Ok you tattooed people!! I'm thinking about getting my first one....what can you tell me????

Question

I am a 28 year old female and have been thinking about doing this for a long time so I am 100% sure I want to do it but I need to hear from those of you who have them! I want it on my side just above my waist (kinda on my ribcage)....my profession doesn't allow for it to be visible. I am planning on something about 4"x4" and colorful. What can to tell me about pain, location, tattoo parlors and artists? How do I know if a place is clean? Does anyone have a horror story? I want to hear anything and everything you can tell me so that this is a positive, surprise-free experience! Thank you!!!!!

Answer 1

First of all, yes, it's going to hurt. It all depends on how close the bone is to the skin in that area. The closer to the bone, the more it hurts. As for the healing, it feels a lot like a bad sunburn. Tight, itchy, and it burns. I use non-scented Lubriderm while it's healing.

As for a clean tattoo parlor, avoid any place that just has a long bar-like area with a mirror where they just line people up and tattoo them. It's extremely unsanitary to have people's blood and skin tissue flying around about six inches from each other. Usually there are a ton of places downtown (or whatever area of your city has a lot of bars) that do that, and they also tattoo people that come in drunk from partying and want a tattoo. AVOID those places. If they will tattoo people that are drunk (which is illegal) they won't worry a whole lot about sanitation. Good luck, and I hope you love it. I know I love mine!

Answer 2

Well The first Thing you want to do is Pick a design with some meaning. Find some that suits the area well, I believe Tattoo's can accentuate a body part when the tattoo is th right shape !!

I have 12 Tattoo's all custom pieces, one of a kind all designed with the location in mind !!

The Rib cage is usually quite pain full !! People are different though what hurts one wont necessarily hurt someone else !!

Do your research on the Tattoo Parlour, Go visit it , look at their portfolio, They should have lots of pictures of previous Tattoos for you too look at. Find someone who's artistic style is pleasant to you!!
Above all else a tattoo is forever, so put some thought into it. Take your time and find the absolute right piece for you!!

And I honestly suggest a custom piece, nothing sucks more than seeing your tattoo on someone else !!!

Answer 3

The closer to your heart and the tighter skin is the more it will hurt. I have one on my back, left shoulder, and it felt like someone scratching at a sunburn with their fingernails. Eventually the skin went completely numb, and all I felt was a dull scraping ache. It took about an hour for my tat to be finished, and I love it--a woad blue double trinity knot. If you want it on your back, it's less painful. On your belly it's hell, from what I've been advised. Best placement is on an area that won't be subject to stretching or retracting due to weight gain, loss or resdistribution over time. So, no belly, butt, thighs or breasts... UNLESS you're positive you will never lose or gain weight for the rest of your life.
Cleanliness-- look for equipment that is covered in plastic to protect against grease or chameical contamination, fresh ink (or ink dipped out of sterile containers), rubber gloves on the artist, frequent hand washing; use of rubbing alcohol, antibacterial ointment, and disinfectants. Also, I was told by many friends that the best way to ensure a well-finished tattoo is for the artist to smear the new inkwork with a petrolatum-based ointment, and then tape a sheet of plastic sheet-wrap over the work. This ensures that the skin stays moist and doesn't come in direct contact with air, which in turn keeps scabbing (which causes scarring and distortion) to a minimum.

Answer 4

I can tell you about the clean places in my area, but you need to ask real live people living in your area that have tatoos where they go. That's going to be more helpful.
Yes, tattoos are painful, but if you really want it then its not even that big of a deal, especially under your arm. It isnt a super sensitive place. Also, find an artist that will hellp you draw your tatoo and also physically do the tatoo. Let them know what you want, thats their job so they should help you. if they dont seem to be helping or get irritated with you then leave and find someone else.

Answer 5

i have 6 tattoos, the side is the most painful, ask people in your area about the artist, you want to know if they have a heavy hand, if they do it will hurt alot more and your lines will be wide, look at there work, if you haven't had kids yet stay away from your side, make your tat your own, draw up a pictures or something like that, but make it your own, don't take one off the wall or from a book, its going to hurt a little but it is worth it !!!!

Answer 6

I can tell you that the bonier the area, the more the process hurts. Mine is on my ankle and it hurt worse than childbirth! My friend's, on a fleshier area, hurt her a lot less. I haven't regretted it, though. Most tatoo parlors will show you that they use a new needle for each client. If the place you've selected doesn't, or doesn't show you, it's time to find a new place.

Answer 7

Ok, just so you don't change your mind about where you want to put it, DO NOT PUT IT ON YOUR LOWER BACK, EVEN IF IT IS NOT VISIBLE!! Today, putting a tattoo on your lower back is officially known as a tramp stamp/hoe-tag. That is something that was passed on from the outside world. My mom wants to get one that is on her ankle. Small butterfly, on the inside of right ankle. That seems like a resonable place to put it.

Someone told me about their friends brother getting a tattoo and then the skin where he got tatooed, got totally infected, and it still hasn't recovered. He has a big red scar on his right arm where he was planning on getting a big scary dragon.

I am just trying to help you out since you asked.

ktluvaxx :)

Answer 8

Have the new wife's face put into it. Just a matter of time anyway. Personally when doing tats of future exes, I prefer using the rack instead of jackals.Most women prefer the rack because the elongation makes them appear thinner. Or if you are a hip, modern guy, perhaps the flesh eating bacteria tat of wifey.Now, that would be groovy.

Answer 9

it really hurts in less flesh part.
you have to check the needle ir its sealed and brand new and check the place before you decide.
i had 3.. at the back neck,lower back hip,upper right back near to shoulder and i can say the most painful is in my lower back hip.
i can hide them if i like and i can show them if i like.
Dont eat sea foods or any forbidden food atleast one week for your safety,they will tell you.

Answer 10

Just do what you think is right but don't regret it later.