A tattoo is a body modification made by insertion of pigment, ink, or dyes in the body. Tattoos can be permanent or temporary and form a design in the dermis layer of the skin. Several factors influence the permanence and longevity of tattoos. Here are some common mistakes to avoid. First, don’t scratch or rub your tattoo. Next, don’t use aspirin, alcohol, or tampons on your tattoo.
Avoid scratching tattoos
One way to prevent ink from bleeding out is to avoid scratching your tattoo. Tattoos may itch a little during the healing process, but never try to remove the scabs by scratching them. Scratching can also pull out ink from underneath, leaving you with a patchy tattoo. In addition, scratching will make the tattoo a lot more painful than it was before. Fortunately, there are several ways to protect your tattoo from infection, which you can do with these simple measures.
If you can’t help yourself from scratching your tattoo, it’s worth considering some aftercare products. Some of these products contain natural plant extracts that are safe for tattoos. Others contain alcohol, which can cause an inflammation. Most tattoo shops will sell aftercare products including a line of organic sunscreen, petroleum jelly, and antibacterial soap. Those are good choices if you’re prone to tattoo itching.
Avoid drinking alcohol
Alcohol consumption should be avoided at least 24 hours before getting a tattoo. Alcohol can cause the blood to thin, making the tattoo much more likely to bleed. This makes the healing time of the tattoo much slower, as there is no scabbing protecting it. Alcohol also impairs your body’s regeneration process and affects vital bodily functions. Thus, alcohol should be avoided during the day and on the day before the tattoo.
Having a tattoo is not a fun experience, but it can be an unforgettable experience for you. Regardless of the location, alcohol can cause many complications. The tattoo itself can take longer to heal and alcohol can reduce your immune system’s ability to fight off infections. While drinking alcohol, remember to drink moderately and wait until the next day. This way, you’ll be able to minimize any risks of a tattoo-induced infection.
Avoid tampons
Many women think that using tampons during their tattoo appointment will cause more bleeding, but in reality, this is not the case. Some medications and supplements can thin your blood and interfere with clotting. Herbal supplements can also thin your blood. Avoid these before your tattoo appointment to ensure that you have clot-free blood. Finally, alcohol can thin your blood, making it easier to bleed during your tattoo.
While tampons are a common household item, women should avoid using them during their tattoo appointment if they have PMS. This is because women with PMS have a higher sensation threshold and swell more. These factors can make tattooing more painful. Using tampons before getting a tattoo is not only unsanitary but could lead to infection. You’ll want to plan ahead so that your tattoo doesn’t go bad.
Avoid aspirin
If you’re getting a tattoo, avoid taking aspirin and ibuprofen before your appointment. Although acetaminophen, or Tylenol, is an analgesic and may help you cope with pain, these medicines can slow down the clotting process and make your tattoo bleed more, resulting in a poorer-looking tattoo. Additionally, they can interact with some of your other medications or supplements.
Avoid caffeine
Although some people have no problem with caffeine before getting a tattoo, avoiding it is best. Caffeine is known to increase blood pressure, so it is important to avoid drinking caffeine before a tattoo appointment. Besides that, caffeine can make you jittery and increase your heart rate. If you can, try to avoid drinking coffee or energy drinks before the tattoo appointment. Instead of a cup of coffee, try a decaf one.
Before getting a tattoo, avoid taking painkillers, such as aspirin. Aspirin and other painkillers can thin your blood, which makes the tattoo process harder. It’s also important to avoid drinking alcohol on the day of your tattoo. The reason for this is that caffeine constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure. Those with a high blood pressure may experience a longer bleed than someone who doesn’t drink coffee or energy drinks.
Design a tattoo that will last forever
If you want to get a tattoo that will last forever, you need to choose a design that won’t fade and will stay in place. Simple, timeless designs won’t date or lose their meaning after several years. Here are some design tips:
First, you need to choose a location where the tattoo won’t move or flex. Avoid getting a tattoo on your hands or feet, as they constantly flex and stretch. The skin on your hands and feet also comes into contact with several substances throughout the day, making your tattoo fade and crack. Secondly, a tattoo on your feet or hands will fade faster than in another part of your body. If you can, choose a location that is naturally sweaty or oily, such as the neck, wrists, and arms.