate the sight of blood or can't bear needles, the likelihood is a tattoo simply isn't for you.

Audience

Don't bring everyone you know to come and watch - less is more. One or two friends are enough
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Don't bring everyone you know to come and watch - less is more. One or two friends are enoughCredit: AP:Associated Press

Don’t invite a whole group to your inking.

It will disturb the artist and might even make you question your design if one of them comments on it.

Bring one or two, but no more!

Take Care

Take care of your tattoo! You're going to have it forever so don't mess it up the first day
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Take care of your tattoo! You're going to have it forever so don't mess it up the first dayCredit: Getty Images

It's vitally important that you follow the care instructions when you have got your tattoo.

If it wasn’t important then they wouldn’t waste their time telling you in great detail.

REMEMBER to use the ointment you are given and to put factor 50 sunscreen on it in the sun.

Most importantly, don’t poke, rub or scratch it while it’s healing.

 

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