On getting your first tattoo: pros and cons of tattoos
So you’re thinking about getting your first tattoo. Well, you are not alone. Tattoos are more popular than ever. And getting a new tattoo seems to be on our minds more than ever. On a recent trip to the beach, it seemed like more than half of the sun worshipers were showing off some skin art somewhere on their bodies.
These days tattoos are more common than ever. Tattoos have gained quite a bit of popularity over the years, giving people a chance to stand out and convey who they really are. Both men and women have tattoos, some covering the entire body. The choice is entirely up to you though, as you can get a tattoo in pretty much any size you want.
Now I’m not calling tattoos at all. You see, I was tattooed twice in my youth. So I know that the urge to get tattooed can be quite strong. I also know that tattoos can be addictive. But before you get tattooed, think about the pros and cons of a tattoo.
The pros of tattoos
Tattoos allow a person to show the world his personality. Tattoos allow a person to stand out from the crowd for sure. Depending on the design of the tattoo, it can have a symbolic meaning.
For the young person, a tattoo can definitely make you feel better about yourself. A beautiful young woman with a beautiful butterfly on her shoulder can be very sexy. And the well-known tramp stamp tattoo on a woman’s lower back can arouse passion in a male observer.
Yes, tattoos can make you feel good about yourself, but think about the drawbacks of tattoos.
The cons of tattoos
For the faint of heart, let me tell you: tattoos hurt. If your pain threshold is low, expect the pain to feel like red-hot needles piercing the skin. Now, for some people, bread isn’t a big deal. But yeah, tattoos hurt for most mortal moms.
You also have the risk of infection when getting a tattoo. Always check the tattoo studio for cleanliness and sanitation of all tattoo machines and inks.
Now here is the big problem with tattoos. PERMANENT TATTOOS ARE. Think about this for a second. Tattoos don’t wash off. If you get a design that you later regret, then I’m sorry. It’s permanent. And it’ll cost you an arm and a leg to get it removed.
My Personal Tattoo Removal Story
Here’s a little personal note on tattoo removal.
When I got tattooed in Hong Kong while in the navy, I was 19 at the time, that beautiful tattoo cost me only $20 dollars. Later, back in the States, I had the tattoo removed. (That’s another history). Tattoo removal cost $1,800.
And this was before laser tattoo removal. Back then, the only way to remove a tattoo was to polish it off or do a skin graft. My surgeon removed it (known today as a dermabrasion). I still have the big ugly scars on my forearms decades later.
Yes, there are pros and cons to getting your first tattoo. Take a little advice from a guy who’s been there and done that. Think hard before getting a first VISIBLE tattoo.
You see, that was my big mistake when I got my first tattoo. I have it on my forearm.
Well, in the real world, that forearm tattoo caused me a lot of complaints from employers, college admissions officers, the girls I wanted to date (and especially their parents), and it even caused me trouble move up the corporate ladder in healthcare management (my first job out of college).
Think far into your future…
Think ahead 10, 20 or 30 years. How will that tattoo fit into your career and lifestyle plans in 10 years? What happens if you dedicate yourself to a profession or politics? Have you ever been treated by a doctor with a full sleeve tattoo? In all my years, I haven’t. Just think about it.
For your first tattoo, get it in a spot that won’t be visible when wearing everyday clothes and a short-sleeved shirt.
Yes I know. You are determined and you are going to get tattooed anyway. Well, I completely understand how you feel because I’ve been there and done that. Just remember this article before getting tattooed in a visible place on your body. And choose your first tattoo design carefully. You will most likely live with him for the rest of your life.