Tattoo Problems?

Question

My niece wants to get a tattoo. She just turned eighteen last month.
I think it’s a big mistake and so does the rest of the family.
She says, “She eighteen and she can do as pleases”.
Does anyone have any advice on this matter?

Two bracelets one for each wrist with the words Love and Hate

Answer 1

Not going to be much to do if she's that insistent upon it. I would suggest that someone in the family accompany her to whatever parlor she goes to to make sure it's a safe place.

Answer 2

The five things I considered before getting my tattoo:

1) Is it somewhere that I can cover if necessary (i.e. at work, on a job interview, etc)?

2) Is it somewhere that *I* can enjoy it without having to be a contortionist? If I'm getting it for ME, then I need to be able to enjoy looking at it. (If I'm getting it for someone else, well, that's a piss-poor reason to get one in the first place...)

3) Is it somewhere that won't sag, stretch, or droop? My body undergoes changes, and I'd better be sure that what started out as a birch tree doesn't turn into a weeping willow.

4) Is it something that is meaningful to ME, instead of just the off-the-rack flash art that everyone else has?

5) Is it something that I will still want on my body when I'm 40? 50? 60? Seriously? Honestly? If there is *any* hesitation whatsoever with regards to that question, then the answer is "WAIT." Tattoos go on a lot easier (and cheaper) than they come off.

That being said, the single most important piece of advice is GO TO A CLEAN, LICENSED SHOP. It will cost a little more in the short term, but it's worth it to avoid little things like Hepatitis...

Answer 3

Tattoos can be wonderful forms of expresion, or horribly regrettable mistakes. Either way, any form of body modification is an extremely individual choice. I feel that at no time should a responsible person try to convince another person not to modify themselves, or do anything that doesn't harm another.

Perhaps you and your family should consider asking her the reason behind her desire for a tattoo in an open and nonthreatening manner. You might find she feels badly or as though she is feeling attacked by all the negative responses. You may find she has a very good reason for wanting a tattoo, other than because she can.

Its true, she may regret it later, and if she does, then it wil be a constant reminder to think things through. If she loves it, then it can be the start of a life long appreciation of body art.

Answer 4

Support her completely.

Then, tell her how permanent it is going to be. While smiling, make sure that she understands that if she ever wants it taken off, it will be as painful - if not more so - than getting it in the first place. Also explain that in the process of removing the tattoo, it is very possible that there will be scaring and discoloration of the skin. Tell her that you completely respect her judgment and that you understand that once she has a knowledge of everything that there is to know about a tattoo, she will make a mature and prudent decision. Encourage her to talk to ALL of her friends that have one - especially those that have had them for more than 10 years - and to go online and research the matter.

Ultimately, she'll probably get one. You can't save people from themselves, and she is old enough to make decisions, albeit ones she will probably be sorry for later.

The more negative you and the family are, the more likely you will chase her to the nearest tattoo parlor. You only have a chance of her not doing it IF you are all supportive and sincerely care about her best interest and letting her make the decision.

Answer 5

Tattoo's are artwork, but they can also be disastrous. Ink is for life, and there can be health risks from getting inked at a dirty shop...such as, Hepatitis C.
If she is set on getting a tattoo, there is really nothing that the family can do because she is eighteen. I am sure she will research the pro's and the con's.
(The ink on the wrist's tends to expand even after the tattoo is inked. That is the same reason why artist's will rarely ink rings on fingers...etc). She might regret that later, but she has to make her own mistakes.
If she is in the state of Oregon, I have someone fabulous to recommend. I have a beautiful tattoo that takes up most of my back, but it is artwork...I do not regret it. I also have one on the top of my foot that has won 5 contest...beautiful.

Answer 6

If your niece is 18 then that means she can pretty much do whatever wants except for drinking of course. I see people with tattoos all the time at stores, streets, and in public. It grosses me out. But that is my opinion. Your niece will problably regret the tatttoo when she gets it or later in life when her kids ask why do you have a tattoo? It hurts very badly although i didn't get one., but i know someone that got one and she said (excuse my french) she said It hurt like hell and she wants it to be removed and regrets it. That is my opinion. I hope she regrets so she learns a lesson

-Happy New Year

Answer 7

Depends on the tattoo and where she wants to have it on her body. More than likely she will start with something small since it is her first (out of fear of pain). Tattoos are popular now with girls so my suggestion is as follows: First explain to her that it is painful. Find a very good professional tattoo artist that uses clean needles, etc. Let her get a small one in an area that is not obnoxiously obvious like on the face, neck, chest, forearm. Tattoos aren't so bad on the hip area as long as it isn't large. Also it should be a feminine tattoo. Nothing Gothic and dark, yuk! Good Luck!

Answer 8

I'm 41 and have 2 tattoos.
My mom never knew about them because she had the same feelings. Your niece is "of age" and will do as she pleases!!!
Hopefully she will get something small, feminine, and from a reputable shop.
There are a lot of CUTE tatts out there now, it's not like when you were young and they were all drunken sailor, naked women, black and gray tattoos. You might ask her what it is that appeals to her and help her decide on something. When I got my first one, I was collecting pigs and wanted a pig. Now that I have outgrown the "pig phase" I'm glad I chose a dolphin, for reasons other than just that it was my current collection.
The best advice I can offer you to give her............no names. There's nothing worse than breaking up with someone and having his/her name tattooed on you. (Even though my husband has my name tattooed on his chest, LOL)

Answer 9

I suggest someone in the family offering to pay for and accompany her for the tattoo for her 19th bDay. This way, she will have a year to reflect whether that tattoo is something she truly wants for the rest of her life and you can make sure she is going to a reputable shop/artist.

She will be getting a tattoo whether anyone in the family approves or not so the best thing you can do is help guide her with her decision.

Answer 10

If she decides to do it, there is no stopping her. Just make sure she goes to a reputable shop (or waits and saves her money until she can afford a good artist...which is another way of postponing it) and knows that whatever future career she chooses will have to be tattoo-friendly. Is she going to college for any particular career? if she wants to work with people in a professional environment (or teach kids) she will have to be able to hide the tats. This reasoning might help you convince her to move the tattoos to a less visible spot.

Answer 11

I would suggest something maybe a little smaller and more feminine that way she can still get the tattoo she wants and something that will be a little easier to live with later on pick up a tattoo magazine and show her some that are on the prettier side. When I got my first one my grandma was furious and wouldn't speak to me for a week when she saw in person that it was a rose I had gotten she lightened up saying at least I got something feminine