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Photo: Dan Queiroz / Flickr

Tattoos are making a mainstream comeback, appearing on the wrists, hips and biceps of models and celebrities, and inspiring thousands of people around the world, young and old, to get permanently inked. When it comes to tattoos, however, be careful. Not all tattoos are created equal, and not all tattooists know what they are doing.

Stars like Angelina Jolie (who has numerous tattoos adorning her back and arms) and Fearne Cotton (who has, you guessed it, a fern stretched out across her ribs and some tacky Chinese symbols on her hips) have aroused more interest in tattoos, and encouraged fans to grit their teeth in anticipation of that buzzing magnum needle pushing t ink into their pores.

The good, the bad and the hep C

Photo: chris_natt / Wikimedia Commons

Deciding on a tattoo should take a while, and the best tattoos are generally original ideas, not something chosen from a book or copied off a celebrity. Getting the name of a boyfriend/girlfriend is a big no-no – the pain of having to get that name lasered off will hurt more than your aching heart. Random Chinese symbols, dolphins jumping over rainbows and band names are all kitsch. Tribal tattoos have an heir of tackiness about them, as do fairies, gnomes, elves and random phrases (think Megan Fox’s ‘gilded butterfly wings’ gibberish emblazoned on her shoulder blade).

Tattoo placement is also important. Facial and neck tattoos should be left to the die-hard fans and people who have made tattooing their life (think Kat von D, not Mike Tyson).

Finding a good tattooist can make an average tattoo stand out. Generally giving your chosen tattooist some range when it comes to designing and creative input will ensure a good outcome. Doing a background check on your tattooist of choice is also a good idea.

Always make sure your tattooist uses clean needles in a sterile environment. Dirty, used needles can transmit HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C (just like Pamela Anderson, who, by the way has her own slew of terrible tattoos. Barbed wire is a good look on… no one).

Aftercare

Photo: Yabon_Gorky / Flickr

Taking care of your tattoo is as important as choosing the right tattooist. If you do not look after your new tattoo, it could turn into a disaster, leaving you with patches of faded colour and deep scars. Your tattooist will probably rub an ointment such as Bepanthen Nappy Rash Ointment or Preparation H (they both work like a charm) on your new tattoo before wrapping it up in cling film.

Stay away from hot showers and baths as they will draw out the ink, gently clean the tattoo with a mild antibacterial soap (it is still an open wound, after all, which is a breeding ground for bacteria), and wrap your tattoo in cling film for a few days. It is also advisable to avoid direct sunlight, and when you do go into the sun, always use a good sunscreen to protect your tattoo from fading.

A good tattoo is worth the pain, as long as it’s a piece of art that you’ll be happy to live with for the rest of your life. Whatever you do, don’t get a tattoo just to follow current trends – you will come to regret it.

Tags: tattoo