Why are tattoos so regrettable?

Jim Trenholm • December 19, 2017

As tattoos become more popular, so does the amount of people with tattoo regret. Although tattoos are usually amazing works of art, they can often turn out differently than expected.  

 

There are dozens of reasons why someone may have a regrettable tattoo, ranging from outgrowing the design to no shotty line work. At Unthink Inc we are not anti tattoo but want you to be happy with whatever ink if any at all you wish to have. Here are some of the most common reasons our clients regret their ink related to the application process.

1) Drinking beforehand.

If you are going to a reputable tattoo studio, chances are you will sign a release form before getting inked. This form will typically include a section where you agree to not being under the influence of alcohol. If the tattoo artist suspects you are intoxicated they can (and should) refuse you service. However, some less professional tattoo shops may not bother with this kind of paperwork. Aside from increasing your chances moving and risking uneven linework, chances are you’ll wake up in the morning clear of mind and full of regret.

Alcohol also thins the blood and alters the way your body receives ink. Blood thinners, like alcohol, make you bleed more when the tattoo needle pierces the skin. This makes the area difficult to tattoo as the excess blood pushes ink out, making it harder for skin to retain pigment. The tattoo artist must then go over their work again and again, causing more bleeding. In the end you’ll have with a messy, imprecise, regrettable tattoo that may not heal correctly and leave you with a scar.    

2) Improper aftercare.

How you take care of your tattoo is just as important as how it was applied. Most tattoo studios will walk you through an aftercare regime and may even give you a handout with their best practices. To ensure your tattoo heals correctly and stays looking the best it can, ensure you pay attention to these instructions and ask questions. Following the recommended steps will be the difference between a healthy, beautiful looking tattoo and an infected, scarred mess. Some basic guidelines: don’t let your tattoo dry out; do not use harsh chemicals; stay out of the sun; resist the urge to pick or scratch it.  

3) Poor application.

A recent survey found the second most popular reason people dislike their tattoo is due to poor linework. No matter the tattoo you’re looking to get, the end result will only be as good as the artist applying it. To ensure your session doesn’t end in regret, you’ll want to ensure the artist has experience and a portfolio of their past works. When an artist lacks in experience or motivation to produce good work, it will show in your end product. Artists can also be heavy or light handed, either causing the ink to go in too deeply and potentially damaging skin or not inserting ink deep enough and leaving the tattoo unsaturated and prone to fading. Doing your research and choosing a reputable, licensed artist with a good portfolio and high client rating will dramatically lower your chances of getting a regrettable tattoo.


Already have a case of tattoo regret? Book your free consultation   to learn more about safe tattoo removal from the experts at Unthink Inc.

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