For tattoo hungry teens

By Mike Hardcastle

You know that you want a tattoo, so what comes next? You have to know the laws in your area, make yourself aware of the health issues and concerns, and talk to your parents before moving forward.

Tattoos are for life and longer, if you don’t make an educated decision there will come a time when you regret what you did. Here, we put together essential information for the tattoo hungry teen.

Are your parents on board?

The most important thing teens need to consider before getting inked is how their parents feel about it. If your parents are not on board nothing else will matter. Ask your parents what they think and how they feel. If they object, listen carefully and do as they wish. This is not a control issue, it is a waiting issue. You can always get a tattoo when you are older.

Are you legally old enough to be tattooed?

Many teens think that all they need is parental consent to get a tattoo but it is really more complicated than that.

Convincing your parents is often only half the battle. If it is not legal to tattoo somebody your age where you live no amount of parental consent will get you your ink. Your parents cannot consent away the law. If you are not at the right age, like it or not you will have to wait.

Do you know what you want?

OK, you can legally and parentally get a tattoo, the next step is finding something with meaning. Sure, the tattoo flash that you see on the walls at your local tattoo parlour may be cool but generic art won’t be unique to you. Take a flash image that you like and modify it to speak to your personality. Choose a tattoo with meaning for you and you can’t go wrong.

Do you know the risks?

There are risks associated with tattooing beyond the obvious short term pain. Unsanitary tattoo parlours do exists and they can be deadly.

There are always risks of allergic reactions and disease transmission when you have a tattoo done. You can reduce the risk by knowing about health risks and what tattoo parlours should be doing to keep you safe before getting inked.

Have you found a good artist?

The difference between a nice tattoo and an amazing tattoo all comes down to the artist.

A good artist can make your tattoo dreams a reality but a bad artist can turn your tattoo experience into a nightmare. Be picky, this tattoo will be with you for life and longer.

Are you ready to take care of the tattoo?

Tattoos require aftercare in order to avoid infection. Are you ready to look after your tattoo? Do you know what it means to care for a tattoo while it is healing?

Are you sure you are ready to get a tattoo?

You think you want a tattoo, but are you really ready?

If you have followed guidelines listed above you should have a good foundation for deciding if a tattoo is really for you.