AKA:
Getting inked
What is a tattoo?
A permanent mark on the skin made by ink or pigment.
For thousands of years, people have been getting tattoos. For body adornment. As an expression of individuality. Or rebellion. Others were branded a criminal or slave with tattoos.
More young people are getting inked now, than ever before. I blame David Beckham. He's running out of arm space.
How is it done?
A tattooist inserts ink into the skin, using needles. Most often nowadays, they use an electric tattoo machine. This drives the needles into our skin about 80 to 150 times per second.
Is it painful?
Some people find it painful, others just irritating or uncomfortable. A common description is that it feels like a 'hot scratch'
Should I get a tattoo?
If you have to ask - the answer is no. Remember you have to live with this forever. No matter what you do, what you where or how your body changes.
Am I allowed to get a tattoo?
It's illegal to get a tattoo if you're under 18, so be prepared to show ID.
Where should I get it done?
It is important to find a good, safe tattooist. Three things to do:
- Ask someone you know who has had a tattoo where they would recommend
- Visit as many tattooists as you can. Ask to see a portfolio of their work and certificates of training and hygiene/first aid. Take someone along with you, if this makes it easier to ask.
- Trust your instincts: does the place feel, look and smell clean? Can you trust the tattooist - are they open to questions, do they explain things well? If you're not sure - leave.
What are the risks?
Tattoos use needles under the skin. So the biggest risk is from unclean needles, which can spread nasty diseases like HIV and Hepatitis. Tattooists should use sterile equipment and fresh needles. Every time.
Some people are allergic to the pigment used to make the tattoo. This can take some time to develop, but the tattoo becomes uncomfortable and sore. It may be necessary to remove it.
Some tattoos are uncomfy in the sun or when they get hot.
Regret. This is the most frequent problem. About a third of people with tattoos regret having them.
Can't I get my tattoo removed?
This is possible, but expensive. And often painful. If you think you might change your mind, stick with temporary tattoos. Some are very realistic. We needn't have fairies and butterflies like we did as a kid.
Further help and advice
www.gettingatattoo.com/tattoo-before.htm
Written by Dr Melissa Sayer
Last updated 17th June 2007
Previous article
Megan , 14
I want tattoos when I'm older, 18, although I am possitive I want tattoos I want to be possitive of the designs before I do anyhing perminant...
Laura, 13
Tatoo's Are great if you choose the right one in the right place. Right?I Want a Star on my belly so i can cover it up when i wnt! :)
jane, 17
i think u sood just stick wiv henna cos it looks nice and realistic and u can keep on havin that done if u want but wen u get bored of it it will just cum off another option is doin the same but airbrushing it and i think it is a good idea cos my big sis who is 29 has been doin the henna 1 4 7 years now but she is startin 2 get bored of the design so she is gunna leave it now
Poppy, 19
i had my first tattoo when i was 13 because the tattoo-ist offered to do it cheap. i didn't get a choice of what it was, so now i've got my name tattoo-ed across my wrist i really regret it. I now have 4 ; 3 stars across the back of my neck, a heart on my hip, a cat on my shoulder and the tattoo i mentioned earlier.
j, 14
i was thinking of getting a tatoo done next year but my friend had one done when she was 16 and now regrets it. its best to try out a few temporary ones first until your 100% sure you want a permanent one.
K, 15
i got my first tattoo the other day. i got 3 stars on my belly and i love it :) its just started to scab so it should be fully healed soon :) its onli small and as its on my belly easy to cover up if i didnt like it any more :) and tbf it didnt hurt half as much as i thought it did although no matter what anybody says you can feel it and it does hurt a lil bit. but its 100% worth the pain :Dx
Drew, 19
Ive got 3 tattoos and i believe that if and when you get a tattoo it has to be something that has some significance to you and your life , otherwise its a waste of time, pain and money
Ian, 40
A quick comment about the advice above. It is illegal to have a tattoo under the age of 18. You can't get parental consent for it. I know because my 15 year old step-son has just told us that he's had one done on his chest with his Dads consent. We've investigated it and found out from the Police what I've just written. We're considering shopping the tattooist and my stepsons Dad because he's aided and abetted the offence by signing to say the lad's 16. The tattooist needs to learn the law and we feel this is the only way. I've wanted a tatto for nearly 20 years now, but I still havn't found something individual and unique that I want to live with for the rest of my life.
Serena, 15
I've been thinking alot about getting a tatoo when I'm older, but I don't want a really big one in a place where you can't cover it up when you want. A=I think if you get too many tattoos it can look horrible on some people
victoria, 18
I've got about 25 tattoos, first one when i was 15. i love them, i wear them with confidence and they arnt small.
Jen, 15
I wouldn't get a tattoo as I always hear stories about unclean needles, which would freak me out!!!
Lucie, 14
I really want one at the bottom of my back, but after reading half these comments I'm scared. I don't want to catch a disease and I dont want it to stretch or anything. I'm a wuss so I would have to take someone with me!
Amy, 16
I have 2 tattoo's , a flower on my foot and a tribal with butterflies going up my spine. i love the one on my back, but the one on my foot i really regret! getting it removed when i find the money!
Emily, 14
I am considering getting a tatoo when I am older, but am still not sure. I've been trying out some different designs with henna, and they look very realistic...some people have even asked me if they're real. If you're not sure, try getting a henna tatoo to impersonate a real one, to see how it would look.
Lucky, 16 years old
Well i got 3 tattoo's when i was 15 years old..and i love my tattoo's but there are a couple days where i said to myself that i shouldnt have gotten any until i was older...
claire, 18
i have 3 tattoos 2 ov which i had b4 i was 18 nd their the 2 i regret as they are on show. make sure u think about as when u go for job interviews most inployers dont like them on show. be wise
Bee, 18
I have 2 tattoo's a butterly at the bottom of my back and 4 tiny stars on my foot, and i love them loads, mainly because i designed them myself and they have a personal meaning too me. I think tattoo's look good if the right people do them and (although it sounds silly) you feel confident wearing them. I don't regret having mine at all and love showing them off, but they're also in places easy to cover up should i ever get bored of them.
Lea, 17
Half my friends have got tattoos, one of my friends has 6 and i think she will regret it as they are not even small.I dont want tattoos as im the type of person who would get bored of it.I always think you should really fully think it through. I mean it may look good now but when your 35 do you still want it?
onelife
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