Tattoos and piercings can be fun ways to establish your identity. If you want a piece of body art, you’ll get the best results by treating the process with respect and care.

Find a Great Tattoo Parlor

The quality of your tattoo or piercing is entirely dependent on the place where you get it done. Be willing to pay more for a better parlor; you’ll get higher quality work and a lower chance of infection.

Good tattoo parlors are serious about sterilization. An autoclave is a device used to sterilize piercing equipment; only work with parlors that have one. You should also expect the staff to use gloves and to open every needle from a fresh package.

Most parlors will let you visit their studio before you make a final decision. Ask if you can watch them tattoo a client. Don’t sit in the chair unless you feel completely comfortable.

Make Specific Requests

Talk to the tattoo parlor after you know exactly what kind of tattoo or body piercing you want to get. Although the artist might make recommendations, it’s up to you to choose body modifications that fit your sense of style.

If you’re getting a body piercing, consider your jewelry options. You can visit a body jewelry supplier to see the studs, hoops, and bars that are available to you. Notice that some pieces of jewelry have different gauges. Start with a small gauge; you can increase the size of a piercing, but you can’t decrease it.

Your first piece of body jewelry needs to be simple to prevent infection. Once the piercing heals, you can start wearing more complicated and fun decorations.

If you’re getting a tattoo, bring a sketch or a photo of your idea. Many tattoo parlors have an on-staff artist who will complete your design, but they will do a better job if you show them a picture of what you want.

Talk to Your Doctor

Tattoos and body piercings come with inherent risks. You might have an allergic reaction to the ink or metal. You also might have a medical condition that makes tattoos incredibly dangerous; diabetes, hemophelia, and epilepsy are all on this list.

Don’t stress yourself about these medical concerns. Instead, talk to a health care professional before you get your tattoo or piercing. Ask them to clear you for the procedure; they will also teach you how to avoid the risk of infection.

Take Care of Your New Body Art

Aftercare is essential to make sure that your tattoo or piercing comes out as intended. Most tattoo parlors and bodypiercing jewelry suppliers will give you aftercare instructions; follow them to the letter.

Wait to remove the bandage on a tattoo or piercing for at least an hour. Wash the area with mild antibacterial soap every day until your skin has healed. Your tattoo parlor likely gave you an ointment; use it for the best results.

If you notice pus, blood, strange coloring, or extreme redness and burning in the area, get in touch with your doctor. Infections are easier to cure if you notice them early.

A Final Word about Tattoos and Piercings

Don’t be afraid to ask questions at the tattoo parlor. Most body artists are happy to give you advice and suggestions. Tattoos and piercings are permanent modifications, so it’s important to understand the process before you make a final decision.