What do I need to know before getting a tattoo?

Having an idea of the design you want (may I suggest a gorgeous moon tattoo??) and where you want it placed is important to know beforehand, yes, but choosing your tattoo artist is just Ink Fanatic Tattoo Studio as key to getting a tattoo you’ll be happy with. Check that the place looks clean, that it has good artwork on the walls, and that you get good vibes from the staff, then schedule a consultation with the artist to talk about pricing and any questions you might have. Also: if you have dark skin and want a tattoo, take a look at your artists’ IG to make sure they have experience tattooing people with your skin tone too.

You can (and should!) also ask to see the artist’s state tattoo license to make sure he or she has completed the necessary requirements (like, for instance, a safety course on blood-borne pathogens. Trust—it’s important). And if the artists aren’t using gloves and single-use needles, run. Fast.

Related Story
Finger, Nail, Hand, Wedding ring, Manicure, Ring, Material property, Gesture, Thumb, Nail care,
19 Small Hand Tattoos You’re Really Gonna Want
What are some tattoo risks?
Tattoo reactions are not common, but when they do occur, they’re difficult to treat. Dr. Henry says red dye is one of the most common dyes to which allergy is reported, so if that’s the color you’re wanting to use, make sure to talk to your dermatologist first about your concerns. And if you’ve previously had allergic reactions to hair dye, costume jewelry, or cheap fragrances, dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, says you might have a higher risk of developing a reaction, so, again, talk to your doctor.

What should you do after getting a tattoo?
Steer clear of any body of water for two weeks after your tattoo is completely finished. During that time, stick to showers (no baths!) and stay out of saunas, hot tubs, pools, lakes, oceans, ponds—you get the idea—to prevent infection. You’ll even want to avoid strenuous activity that can cause lots of sweating, like working out.

As far as tattoo aftercare, Roman says for the first few days, leave it clean and dry. Wash it twice daily with a fragrance-free gentle cleanser, pat it dry, and let it air out. After those first few days, you’ll notice the tattoo dry out, tighten up, and get a little itchy, but don’t scratch! Picking at your scab and skin can remove some of the ink too. Instead, continue washing it twice a day with your gentle cleanser, and add light layers of a fragrance-free lotion or tattoo lotion to address the itch and keep the skin moisturized.