Sexy. Tough. Cute. Trendy. Youthful. Pretty. Tattoos are done for many reasons, but one thing that is held in common is that they are done to add your appearance. So you’ve already decided they are cool, and that you could bear the pain and the permanent quality…don’t rush off to the tattoo parlor just yet! Take a step back and absorb some tips that will make the process much less stressful and boost your chances of having great results.

DO remember that getting a tattoo can be a longer process than you think. Generally speaking you will spend several hours at the parlor, not just physically getting the tattoo, but also talking with your tattoo artist and waiting time factor in much of the hours. If you want to get a multi-colored tattoo, you will have to go in for more than one session. The artist must do the colors in layers and leave time for each layer to heal before he/she starts the next one. Pain varies from person to person and design of course, but for your first tattoo, try a fairly simple design in one color. This all has to do not just with pain, but also with care of the new tattoo.

DO have the time and commitment to care for a tattoo. It’s not as simple as walking in, getting inked, and then hitting the beach to show off your tat in a swimsuit. Tattoos are literally scratches on your skin, you have to allow time for it to heal or infection/irritation is a guarantee. If you don’t properly care for the tattoo, you will mess it up! Care is not just a "safety" issue, it is essential to having a design that is worth the permanence of the procedure. A tattoo needs a lot of attention the first two weeks and is not really just a part of your skin for another few months. In other words, a tattoo is open to irritation from the moment it’s finished to many weeks after.