Sometimes I envy people who are free spirits. You know, the people who color their hair fun colors, dress funky, or get tattoos.
I donât like to draw attention to myself, although my love for music has often put me on stage, and I’ve chosen jobs where Iâm often engaged with the public.
Some might consider me a conformist, but since Iâve immersed myself in the world of natural health, Iâm definitely more of a rebel. Maybe a covert rebel?
When it comes to expressing myself with unique clothing, hair styles or tattoos, Iâm still a chicken. I am after all, a grandmother, many times over.
Tattoos are forever….almost.
While the opportunities to express yourself are limitless, hair color and clothing are temporary, tattoos are another story. They donât grow out or wear off.
As a natural health geek, the question has been on my mind â are tattoos safe?
Are you thinking about getting a tattoo? Are you crazy about tattoos? 45 million Americans have at least one tattoo! (Source)
There are resources everywhere. Did you know there are even tattoo magazines dedicated to skin art? You can check them out at our sister company, Magazines.com and save on a subscription.
What should you do before you have it done? Here are some things to consider before you get inked!
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In a reputable tattoo parlor you will need to complete a medical questionnaire and sign a waiver. They want to know if you’re anemic, if you’ve consumed alcohol in the past 24 hrs., or if you have HIV or hepatitis, among other things.
My research brought me to an interesting article Reasons to Get a Tattoo (and Reasons Not To) by Brett Kelly. He brought up some ideas for getting a tattoo that I hadnât given much thought:
Why Should I Get a Tattoo?
1) To preserve memories of a loved one who passed away
People often get tattoos to cherish the memory of a loved one who has passed away. I definitely get that.
2) To pay tribute to those still living
What about relationship tattoos?
A tattoo in honor of your wife or child might be nice, and shouldnât everyone have a tattoo that says âI love Momâ? Just kidding, but something to honor someone you love could be very special.
You could honor a friend, mentor or siblingâ¦I have 10 siblings. Hmm⦠that could get rather expensive and where would I put them all?!
3) Special Interests or Passions
Do you have a favorite sports team? Are you crazy about a particular hobby like cooking? Maybe youâd like Julia Child or Anthony Bourdain tattooed on your arm! Whatever your passion, you could get a tattoo that tells others “this is my thing.”
4) Theyâre just plain cool.
This is easy â you love the colors and look of a tattoo and want to express yourself with skin art.
Plan Ahead for Your Tattoo
No doubt you already have your own reasons for getting a tattoo, but there are other things to consider before you proceed. The article 21 Things You Need to Know Before you Get Your First Tattoo, from BuzzFeed, had good tips to take into account, and made me realize even more, just how much I didnât know about them.
A few of their tips before a tattoo:
1) Start small â you can always get a larger tattoo if you like the first one.
2) Donât base your decision on the price of the tattoo â you get what you pay for.
3) Research the tattoo artist
4) Donât rush into it â plan the design and body placement ahead of time. The skin on some parts of the body is much more sensitive than others.
5) Know your threshold for pain â there is some discomfort in getting a tattoo.
6) Take care of your tattoo while it heals to avoid scarring, irritation, etc.
7) Tip the artist.
There were other things too, like preparing your skin before you go (getting a tattoo with a sunburn isnât a good idea), donât be afraid to go back and have it touched up, go with a friend, etc.
 Know the Risks
There are other things to evaluate before you take the plunge:
Donât get a tattoo when youâre sick. Your body should be focused on healing the tattoo, and if youâre sick, your tattoo may not heal as quickly…and maybe you wonât either!
Your skin is your largest organ. According to Mayo Clinic, a tattoo âbreaches the skinâ which opens the door for various complications listed below:
- Allergic reactions â some people are allergic to the dyes and it can cause an itchy rash â even years after the tattoo.
- Skin infections
- Granulomas may form around the tattoo.
- Bloodborne diseases â this may happen if the needles are contaminated with infected blood. Tetanus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C were several bloodborne illnesses listed.
- Removing a tattoo is painful, expensive and time consuming. That’s why you consider what you’re going to get before you do it.
- According to WebMD â ââ¦the actual practice of tattooing is regulated by local jurisdictions, such as cities and counties. That means there is no standardized certification for those doing the tattooing or an overall governing body supervising the health and safety of tattoo parlors.â Only the inks are regulated by the FDA. (Source)
- Current research cited in the same article from WebMD show that pigments from the dyes migrate to a personâs lymph nodes. Your lymph nodes are very important and work like filters to help destroy germs and fight infection.
- Some inks contain metals like iron oxides that may interact with the magnetic field of an MRI and cause burning or swelling at the site of the tattoo. (Source)
- Donât get a tattoo over a mole. Should the mole change it could cause an issue in diagnosing a problem.
For what itâs worth, as someone whoâs never had a tattoo, here’s my two cents on the topic:
- Get a tattoo when youâre sober â you might think your significant other today is the one you’ve waited for all your life, but is the relationship really going to last? Getting a tattoo after a few too many beers, could make you regret having someoneâs name permanently etched on your skin.
- Check the cleanliness, hygiene and safety of the tattoo parlor carefully. Make sure the parlor and the artists are certified and that they’re using clean tools and inks.
Check out the references/resources at the bottom of this post for more information.
If you’re wondering about the process of getting a tattoo, you’ll find this video from Smarter Every Day helpful:
So now you have some pros and cons for getting a tattoo – will you do it?
Do you already have a tattoo? Will you share your story? Let us know in the comments section below, if you love your tattoo(s) or have your regrets.
In any event, I hope you find your own creative and unique way to express yourself!
References and Resources:
Tattoos – Are They Safe? – WebMD
Should I Get a Tattoo?
Tattos: Understand risks and precautions – Mayo Clinic
Thinking About Getting a Tattoo? 9 Things to Consider Before Getting Inked
Dermatologist Warns Consumers About Complications Linked to Newer Tattoo Inks
I love my tattoo and put much thought into what I was having put on it. I would include a picture but isn’t a place for that. I always wanted one and glad I did at age 43. Life is too short for regrets. Live life to the fullest and take on the adventure (just think about is wisely first)
That’s a good point that a tattoo is skin art and a unique way to express yourself. Tattoos make a statement to the world when visible. I’m a musician, so I’ve been thinking about getting some sheet music tattooed on me.
High quality topic and Very informative post ..Really Thanks
I really appreciate your tip on how you can get a tattoo to help honor those in your life. My wife has always been a big part of my life, and I want to do something for her that will honor her. I will be sure to talk to a tattoo artist about getting a tattoo about her!
Tattoos are the ultimate way to express your passion for a person or aspect of life. I love what you said about getting a tattoo of your passion in order to let people know. My brother wants to get a tattoo in honor of our father, so I’ll be sure to help him locate a parlor that is known for their reliability.
I was told that getting a tatt also “contaminates” for a lack of a better word, your blood, so it is impossible to give blood and (maybe) organs because of the “contaminates” in your blood if you are an organ donor upon passing or wanted to donate an organ while living. I say (maybe) that way because I wasn’t entirely understanding what this person was saying and I didn’t have time to ask them to explain. Is there any truth to this at all???
I wanted to get a tatt but opted out because of this info that I was given until I could determine if there was any truth to this and all potential health risks.
Any info would be helpful. Thanks!! 🙂
Great question! Here’s an article by the FDA about tattoo safety that may help you. Good luck on your natural health journey!
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/think-you-ink-are-tattoos-safe
I personally know so many people with multiple tattoos and when you see people who have virtually their entire body tattooed, it’s hard to imagine it would be dangerous as long as you use a reputable artist. I want to get a tat in memory of three family members who died too young. At 57 this is a leap for me, but I have a friend with multiple tattoos so I would go to her guy.