Possibly a bad idea...

[citrinesunset]

Ever since I was, I don't know, maybe 15 or 16, I've thought off and on about getting a tattoo. But I was never able to think of anything that I really wanted to get. None of my ideas were ones I was all that committed to, and I'm picky, and I don't want to get a tattoo just to have one. So after a while, I decided it probably just wasn't going to happen for me.

Somehow, I started thinking about a tattoo again, and I finally came up with something that I think I actually really want. A design that I think I'd find visually appealing for a long time and something that's somewhat meaningful. And it requires more thought and planning still, and I can't afford it right now anyway, but I think I want it.

The thing is, I'm a little concerned about my sensitive skin and my allergies. As far as I know, I've never had an allergic reaction to an ink or dye, but I am sensitive to stuff sometimes. And even though it's a different thing, I'm paranoid because my pierced ears have caused me a lot of allergy and infection-related misery.

I've done some reading online, and it seems like it can depend on the person. So I don't know -- I guess it's something I can research more, and maybe I'll get a chance to talk to a doctor about it. But I wish it were simpler.

Comments

[kahtyasofia]

Research tattoo shops in your area. Talk to people who have tattoos you like and find out where they went. Find an ARTIST, and go talk to them. They'll have some good info to augment medical info. Unless your doctor HAS tattoos, you can't be sure they don't have an agenda.

From what I understand, the tattoo inks are inert and shouldn't give you any trouble IF your aftercare is good. Not that aftercare is hard, just don't pick your scabs and keep it moisturized.

[citrinesunset]

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing, about a good artist having some input and experience in that area.

I've started looking at local shops, though I don't know when I'll have a chance to actually act on it.

[rm.livejournal.com]

Most people who have reactions to tattoo inks get it from the red ink sometimes years after the initial work.

[citrinesunset.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I've heard that red ink is frequently what causes people problems, so I'd probably try to avoid that (even though I love red).

[phaetonschariot.livejournal.com]

lol everyone local is getting them in black and red, they're our region's colours.

[phaetonschariot.livejournal.com]

Apparently everyone ever is getting tattoos or thinking about getting tattoos.

[citrinesunset.livejournal.com]

It's quite common apparently. And it just puts the idea in my head even more, because I start thinking that if everyone else can get their cool tattoos, I should be able to get mine!

[phaetonschariot.livejournal.com]

It's really big in Christchurch right now. Like, not everyone everyone, but a lot of people are getting them that have never had any before, people are getting new ones, it's really noticeable. There is actually a logic to it - it's a tribute, it's something meaningful, and a well-known tattoo artist was killed so the tattoo community has done a big push on fundraising and such. And national/regional pride is really heavy right now too.

[citrinesunset.livejournal.com]

That's kind of cool!

[verasteine.livejournal.com]

Half my flist is talking about tattoos. Okay, so I've toyed with the idea off and on myself, but still :). Post a pic when you have it done?

[citrinesunset.livejournal.com]

Most definitely! Have no idea when that will be, though, between the allergy concerns and the fact that apparently decent tattoos cost money. Also, I think I need to have custom artwork made. But what I want is something a little similar to this this, basically.

[verasteine.livejournal.com]

Late reply is late because LJ told me about it only now.

It's pretty! Hope you'll manage to get it!