SOME BIG AND UNFORTUNATELY COMMON MISTAKES
In tattooing, there are big mistakes, and there are small mistakes. In reality, you don’t want to be any part of either. Even a small mishap can lead to bigger problems.
One big mistake is showing up on an empty stomach. It has nothing to do with how tough you are, or how tolerant to pain you are. The simple biological fact is this; getting a tattoo causes your body to produce adrenaline. Adrenaline burns sugar. A sudden drop in sugar is a leading cause to passing out, or at least feeling woozy.
The vast majority of anyone getting a tattoo that ends up having one of those reactions is simply due to low blood sugar, because they didn’t eat anything substantial before their appointment. The easiest way to avoid this issue is to just eat, and even bring something with you to snack on, especially if you have a longer session.
Another mistake, which falls in line with the first topic, is not being hydrated. Not having enough fluids in you can cause you to feel queasy, and not just during a tattoo session. Very often, if you are feeling queasy, just drink some water and nearly always you start to feel better immediately. Besides that, dehydrated skin isn’t as elastic and not the best to tattoo on.
Having healthy skin is important, not only for when you get your tattoo, but afterwards as well. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your tattoo appointments. Drinking plenty of water also makes your skin more youthful!
Fortunately, most reputable studios will not tattoo someone who is clearly inebriated. Not only is it now illegal in most (if not all) states to tattoo someone who’s under the influence, but it’s also very immoral and it says a lot about a shop that will still do it.
That being said, getting drunk before you go to ATTEMPT to get your tattoo is a huge mistake. If you had a deposit, you will lose it. So, simply put, stay sober for your tattoo, and it’s advised to not get plastered right afterwards since alcohol thins the blood and will possibly delay the healing process.
Another big mistake people can make is to grossly miscalculate how much time and money a quality tattoo will be. If you get a consult and are quoted 24 hours for a sleeve, and you book all those appointments, but then you don’t budget for the whole 24 hours, you may find yourself in a bit of a situation when trying to settle up with the studio and your artist.
Some people may get that quote and think to themselves “There’s no way it will take 24 hours, 10 at most”, but they still book it thinking they know more than the professional artist who’s been doing this for years, they’ll be in for a big surprise. Most of the time, a quote is very accurate.
If you don’t listen to your artists advice regarding aftercare, that can be a rather huge mistake. It doesn’t matter how many tattoos you got in the past, and were perfectly fine using gauze and petroleum jelly, the newest products on the market are there for a reason. Your artist will advise you exactly what you need to do and how to do it. What to use and what not to use. Listen to your artist if you want to have the best possible aftercare outcome.
Speaking of listening to your artist, it’s wise to heed any recommendation regarding your tattoo ideas. You may ask for a very detailed tattoo, but only want it one inch in size. Your artist may recommend going a little bigger to retain detail, or simplify the idea. Or, you may want something done way too big for the location you want it tattooed, and your artist may advise you that it will look wrong, or not as you imagine.
Remember, your artist has likely been doing this for a long time, they know what they’re talking about and have your best interests in mind. The same goes for them recommending a followup. It’s not about money, it’s about your tattoo coming out the best it possibly can be. You’re wearing their art, and they want to be proud of it, just as much as you do.
IN SUMMARY
- Eat something before you come in for your tattoo.
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic beverages, preferably water or a sports drink before, during, and after getting your tattoo.
- Don’t come in under the influence, especially alcohol. You will definitely get turned away.
- Budget time and money for how long your tattoo will take and how much it will be.
- Listen to your artist regarding design and aftercare.
ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR NEXT TATTOO?
If you’re ready to get your next tattoo done, schedule an appointment with an award-winning tattoo parlor. Here at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, we have some of the best and most experienced tattoo artists in the Salt Lake City area. We can tattoo any style you’d like, and our artists can even design your next piece as well.
Come see why we have been voted “The Best Tattoo Studio In Utah” for several years in a row.
Lucky Bamboo Tattoo understands that tattoo collectors searching for the best tattoo shop in Utah comes with a big responsibility and we here at LBT are ready to fulfill your tattoo needs.