On Getting Your First Tattoo: Pros And Cons Of Tattoos

So you’re thinking of getting your first tattoo. Well, you’re not alone. Tattoos are more popular than ever. And getting a new tattoo seems to be on our minds more than ever. On a recent trip to the beach, it seemed as if over half the sun worshipers were showing a bit of skin art somewhere on their bodies.

These days tattoos are more common than ever. Tattoos have gained quite a bit in popularity over the years, giving people a chance to stand out and broadcast who they really are. Men and women alike have tattoos, some covering their entire body. The choice is entirely up to you though, as you can get a tattoo in virtually any size you want.

Now I’m not knocking tattoos at all. You see, I got inked twice in my younger days. So I know the urge to get inked can be quite strong. I also know that tattoos can be addictive. But before getting inked, think about the pros and the cons of a tattoo.

The Pros of Tattoos

Tattoos allow a person to show the world their personality. Tattoos allow a person to stand out in a crowd for sure. Depending on the design of the tattoo, it might carry a symbolic meaning.

For the young person, a tattoo can definitely make you feel better about yourself. A lovely young woman with a beautiful butterfly on the shoulder can be very sexy. And the well-known tramp stamp tattoo on a ladies lower back can raise the passion fires in a male observer.

Yes, tattoos can make you feel good about yourself, but think about the cons of tattoos.

The Cons of Tattoos

For the weak of heart, let me tell you — tattoos hurt. If your pain threshold is low, expect the pain to feel like red hot needles puncturing the skin. Now for some people, the pain is no big deal. But yes, tatts hurt for most of us mere mortals.

You also have the risk of infection when getting a tattoo. Always check out the tattoo studio for cleanliness and sanitation of all tattoo machines and inks.

Now here’s the biggy of tattoo cons. TATTOOS ARE PERMANENT. Think about this for a second. Tattoos don’t wash off. If you get a design you later regret, well sorry. It’s permanent. And it will cost you an arm and a leg to have it removed.

My Personal Tattoo Removal Story

Here’s a little personal note about tattoo removal.

When I got inked in Hong Kong while in the navy — I was 19 at the time — that beautiful tattoo cost me just $20US. Later, back in the states, I had the tattoo removed. (That’s another story.) The tattoo removal cost $1,800.

And this was before laser tattoo removal. Back then the only way to remove a tattoo was to grind it off or do a skin graft. My surgeon ground it off (known as dermabrasion today). I still have the large ugly scars on my forearms now decades later.

Yes, there are pros and cons about getting your first tattoo. Take a little advice from a guy who has been there and done that. Think long and hard before getting a VISIBLE first tattoo.

You see, that was my big mistake when I got my first tattoo. I got it on my forearm.

Well, back in the real world that one forearm tattoo caused me much grief from employers, college admission officers, girls I wanted to date (and especially their parents), and even caused me problems advancing up the corporate ladder in health care management (my first job out of college).

Think Far Ahead Into Your Future…

Think ahead 10, 20, or 30 years. How will that tattoo fit into your career plans and lifestyle in 10 years? What if you go into a profession, or politics? Have you ever been treated by a doctor with a full sleeve tattoo? In all my years, I haven’t. Just think about it.

For your first tattoo, get it somewhere not visible when wearing everyday clothes and a short sleeve shirt.

Yes, I know. Your mind’s made up and you’re going to get inked anyway. Well, I fully understand how you feel because I’ve been there and done that. Just remember this article before getting inked in a visible place on your body. And choose your first tattoo design carefully. You’ll most likely be living with it the rest of your life.