Forearm Tattoos – 4 Steps To Take Before Getting Inked

Forearm Tattoos - 4 Steps To Take Before Getting Inked

Forearm Tattoos - 4 Steps To Take Before Getting Inked

One of the biggest styles in body art right now is forearm tattoos. People are gravitating towards these types of tattoos because they are not only fashionable but also exude a certain attitude. Not to generalize, but forearm tattoos still retain a ‘bad boy’ or ‘bad girl’ quality to them because they are so obvious and apparent. Most people consider hiding their tattoos because of their professional careers or for social reasons. A forearm tattoo does not allow this same level of modesty. So if you’re interested in getting a little roguish, here is a guide on how to go about getting such a piece of body art.

1. Work out your tattoo design

The first step before even stepping foot inside of a tattoo parlor is to figure out what you want your tattoo to look like. Do you want a tribal tattoo? Do you want a flower tattoo? Could you go for a Celtic tattoo? The choices abound. While many shops have large catalogues of styles they are familiar with in-house, getting a custom one is also possible. If you’re unsure of where to start, look online at various tattoo photo galleries for some inspiration.

2. Do your homework

Finding a tattoo shop is easy. However, finding the right tattoo parlor is a bit more difficult. They mostly look the same. When it comes to someone putting permanent ink onto your body, its best if you’ve done a little research before the needle comes out. Ask people you know who have tattoos where they go theirs from. Browse online forums and inquire about local tattoo shops that are reputable. Maybe you’ll even get a recommendation from someone that’ll shave a few dollars of the cost of your forearm tattoo.

3. Purchase tattoo care products

You’ll probably be sore and stressed after getting your tattoo. It can be grueling process. Instead of waiting after getting your new tattoo to purchase lotions and creams from the drug store, do it beforehand. Not only does this allow you to go home and heal up but it can save you the aggravation of running errands when your forearm is covered with balm and plastic wrap.

4. Meet your tattoo artist

This spins out of step 2. Ideally, when you’re doing your homework on what tattoo shop to go to, try and interact with the artists that work there. Is there a particularly friendly guy you’d like to have do your ink? Well, just ask him to do it. Knowing who you’re going to have do your tattoo before you sit down in the chair takes a lot of the uncertainty out of getting a forearm tattoo.

After you get your forearm tattoo, you’ll probably be given a list of care instructions by your tattoo artist. Follow these instructions. A forearm tattoo is highly visible. If you don’t let it heal properly it’ll show. Scar tissue forms if a tattoo is picked or isn’t allowed to properly heal. This can ruin your new ink. Remember, tattoos are permanent. Care for them.

Image via Flickr