The Cougar's Byte

Issue date: 6/18/07 Section: Campus Life

You see people showing them off around campus and you wonder, "Did that hurt?" Well we are talking about the illusive tattoo. So, you go up to the person who has the "ink" and you ask if it hurt and their response is, "well it didn't tickle!" Tattoos do hurt and if somebody says they don't, they are not being completely honest. It's a bearable pain though, meaning it hurts, but it doesn't hurt enough to stop people from getting multiple tattoos. If a person has one tattoo showing, chances are they have others covered up. You may be considering getting one yourself, but make sure you think long and hard about it before you jump into the car and drive over to the tattoo shop. This piece of art will be with you forever, so make sure you are getting something that when you are 80 years old you won't mind showing off. Tattoos can be a great tribute to an organization, a person, pet, or favorite thing. As you are on your way to getting a tattoo make sure you read over the tips below to make sure your tattoo experience leaves you planning your next one.

Once you have figured out you definitely want one and have an idea of what you want, then finding a safe place is the next step. You don't want to just stop at any shop and get tattooed. Research around your area and ask others who have tattoos where they went. Even shop around yourself and see what local tattoo shops have to offer. Find a place that is not only clean, but has friendly people working. Most importantly make sure you feel calm and comfortable when you go in. If a place makes you nervous or you just get a bad vibe, walk out. Never get tattooed in a place that makes you feel uncomfortable.

Once you find your place and make your appointment, bring someone with you. This person should be able to talk you through it, if you need someone supportive. Having support with you can make the time go faster. Most tattoo shops allow you to bring someone with you in the room, so don't worry about whether your person can come with you, the artist knows you may be a little nervous. Be honest with your tattoo artist; let them know this is your first one, they will appreciate the heads up so they will know to be a little gentler in the beginning.

One of the most important things about getting a tattoo is the artist uses new and sterile needles. When you are sitting in the chair or lying on the table while your artist is getting ready, observe them because they should be taking new needles out and putting fresh ink in cups. They should also be wearing gloves the entire time they are handling equipment that will be used on you. This is for the protection of you, as well as the artist.

The aftercare of the tattoo is very important, it can make the difference between it healing right or having to go back to get it re-inked. After a couple of hours take off the bandage, clean the area, and let it breath. Over the next couple of days, clean it with antibacterial soap and cool water in the morning and at night and put on a thin layer of anti-bacterial ointment to keep it moist and to help it heal quicker. After a couple of days switch to non-scented lotion to keep the tattoo from excessive scabbing, plus the lotion will help with the itching sensation. Just make sure you don't scratch your tattoo because if the scabs come off before they are ready, then so will the color. Remember a tattoo is an open wound and should be treated as such so no direct sunlight, pool, or ocean.

As long as you follow these tips, plus any additional your artist may give you, then your first tattoo will be a breeze. Tattoos are a lot of fun and a great way for self-expression, but use your common sense and treat it for what it is, an open wound. Tattoos can help immortalize different times in your life, so it's a great way to remember the good times. Just remember to be careful, because the experience could definitely leave you wanting more.

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