Tattoos are a super popular art form and they're known for being permanent but if you're not satisfied with your ink you have a few options. Touch-ups, cover-up designs, and laser removal are some possible ways to deal with a tattoo you no longer want. However, every tattoo must be approached on a case-by-case basis.
Or maybe, you just felt like trying something new on a whim. Either way, if you're no longer in love with a tattoo, then you're not entirely out of luck. Well, you have two options: laser tattoo removal or a brand-new tattoo cover-up.
If at any point you hate the design, don't hesitate to tell your artist. You might have to reschedule the appointment, but they should be able to work with you to find a balance that you both love. To avoid this situation, make sure to be clear about the design's direction from the start.
It's more than okay to change your mind about having those reminders on your body. 6. You're ready for something new. Whether you've been thinking about adding to your tattoo collection or looking to free up some space, removing a tattoo is a great way to create a fresh base for your next piece of art.
DON'T cancel or reschedule last minute.
Your tattoo artist may have spent time drawing and preparing for your appointment and has also likely turned away other clients because their time was reserved for you. Please be respectful and show your commitment to getting tattooed by showing up for your appointment.
Some artists love to gab while tattooing but others prefer to be quiet. Let the artist take the lead or ask them what they prefer. Do bring a book to read or movie to watch provided you can do it without moving. Do let your artist take the lead on whether or not to talk.
Here are the most common reasons why people regret their tattoos: impulsive decision (35 percent), significant meaning (29 percent), or the idea that it would make them look cool (18 percent). The more thoughtful and careful you are about your tattoo, the less likely you are to regret it.
This “tattoo flu” is pretty common and should fade into memory in a few days (unlike your new tattoo). Your body's immune system is making you feel wiped out while it attacks potential threats to your bod. Be on the lookout for a mild fever, chills, fatigue, and some tummy discomfort.
From 1 to 6 months
After a month, any itching and redness should have completely gone. In fact, your new tattoo may look fully healed! However, the skin under your tattoo can continue to repair itself for up to six months until it's considered healed. During this stage it's important to keep up your aftercare routine.
Even if you get inked by a licensed tattoo artist and follow the aftercare, your skin can react in weird and unexpected ways. Some reactions happen immediately. Others take weeks or years to appear.
Many artists are happy to use and even provide numbing cream for your session, while others refuse to use it. And their reasoning might surprise you. Artists that are pro-numbing cream argue that it helps them work more efficiently with fewer interruptions.
Drink a lot of water during the week; avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting tattooed. Please do not shave the area; we will do it for you at your appointment. Avoid aspirin or blood thinning medication at least 24 hours before your tattoo; ibuprofen, acetaminophen, & other NSAID pain relievers are OK.
"Spiritual tattoos — mandala, hamsa, chakra, tree of life, Budha, lotus, etc. — are common for battling anxiety. They symbolize the overcoming of struggle, protection, self care, rebirth, the circle of life, kindness, strength, new challenges, and new beginnings."
Inspire not knock off! Some people think mimicking is the greatest form of flattery but putting it bluntly, it's disrespectful to the original tattoo owner, original tattoo artist and the artist you ask to copy it. In fact, it's one of the most despised requests tattoo artists get.
Nevertheless, things look slightly different when it comes to visible tattoos, especially on the face and neck, as 63% of the general public would consider them unprofessional. The older population, aged 55 and above, have a firmer stance on this, as 80% see face and neck tattoos as unprofessional.
Approximately 25% of people with tattoos experience some level of tattoo regret.
At this stage, don't worry. You need to let the tattoo completely heal and settle into your skin, which could take around a month. Once settled, if it still looks patchy, you might want to go back to your artist and get it touched up. Artists will often do touch ups for free, as long as it's not a huge rework!
Pieces of dry, dead skin saturated in tattoo ink will come off the tattoo, and it will look pretty ugly for a while. This is normal. Just continue to care for the tattoo as usual and after about 2-4 days the peeling should stop. This is also just about the time when the tattoo will often become very itchy.
When a recently (within the last couple of years) inked person is ready for another tattoo, they sometimes wonder if there is some unwritten obligation to return to the same artist. There certainly isn't, and you should do exactly what you feel most comfortable with.