It isn’t rare for college students, especially freshman, to get tattoos as a symbol of freedom from their parents as they take on their new life away from home. As you can see from the picture below, I myself got a tattoo. After having this exhilarating experience at the Chameleon Tattoo shop in Cambridge, MA, I thought I would share a few Dos and Don’ts of getting a tattoo during your years at good ol’ fashioned college.
DO wait until you are ready. If you aren’t sure about getting a tattoo but feel like you should after seeing all of your friends showing off theirs, think about it first. I know I personally wanted this tattoo for a while and felt like it was the right time to do it.
DON’T go to a place that is overpriced or looks sketchy. Do your research first and find a place that speaks to you. Also, look at the tattoo artists and see if their art style pleases your personal taste.
DO save your money. Don’t do what I did and spend the money you need for food that month. If you are getting a relatively small tattoo, save at least $100 and put it aside until you are ready to head over to the tattoo place.
DON’T go under the influence! This kind of speaks for itself. Most places won’t even accept you if you come in drunk or under the influence of drugs, so yeah… don’t do it.
DO set up an appointment before you go, or at least call to see if they have walk-ins. If you are thinking about getting a big piece you usually have to talk to your artist beforehand and plan with them before they even ink up your skin. If it’s just something small, call ahead and let them know you are coming.
Once you have decided what your desired tattoo is, where you want your tattoo, how much you want to spend and when you are going to the tattoo shop, it’s time to prepare. If you do not already own plain, unscented soap, go to the store and buy some. Along with that, buy plain lotion. This is vital for keeping your tattoo clean and preventing infection. I advise you to go to your tattoo appointment in loose clothing to make it easier for the tattoo artist. Be aware that you will be going home with a bandage taped on a part of your body, so plan accordingly.
The tattoo artist will tell you how to clean your tattoo and how to take care of it, so don’t worry, just be responsible! I decided to get a Gemini constellation as my first tattoo on the back of my right shoulder because it speaks to my identity, and astrology is something I am very passionate about. I was originally planning to get it on my arm but stayed away from that because I was worried about not getting job opportunities along the road. If this isn’t something you are worried about then that is fine, tattoos aren’t that difficult to hide anyway. I strongly advise that you not get a face tattoo, though… unless you want that street cred, then by all means go for it!
Tattooing is an art. Having something permanently on your body can be scary for some people, but I personally believe it is a memory in itself, a commemoration for how far you have come in life, and your personality leaking through your skin. If the tattoo is meaningful to you in that moment in time, regretting it when you are older is the least of your worries.
Ignore what some people say about the youth and their desire to ruin their skin every chance they get. It is dumb and irrelevant. It is your body, so do what you want with it! Not everyone is going to agree with your choices, but who cares? Live life freely, especially now in your college days, which will be the best time of your life and a time to get to know who you truly are.