College is the time for trying new things and, for some, going a little bit wild. We are all 18 or older so we have more freedom in our choices for how to live our lives. One of the first things I thought of on my 18th birthday was that I could now get tattoos without my parents’ permission.
I had wanted to get a tattoo for so long, but I didn’t want to get it right away– mostly because I wanted to make sure it was what I really wanted and my parents are completely against tattoos. I waited until second semester of my freshman year to get it, almost a full year from when I turned 18. My first tattoo was the word “strength” in an infinity sign on my hip. I now have a second tattoos (a cross near my heel) and plans for more in the future.
I was so excited to get my first tattoo!
Because they are so permanent, tattoos are not something to take lightly. Like I said earlier, I deliberated for months before I went down to Red Wing Tattoo here in Winona. Before you get your first tattoo, here are some things you really need to consider:
- Think about it for at least 5 months. If you haven’t changed the spot or the tattoo in that time, then it is safe to get it. Don’t ever get a tattoo on a spur of the moment or when you are intoxicated because it NEVER ends well
- Talk to your friends and family about your ideas for a tattoo and get their opinions
- Think about your future career and whether a tattoo will hurt you professionally. I am going to be a nurse and visible tattoos are not allowed. My tattoos, however, can be hidden under scrubs. A few other professions that might require the tattoo to be covered are: doctor, veterinarian, teacher, retail salesperson, day care provider and many office jobs
- Research the business where you are going to get it done. Several of my friends have gotten tattoos at Red Wing Tattoo, like I have. But I also know one person someone who had gotten his tattoos at Third Eye Tattoo, also in downtown Winona.
- Research prices and make sure you can afford to get the tattoo. The price depends on where you go, the size of the design and how much color there is. Both of my tattoos cost me $40 because they are small, one-color student discount tattoos.
- Make sure the tattoo means something to you, something important. If you have ever watched the tv show “Bad Ink” on A&E or have seen those Buzzfeed listicles, you know what I’m talking about.
Hopefully, these tips can help some of you to figure out whether or not to get a tattoo. The major thing to remember is that tattoos are permanent! If you do want to get one taken off, it is extremely expensive and painful so make the right decision the first time around.
