Tattoos and piercings

Many teenagers want to get tattoos and piercings done, and many adults, especially parents, disapprove. Of course everyone is free to have their own opinion on body modifications, but unfortunately, where there is stark disapproval there is little information. Adults are right- piercings and tattoos can be painful. That’s why it’s so important to know what you’re doing. I’m here to share advice on getting tattoos and piercings the least dangerous and least painful way.
I dare say I have some experience in the matter. I have 5 piercings and a tattoo (and my collection keeps growing), from simple earrings to facial piercings. I’ve had every experience under the sun- the piercing that went so easily I hardly felt it, the piercing that made me pass out, the piercing that got infected. As for the tattoos, I got advice and help from my lovely partner, who has rather more experience and six tattoos.

Before

• Do your research! This is especially important for tattoos, but also for piercings. Look for a place that’s clean, has a good reputation, pricing in your range and seems like a place where you feel comfortable. For tattoos, find an artist you trust, who has a style that fits your needs and your design. You can find artists online or ask people you know.
  
  
• Pick out a design before you head to the tattoo studio. Some artists will offer some time to go over a potential design with you, but you should at least have an idea of what you want- ideally you will already have a finished/mostly finished design. Don’t bring your artist a photo of someone else’s tattoo to copy- it’s bad form.
  
  
• Eat before getting it done. Tattoos and piercings take a lot of energy out of you, and tattoos take a long time, so it’s important to get a full meal in before you head to the studio. If you’re getting a lip or tongue piercing you might want to eat as well, seeing as your mouth will hurt after. No alcohol with your meal though- alcohol can prevent blood clotting, and besides, you aren’t allowed to get pierced or tattooed under the influence.

During

• Know beforehand that tattoos take a while. My last tattoo took me four hours, and it can be either longer or shorter depending on the complexity. Knowing this, you can consider things like eating before, entertaining yourself while it’s being done, and not planning anything for a while after- no artist likes being under pressure.
  
  
• Bring a friend! You might be in pain or feeling a bit weak and shaky after your appointment, especially when it comes to piercings. Bring a friend for safety. I’ve passed out during a piercing before, and I was very glad I had a friend with me who could take care of me while I was out cold. For tattoos, it’s also nice to have someone to talk to while you’re getting it done- but make sure your friend knows how long it will take.
  
  
• Drink sugar water or a coca cola afterwards. It’s important to get your blood sugar back up right after, especially with piercings. Many studios will offer you something to drink afterwards, and some studios will offer you sugar water, which you should both accept. Stay healthy and hydrated and make sure you have enough energy to get you home! Don’t leave the studio until you feel like you’ve recovered enough.
  
  

After

• Have your piercer give you tips on proper care for different piercings. Some of it is pretty standard- don’t touch the piercing, disinfect it or wash it with salt dissolved in warm water and don’t take the jewellery out for a specific amount of time- this can be weeks or months. Avoid swimming in pools for a while and if your piercings are under your clothing make sure they don’t get caught. Of course, there are certain rules for certain piercings- change your pillow if you have a new facial piercing, don’t have oral sex if you have a tongue or lip piercing and so on- your piercer should know.
  
  
• Do the same for tattoos! Ask your artist how they recommend you take care of it. Remember to keep it bandaged for the first day, and don’t shower for a day or two. Your tattoo artist might give you some kind of ointment, if not, get some ointment with vitamin A and D and apply it carefully in a thin layer once your skin starts scabbing or peeling. Minimize friction and scratching, don’t touch your skin before it scabs and don’t pick at it after. Avoid certain foods like eggs or non-pork meat for a few days.
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Tattoos and piercings are a great way to feel better in your own body! Body modifications can be fun and really beautiful, and tattoos and piercings are more and more accepted even in the workplace. It’s important to have fun with it and know what you want, and also to stay safe so you don’t regret your choice!

​Elliot