1. They take thought.
The biggest concern people have with getting tattoos is the possibility of regret, the question of, “Will I still want this when I’m 80 years old?” This is a valid worry, since a tattoo is a permanent mark on your body—not just a temporary fashion statement. This is why it is best to take time to figure out what you want—and make sure it has meaning.
2. They will hurt.
You finally decide on your design, and now it’s time for the needle. You might think, Hey, plenty of people get tattoos, so they can’t hurt very much, right? Wrong. While it isn’t excruciating pain, it definitely does hurt. For your first tattoo, try to go for areas like the shoulder, the outside of your arm, and the wrist. The less skin and padding there is, the more painful it will be, such as on the ribcage, top of the foot, and ankle.
3. They will be expensive.
Be prepared to dole out a fair amount of cash for a good tattoo. The starting rate can be around $50, even for a small heart or single word. Make sure that you are ready and willing to pay for what you want, and be wary of cheap tattoo offers. If the offer seems too good to be true, chances are you may get a botched design or an infection from unclean needles.
*Image from herinterest.com
4. They will cause talk—good and bad.
That whole spiel about how companies won’t hire a tatted employee? It may seem superficial, but it’s true. Chances are your tattoo will come with a judgment. But more often than not, your tat will inspire a lot of admiration, questions, and a mild feeling of being a badass.
5. They will be totally worth it.
If you finally got the tattoo of your dreams, congrats! It is a beautiful work of art inked into your skin, and it will be a memory with meaning for a lifetime. At the end of the day, it is only your opinion that matters.
*Image from buzzfeed.com