Tattooing - real or henna?

[serenarian]

For some time now I have been considering getting a tattoo to show my acknowledgement of the Goddess and God, but I have reservations. I decorated myself with henna to see if I liked it, and I do, but I'm still ambivalent about getting a real tattoo. Do any of you have tattoos and regret them?

[CloakofStars9]

i dont regret any of mine


<~~~ addicted to ink :D

[Ryhla]

I don't regret any of mine, but it also took me 10 years and lots of looking before I had my first one done. If you have reservations about it, then don't be guilty not getting one. That is something that, unless you can afford to remove it, is pretty permanant. Removal is not cheap and takes many sessions of removing just one. Somewhere I remember seeing a test one can take, but alas...I do not remember where. If you do decide to get one, keep a few things in mind.

1)Go to a reputable artist. Ask to see his portfolio. Ask others who have work done by an artist. See if they are happy with thier work and if they would go back to the artist. (There is one in the town I would go to without question again.)

2)Check the cleanliness of the studio. See if they have an autoclave (the machine that sterilized equiptment) or some other sterilization method *note spraying the needles down with alcohol between uses is not sterilization*, use infection control (gloves, alcohol, clean and sterilized needles), and safe tatooing methods. They are dealing with blood and body fluids here. Don't be afraid to let the artist know if you have any allergies. I'm allergic to some anti-biotic ointments on the market, and let them know right off hand that I am. Here is a link to safe tattooing too if it will help. http://tattoos.com/safe.htm

3) Don't be afraid to be specific about what you are getting done. If you want a bright yellow smilie face with a gap-toothed grin, tell the artist. If you have your own drawings or found something in flash (sample tatoos you see plastered all over the walls) that's fine too. The more specific you are, the more you get of what you want. Just make sure it's what you want before the needle starts to work. Once it goes, there's no turning back. Have the artist draw something out on paper first to see if that is what you want. Changes can be made on paper, not on skin.

Good tattoo artist will also ask you a few questions as well. The one I go to in the town I live in will ask for newbie why you want it done. If you say "Because it's cool.", he won't even begin to work on someone. The key here is communication.

Good luck. and remember, if it's something you really want, make sure you want to live with it for a LONG time.

[serenarian]

Ryhla that is great advice, thanks a lot. I think I'll probably wait a while before I decide to make the plunge. Henna tattoos can look equally beautiful. Right now I have a Celtic knot on my foot. :)

Anyone else have any words of wisdom?

[mol]

Get a smaller one first...so you can try it out. :D

[serenarian]

How many do you have, Mol? And how large? I'm curious. It's the permanence thing that is kinda putting me off.

[mol]

Originally posted by silverarian

How many do you have, Mol? And how large? I'm curious. It's the permanence thing that is kinda putting me off.

I've only got one. Its on the back of my neck. Its says "version2" which is a 'geek' thing. But, now that I have done it I feel a lot more comfortable planning to get the one my lower back which is pretty large and multicolored.

I have a fear of needles so I was worried about getting a tattoo. To tell you the truth, yes...it did kind of hurt. Not extreme pain or nothing, but uncomfortable. It was worth it though. I like the tattoo and it was a good first experience.

[serenarian]

On the back of your neck?? *winces* Ouch. There are BONES there! :D

I'm not scared of needles, it's just that I don't want to get a tattoo and then end up regretting it. I guess I'm just a wuss. :)

[WitchJezebel]

I love mine; I'm addicted, I'm itching for a new one! I have to save some cash up, I can't really afford a new one right now.

[Danustouch]

I have one tatoo, and I do not regret getting it. In fact, I want to get more. I got this one when i was 21. My suggestion, if you are worried about it, would be to place it somewhere where it cannot be seen unless you WANT it to be seen. My tatoo is on my rear left shoulder (right over the blade, on the meaty part). I can cover it when I want to, and hardly even remember that it's there half the time, since I can't exactly see it easily :)

I love Henna Tatooing, too, btw :)

[serenarian]

Ideally I want one on my foot, maybe a small pentagram or even a Celtic knot, done in black and silver. Of course, whether or not I get one is dependent on whether I decide it is right for me.

I'm over 18 so I could get one done legally here, but I know my parents would be disappointed.

[Ryhla]

couple of things I forgot to mention is where and inks. If you
don't like pain, avoid boney or sensitive areas. A foot is very sensitive. Inks to are something to think about. Black and red inks have staying power, while light colored inks, especially white tend to fade. White is the worse. When I got my 2nd one done, the artist asked if I wanted to use white. I asked how bad will it fade. He showed me a tattoo where he had white in it and said within 6 months, the white faded completely out. So instead of tearing up my skin more, I skipped the white. Sunlight will tend to fade tattoos if overexposed. The type of inks the artist uses vary too in quality and vibrance too. So while some inks fade some of the ones out on the market today are for the most part permanant. Of course, to buy your own inks may not be a good finacial decision since not a whole lot of ink is used out of an entire bottle. For something small, it will not be much at all. Probably a toothpaste cap sized full...maybe 2 at the most.

But as I said, before you take the plunge, just make sure it's something you really want. A good artist will ask you that for certain. The one I go to does if you're a newbie. Also another hint, try to avoid alcoholic beverages or coffee. Alcohol thins the blood and the coffee...lets just say that I did 2 double shot espressos and was really really ansy. And the tattoo took about 45 minutes to do. So sitting still is a help. If you're on bloodthinners, or other medications let the artist know as well. You may want to check with the doctor or pharmacist on if there is going to be a reaction or cause excessive bleeding. Especially with the bloodthinners.

Also make sure that the artist informs you on tattoo care during and after healing. That's a plus and a sign of a good artist as well.

If you're curious, I have 4. When I find the right thing, and the money, I plan on getting a 5th. The outline work was a bit like cutting just into the skin with a razor (or so it felt like it to me). The filling in wasn't too bad. When it hit a nerve, it was a bit quick, but that was about it. Just kind of dull pain, and it didn't last long. They're really not as painful as they sound, though my sister watched me get my first one, and changed her mind about getting one herself.

[CloakofStars9]

definitly start out small like Mol said, also dont go to a shop or an artist that makes you feel stupid for asking questions, its your body, ask away!

another thing to remember is BREATHE

the more you tense up the more it hurts, relax and focus on your breathing

and the anticipation of your first one is always worse than actually getting it


happy inking!

[mol]

Originally posted by CloakofStars9

definitly start out small like Mol said, also dont go to a shop or an artist that makes you feel stupid for asking questions, its your body, ask away!

another thing to remember is BREATHE

the more you tense up the more it hurts, relax and focus on your breathing

and the anticipation of your first one is always worse than actually getting it


happy inking!

Hopefully you will end up with a chatty artist like I did. When he started we started chatting about hockey and before I knew it we were done.

[MammaStar]

See, that's what I need. WHEN I decide to go, I'm going to my trusted friend who's an artist. So, he'll be kind. He keeps teasing me every time I see him "when can I paint you???" :lol:

[Ryhla]

Originally posted by mol

Hopefully you will end up with a chatty artist like I did. When he started we started chatting about hockey and before I knew it we were done. A personable artist does make a difference. I had one done by the boss of my best friend. We talked about Generation X (the generation I'm born into...not the comic), along with Hogs (Harley Davison), and different metal bands. He was, at the time, one of the coordinators for a major gathering in my area.

[Psyche Ague]

DO NOT get a tattoo if you have any reservations at all. Tattoos hurt and they really are forever. I wouldn't count on being able to remove them because that's costly and painful, too.

If you have any doubts at all, do not go for it. If you remain interested and the idea grows on you until you can't stand it anymore and absolutely HAVE to get one, go for it. But until then, think about it. There really is no rush.

Henna's gorgeous, anyway. :)

[izzy]

Well first of a all, take all of Ryhla's advice. It's very Very true! If and you should decideto do this make sure the artist unwraps the needle or needles in front of you. Just to make sure they are new. Tattoos can truely turn out to be amazing pieces of art and as your friend told you they will be painted on your body forever.

I myself love them, they can become "addicting" I myself at the moment have 9. I love them all I do have the triple goddess, the three phases of our moon signfiying the mother, the maiden, & the crone on my left shoulder blade, a leo and libra entetwined on my right shoulder, 4 stars on my right side of my neck, a nice size trible on my lower back and the list continues.

I grew up around them my father tattooed, my oldest brother now owns a tatto shop. So for me as I said before I LOVE THEM!

[Faery-Wings]

I have 4 and love them all. Each one has meaning to me. For me, that is a requirement.
All of the advice here is great, but I do want to add, that there are times I wish I didn't have them. I have a large Mickey Mouse as Sorcerer's Aprentice on the inside of my leg, by my foot. He is adorable (And yes, his white gloves are gone. ;) ) but when I get all dressed up, he blows the whole sexy look I try for. I have a black tribal rose on the opposite ankle that doesn't do that, but the Mickey does. So the night I went to a really romantic restaurant in Jamaica with my hubby, I was wearing this beautiful flowing dress with Mickey hanging out. For a split second, I wished he weren't there. Just something for you to think about. This might never bother you. And it only happens to me once in a blue moon, but it does happen.

Oh, and I would not recommend the foot either. I don't have one there, but I have heard that it is a rough area to tattoo. And belly is supposed to be rough as well. I had mine done and it didn't hurt at all, but the tattoo artist said he had his done and he was practically screaming.
He had recommended a lidocaine cream you can put on before hand to numb the area. You could ask your artist about that too.

[LdyWolfPrints]

I would really recommend sitting in a tattoo artists area first to see what its all about. Personally, I have 3 of them, the last one being on my right outer ankle area. Its a green dragon wrapped around a purple rose. I love all my tattoos, and each one has special meaning to me.

One word of caution, and others have said this, it is an addicting thing to do. Once you get the nerve for one, you want another. They are permanent and stay with you. You can have them changed, but it takes time, and depending on where it is, depends on how the retake will take.

They talked about where it hurts, and let me tell you, the back of the leg is awful. Each time the needle hit that area, I flinched, but it was well worth it.

I have the itch for one more on my shoulder. Have the idea in mind, but yet to go and have it done.

[Ryhla]

I have one on each side of my legs, and it was the most painful. The next one I'm getting as soon as I figure out what I want, is either the back of the neck or just above the right elbow. Or maybe even add to the one on my right leg. But until that time, I'm going to keep a look-out for ideas and save up money.

[Tarbh Nathroch]

Great advice from everyone. Think long and hard on your decision. I was 28 by the time I actually got a tattoo I drew in high school. When I did finally get it I went big real big. Four hours on my spine, be prepared for pain. Be warned they are very addictive. As previously stated you should wait till you are sure but if you can’t wait. Stay away from names, band logos, and religious symbols. ( this is a hypocritical statement I’m covered with religious tats ) Also ask questions, ask anything that pops into your head. Any tat artist that gets aggravated with your questions doesn’t deserve your money.

[Kalan]

I have 3 tatoos, and i'm not even 20 yet :lol:

I don't regret any of mine because they all represent something...

I know some may laugh, some may not even care, but I like em :)


Upper left shoulder (back) - Underdog (yea, the cartoon dog)
Reason: It is what my friends call me.....that or UD.

Upper right arm - Japanese symbol of love. I am a guy, and it may seem crappy, but I got it for my ex-fiance.

Upper left arm- not even gonna go there! :lol:

I say, get it done if you will not have any regrets. Afterall, it will live longer than you will :(

[ravenhawk]

That is all great information.

I love mine too and don't regret it. I planned for it a long time. I also took my best friend and tattoed geek with me. He and I had decided since we are both professionals that we didn't want to be judged by our tatoos when it came to job interviews either. So think about where you want it.

Ryha was right it really hurt. I have mine on my tailbone. I wanted it there to centre me. It hurt so much -- crushed two jaw breakers and my best friend's hand.

My best friend is an artist and watched to make sure the tatoo artist did a fine job. We checked out a lot of places. This tatoo artist had won several awards for his work. That made me feel much more comfortable.

I love Henna too. I get them during the summer when I'm not teaching. Grade school teachers are not kool remember? Planning on getting one at Lollapalzooa if there is a booth.

The two tatoos you are thinking about sound wonderful.

Good luck!

BB

ravenhawk

[Ben Gruagach]

If you are interested in trying henna tattoos, check out the info at http://www.hennapage.com/henna/index.html (especially the WARNINGS section) first. There are apparently some types of stuff passed off as henna which are known to cause a lot of health problems.

Henna tattoos can be really cool too... and when they fade away finally, you can get something different put on!

[Armitage]

*squeeks* Can't wait to get a tattoo...It's the goal next in line after I save up enough for a computer I can do proper artwork on, kind of a reward.
But here (http://www.eirsex.com/tap/t_faq.htm)'s a great site for questions about it. Ignore the domain name, I don't remember any questionable stuff being there.

[She-Arna]

I want to get myself a tattoo for my 21st birthday. I'm planning on getting a Celtic Knot of Eternity on the inside of my lower right calf. Yes there is a reason behind the tat and especially the location, but I don't really feel like going into it right now. :)

I think I may get a henna version of the tat first though, just so I can see what it is like to have one and decide if it's what I really really want.

[Lucidia]

i've got lots of tattoos(it's a tribal glyph tree from my upper arms, down my back and down my legs), and although they all need to be gone over again, i'm planning on fixing them and having more work done. it's a great way to adorn your body, as long as you've thought it over and it's meaningful to you. do your research, check the artist's portfolio... make sure you see their cleaning equiptment and using new needles, etc.

save up and get it done right. saving a few bucks and having to live with a bad tattoo is forever. you pay for quality with tattoos, but keep in mind that you can get ripped off as well. get some estimates before you get it done, shop around, and good luck with it!

[Phoenix Blue]

Whatever you do, make sure you do your homework (http://www.msnbc.com/news/909494.asp?0cv=CB20):


Bummer for Britney Spears. Not long ago, the belly-baring crooner got a tattoo that she thought meant “mysterious” in Japanese, according to the London Sunday Mirror. Her friend, “Crossroads” co-star Taryn Manning got the same one. “I was getting changed recently in Japan and a woman laughed when she saw my tattoo. She told me it means strange, which is not cool,” Manning told the Mirror. “[Britney] was absolutely devastated when I told her.”

[Dextra]

I'm very proud of my tattoos...both are my own designs. I have an armband with a pentacle and a purple dancing fairy on my left calf. I have a few more that I want to get, but I'm too broke to do that right now. Here's a picture from a party that has a decent shot of my armband: