BEAUTY KLINIC

Choosing a tattoo is difficult. If it isn’t, you have not done your homework. Too often, newcomers will stroll into their local tattoo parlor, pick up a few books or check out the artwork on the walls, and thirty minutes later sit down in the chair for their session.

This is crazy! Call it short-sighted, or having too much faith in tattoo removal technology (dubious odds, at best), but for something that will be on your body for your entire life, you really need to take a few steps back, slow down, and take your time making a design choice. Here are a few steps that you should consider taking so that you don’t end up with a visible reminder of your bad decision.

Your first step is to determine where the tattoo will be positioned. There’s no sense in looking for a design just yet, because many designs only “work” in certain areas. For example, designs for hip tattoos often will not work as lower back tattoo desings. It’s even a good idea to apply a similarly-sized temporary tattoo in your target location so that you can be sure that you like the placement.

Next choose your design: first narrow down your selection into a style of tattoo that you like, and then narrow it further by finding several designs within that style that appeal to you.

Test drive your design: get some professional transfer paper — this is the paper that tattoo artists use to transfer designs from their books to your skin. Trace the design onto the transfer paper, optionally using a lightbox for assistance. You can find some transfer paper samples on this tattoo finder blog. Then have a friend transfer the design onto your skin and fill it in with fine-tipped permanent markers in the appropriate colors. It doesn’t have to be perfect - you just want to make sure the size, style, and colors agree with you.

Now you’ll just observe that design in its natural habitat! Don’t obsess over it, but glance at every time you pass the mirror, see how it works with the clothes you normally wear, make sure you can adequately cover it up when you need to, and be sure that you like the design and placement. Don’t be afraid to try on more than one design either often, your second or third design choice will actually suit you the best. It should only take a few iterations until you find a tattoo you’ll love.

Additionally, if your tattoo will include a lettering style, don’t limit yourself to what you see in the parlor’s books. There are literally thousands of freeware fonts that you can download and install on your computer. You can use a graphics program (even a free one like gimp) to add the tattoo lettering to your design of choice, and then transfer it to your skin with the rest of the test tattoo. Like the design, you’ll eventually find a font that is perfect for your new tattoo.

To some, this sounds like a lot of work, and that’s true. But this tattoo will be with you for a lifetime, so you will want to do your research. Use a tattoo finder to locate a great design, browse through the many free fonts available online, and test drive all of the promising tattoo designs before you ink them permanently. Your effort will be rewarded many fold in the years to come.

For those who are thinking about a new tattoo design, there is a lot of legwork to cover. And if you don′t believe that to be true, then you might end up being one of those with ink that you hate. Gone are the days of just thumbing through a few dusty design books to find your (im)perfect design.

This is crazy! Call it short-sighted, or having too much faith in tattoo removal technology (dubious odds, at best), but for something that will be on your body for your entire life, you really need to take a few steps back, slow down, and take your time making a design choice. Here are a few steps that you should consider taking so that you don′t end up with a visible reminder of your bad decision.

Your first step is to determine where the tattoo will be positioned. There’s no sense in looking for a design just yet, because many designs only “work” in certain areas. For example, designs for hip tattoos often will not work as lower back tattoo desings. It’s even a good idea to apply a similarly-sized temporary tattoo in your target location so that you can be sure that you like the placement.

Next choose your design: first narrow down your selection into a style of tattoo that you like, and then narrow it further by finding several designs within that style that appeal to you.

Test drive your design: get some professional transfer paper — this is the paper that tattoo artists use to transfer designs from their books to your skin. Trace the design onto the transfer paper, optionally using a lightbox for assistance. You can find some transfer paper samples on this tattoo finder blog. Then have a friend transfer the design onto your skin and fill it in with fine-tipped permanent markers in the appropriate colors. It doesn′t have to be perfect - you just want to make sure the size, style, and colors agree with you.

Sleep on it: now just take your time, continue observing your test tattoo, and trying on different designs. You can see, with a high degree of accuracy and realism, what that tattoo is going to look like on your skin. If you don′t like, just scrub really hard and try again with a clean canvas! Eventually you’ll find a perfect design.

Additionally, if your tattoo will include a lettering style, don′t limit yourself to what you see in the parlor’s books. There are literally thousands of freeware fonts that you can download and install on your computer. You can use a graphics program (even a free one like gimp) to add the tattoo lettering to your design of choice, and then transfer it to your skin with the rest of the test tattoo. Like the design, you’ll eventually find a font that is perfect for your new tattoo.

To some, this sounds like a lot of work, and that’s true. But this tattoo will be with you for a lifetime, so you will want to do your research. Use a tattoo finder to locate a great design, browse through the many free fonts available online, and test drive all of the promising tattoo designs before you ink them permanently. Your effort will be rewarded many fold in the years to come.

So many people get a new tattoo and think that as soon as leave the chair, the work is done. The fact is, the next three to five days after the needlework are crucial to ensuring that the tattoo turns out well. Without proper aftercare and attention, new tattoos can easily fade or blemish. Or worse, they could scar or become infected — a double whammy.

But if you ask a dozen tattoo artists how to take care of a new tattoo, you’ll probably get a dozen different answers. The conclusion is that no one knows precisely what will work for everyone, so your best bet is to follow a conservative, consensus-driven aftercare procedure.

The most important rule of tattoo aftercare is ‘listen to your tattoo artist.’ Their advice will always trump the procedure outlined here because they know your tattoo best. In the event that they didn’t give your directions, or they were incomplete, here’s how to go about it.

Tattoo Aftercare Do’s

Do use an approved aftercare moisturizer / healing cream Do leave your tattoo covered with the initial bandage for the recommended minimum time period (usually four hours or more), and do remove the bandage in no more than 12 hours Do prevent your tattoo from becoming wet Do keep your tattoo moisturized Do pat your skin dry when the tattooed area gets wet Tattoo Aftercare Don’ts

Don’t expose your tattoo to sunlight until fully healed Don’t submerse your tattoo in water, and especially avoid chlorinated water Don’t let your tattoo dry out Don’t over moisturize your tattoo Don’t pick your tattoo scabs Don’t cover your tattoo with a bandage once the initial bandage has been removed Don’t scratch your tattoo or allow it to bruise Tattoo Aftercare Procedure

1) Four to six hours after you leave the tattoo parlor, wash your hands thoroughly with an antibacterial soap. You’ll want to ensure that your hands are free from dirt, germs, or anything infectious.

2) Carefully remove the bandage that was placed over your tattoo at the parlor. With a gentle antibacterial soap, carefully wash the tattooed area, removing any of the ink residue, greasy covering, blood, etc. You can tell that the area is clean when it just feels like wet skin. Be very gentle with your skin. Pat your tattoo dry — do not brush or rub dry.

3) Apply a thin layer of moisturizer / healing ointment. Popular brands recommended at parlors include A&ampD Ointment, Neosporin, and Bacitracin. There are also tattoo-specific products that are designed exclusively for aftercare, and they include Tattoo Goo, H2Ocean Aftercare, and Black Cat Tattoo Cream. If you have a large, expensive tattoo, or a tattoo with deep colors that you want to protect, they are probably worth the investment.

4) Three to four times per day, apply a small layer of anti-bacterial ointment to your tattoo. You will want to use enough to moisten the tattooed area, but not so much as to leave streaks or allow it to build up. Your goal is to moisturize the area only, so start with a small amount and work it in with your fingers.

The problem with over moisturizing the skin is that the inks can seep and fade from moisture, and that moisture includes more than just water. If you slather on a thick coating of Neosporin and keep it saturated throughout the day, your tattoo might heal in just over a week. Great news? Not so fast — it will also result in faded inks. If, however, you lightly coat the area three to four times per day, your tattoo might take two to three weeks to heal, but the colors will set properly. This is a tough lesson for many to learn. In some cases, letting the body heal at its own pace makes more sense to your tattoo.

5) Keep your tattoo covered, and out of exposure to sun, moisture, and other danages, but don’t cover it tightly. Ideally, a loose, breathable fabric can be worn. Don’t scratch or pick your tattoo! If your tattoo begins to itch unbearably, gently slap the skin or use rubbing alcohol to relieve any itching or irritation.

While there might seem to be quite a few steps to follow, each step is quite simple. The bottom line is that you need to be mindful of your tattoo, and allow the body to heal itself as naturally as possible. You will do everything you can to assist that process, but you don’t want to rush it — just help it. If you can do that, and stay diligent with your care for 2 to 3 weeks, you will be blessed with a rich tattoo that can be enjoyed for years to come.

Zodiac tattoos have gained tremendously in popularity lately. It is an excellent way to add some unique personalization to your design that speaks specifically about you and where you come from. Astrology has been a part of our culture and other cultures for generations. Each society has its own unique way of looking at the stars and constellations and drawing meaning from them.

Naturally in our society we use the Western Zodiac. This is the Zodiac wheel that includes Aries, Taurus, Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn, Sagittarius, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Scorpio, Libra and Virgo. Many of the signs are based on ancient mythology of the Greek. Many of the names stem from the gods and other figures of that age.

Because each sign is designated a specific period of time on the calendar, your Zodiac sign is determined by your birthdate. Choosing your tattoo to be representative of your sign lets everyone see your pride for the time of your birth. Each sign is believed to carry with it unique personality traits. So when others see your Zodiac symbol tattoo they will already have an idea of what type of individual your are, even before you begin to speak.

Many people are instantly drawn to the simplistic, but stylish Zodiac glyphs. The then take these to a local tattoo artist for further expansion. When the work is done you are left with a unique design that proudly showcases your affinity for astrology as well as being beautiful on its own.

Some of the best tattoo designs can be found in the various membership sites and forums that can be found on the Internet. While they are not free, the quality of the artwork that can be found there is worth the cost of signing up. Additionally you are given the opportunity to browse for a design and then print it up to take in to your local tattoo shop.

When deciding which astrological aspect to use for your zodiac tattoo, you have several options. Each sign has a symbol or glyph as well as the constellation and animal. All of these can be intertwined very effectively into a gorgeous tattoo image.

Definitely do not hurry when you are choosing a tattoo. They are permanent and you do not want to feel you made a mistake later on. Look at other people’s tattoos and take a shot at designing your own. Finally talk to your tattoo artist as their years of experience can be valuable in help you to select a design that you will still be in love with when you are much older.

Getting a tattoo is a lifelong commitment, plain and simple. While you might be excited to get your ink, take your time to find the right tattoo artist and studio for you. Laser removal of tattoos is not nearly as advanced as some would lead you to believe, it’s not very reliable, and let’s not forget that removal is pricey and the process is lengthy (multiple sessions spread out over a year or more). So what you choose today could be with you for decades. Make sure it’s an informed decision.

1) First and foremost, do your research. Don’t even bother looking for a tattoo artist until you find a reputable parlor. These days, this is simpler than it sounds, thanks to our favorite online research and rating tools. Plus, you’re not looking for the best parlor yet — just eliminating the worst.

2) Ask around. With the number of people getting tattoos these days, you have a huge pool of references that you can leverage. Of course, if their tattoos are awful, don’t bother asking! Surprisingly, even strangers are open to talking about their tattoos. After all, they are visible, so their owners want them to be noticed, and they’re impersonal enough that few people take offense to questions. And it’s a great way to meet people to boot.

Once you have personal recommendations, do some web searches for each of the specific parlor names. Search for phrases like “tattoo-shop-name complaints,” “tattoo-shop-name sucks,” etc.

Your local independent paper is a great way to find at least one leading local tattoo parlor. Tattoo shops very often advertise in these papers, and if the ads are recurring, odds are very high that the shop is favored in the community.

3) Do your safety checks. Now that you have a shortlist of potential providers, take a trip to each one. At this point you are interested in safety and cleanliness.

* Are the tattoo artists wearing gloves? * Do they wash their hands between tattoos? * Is smoking prohibited in the studio? * Is the parlor licensed? * Is the parlor clean? * Do the artists pull their needles from the autoclave (sterilizing equipment) prior to each tattoo? * Are single-use supplies used during a session? For example, look for things like disposable ink cups, fresh needles, and the like? * Do the artists shave and disinfect each client? Are plastic bags present and wrapped around hand-held equipment? This helps prevent cross-contamination.

4) Find an artist. If you’re satisfied that the shop is clean, it’s time to look for a specific artist. This is a matching process. While most artists are very versatile, if you’re looking for a skull tattoo, wouldn’t it make more sense to get it from someone who specializes in skulls? Often by looking through the art books in the parlor, you can get a feel for the style of each artist.

When you meet the tattoo artist, they should be friendly and helpful. They get a lot of window shoppers, so don’t expect them to be bubbly and excited to meet you, but they should still be accommodating. They should never try to talk you into getting larger or more intricate tattoos. Any artist who has been in business knows that the most satisfied clients are informed clients. Experienced tattoo artists will usually offer their opinions and guide the process, they should never push you.

If you feel that you are being led to a design or decision that you don’t like, or if the artist is dismissive of your questions, you might need to move on. Many experienced artists prefer working on intricate, large designs, so you might just fall under their radar. It’s nothing to worry about: there is someone out there perfect for your tattoo.

5) Don’t price it. Keep in mind that this tattoo will be with you for decades, making the cost per wear minimal. Don’t try to save a few bucks and risk ending up with a tattoo that is less than optimal. The risk just isn’t worth it. I’m sure there are some cases of price gouging out there, but I’ve never personally experienced them or talked to anyone who has. Just spend the money — the peace of mind is worth it.

6) Choose your location. Sensitive areas and areas closer to bone tend to be more painful, but you shouldn’t let pain determine your tattoo’s location. Hip tattoos are very popular, as well as lower-back and shoulder tattoos. Growing in popularity are hand tattoos and foot tattoos, while the old standbys like arm tattoos are still going strong.

7) Choose your design. Similar to pricing your tattoo, don’t settle for any old design you find in their books. With the abundance of tattoo designs available in online galleries, there is no reason you can’t find the perfect tattoo for your skin. Your best option is to make use of a quality tattoo finder to browse designs. You’ll be able to find and download artwork, and see real life pictures of what the tattoos look like on people.