Think before you ink. It’s a common expression here in the tattoo industry but it’s also sound advice. There are so many people who do not think before committing themselves to something permanent on their bodies. All to often we see men and women with regrettable tattoos. They were intoxicated, or didn’t research the meaning of a symbol, were very young, perhaps it is an ex loved ones name. No matter the reason, they are now stuck with a tattoo they no longer desire to have on their bodies.
An alarming percentage of tattoo cover ups come from individuals who made the ultimate mistake and got a tattoo from someone who runs them from home. Non professional tattoos create a number of health risks. Most people don’t realize the dangers or most common mistakes made by a unlicensed “tattooer” during a home tattoo. If they were aware of just how terribly wrong it could go, no one would ever get a tattoo out of someone’s dirty kitchen or basement. Bacteria, cross contamination, and infection IE: AIDS, HEP B are just a few of the hazards when receiving a tattoo from home. Should an infection arise, you’ll have no recourse because a home tattooer or “scratcher” wont have any records considering what he/she is doing is about 10 kinds of ILLEGAL. The very best scenario in this situation is you don’t like the “new and cheap tattoo” and realize at some point WILL need to be covered up!!
When this happens, there are basically two options, either an expensive laser removal session(s) or a tattoo cover up. Covering a tattoo can sometimes be a challenge depending on the size, location, and design. It is important that you spend some time and really think about the tattoo you are wanting to get. Coming up with an original tattoo idea is essential in creating a piece that is custom for you. If you are having difficulties creating your custom piece, talk with your artist. They are excellent at devising pieces of body art personalized to their clients vision. Custom tattoos can a bit more expensive, however it is far more expensive having to cover up a poorly done tattoo, or go through the painful laser removal process.