In today’s world, tattoos are part of our culture. Teens and adults look to tattoos as an accessory, as a way to
express themselves or to celebrate an event. Though getting tattooed may seem like it’s not a big deal, it’s
important to step back and think about it before you make the decision to get permanently inked.
OK, so you know that you want a tattoo, but do you have the all the facts? You have to know the laws in your
area, make yourself aware of the health issues and concerns, and talk to your parents before moving forward.
Tattoos are for life, if you don't make an educated decision, there may come a time when you have regrets.
Think Before You Ink Survey
Which of the following statements are true and which are false? Mark your responses to each statement. Then
read the Think Before You Ink article to see if you are ready for a tattoo.
TRUE FALSE
1. Tattoos are the result of a process where removable ink is put in the skin by needles to
create a design.
2. People with skin conditions should visit with their doctor about possible complications
before getting a tattoo.
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3. Minor complications from tattoos can last years.
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4. The legal age limit for getting a tattoo without parental consent is 16.
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5. Choosing a tattoo design is best done in the spur of the moment.
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6. A good design idea for a tattoo is your current boyfriend/girlfriend’s name.
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7. Location of the tattoo is not important, as tattoos do not sag, stretch or wrinkle as you
grow older.
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8. Tattoos are not a threat to employability as long as they can be covered.
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9. Tattoo shops are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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10. It is not important to research a tattoo artist before you get a tattoo.
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11. Most tattoo artists charge a set rate by the hour.
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12. Tattoos can be easily removed.
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1. Tattoos are the result of a process where removable ink is put in the skin by needles
to create a design. (FALSE)
A tattoo is applied by injecting ink into small, deep holes made in the skin. Most tattoo artists use an electric
instrument to inject the tattoo ink. A single needle outlines the tattoo and the design is then filled in with a
bar that has five to seven needles. The tattoo process has four basic steps: outlining the design, shading and
coloring, cleaning, and bandaging.
2. People with skin conditions should visit with their doctor about possible complications
before getting a tattoo. (TRUE)
During the process of tattooing the skin is penetrated, which means that skin infections and other
complications are possible. People with medical conditions should reconsider getting a tattoo. Tattoos can
present a very real risk to people with heart conditions, epilepsy, diabetes, hemophilia, skin conditions and
allergies. Sometimes the ink can lead to serious health complications by interfering with medications. If you
have a chronic condition or take medication, you should consult a doctor before getting inked.
Even at very clean tattoo parlors, inking needles may have been used on multiple customers before you.
Contracting various blood borne diseases, including tetanus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, tuberculosis, or HIV, is
possible if the equipment used to create your tattoo is contaminated with infected blood.
3. Minor complications from tattoos can last for years. (TRUE)
Common risks include:
 Contracting a skin infection, which might cause redness, swelling, pain and a pus-like drainage.
 Having an allergic reaction caused by the tattoo dyes, which can occur years after you get the tattoo.
 Developing granulomas (bumps) or keloids (raised areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue) can
form around tattoos.
Swelling or burning in the affected areas during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams could occur and in
some cases, tattoo pigments can interfere with the quality of the image.
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4. The legal age limit for getting a tattoo without parental consent is 16. (FALSE)
In the United States, there is no federal law providing for an age limit for getting a tattoo. Many states require
that the person being tattooed is an adult over 18, however some states do allow minors (17 or younger) to be
tattooed with parental consent.
5. Choosing a tattoo design is best done in the spur of the moment. (FALSE)
You’ve decided to get a tattoo. The next decision is, “What is your tattoo going to look like?” Make sure you
have your design chosen before you get to the tattoo shop. Decisions about a design made on the spur of the
moment might be risky – remember this is a permanent marking on your body.
Think about things that have special meaning to you and then plan what your design will be. Research by
browsing the Internet or visit the tattoo shop to go through their design books. Work with the tattoo artist to
make a custom design prior to actually getting your tattoo.
6. A good design idea for a tattoo is your current boyfriend/girlfriend’s name. (FALSE)
Some things you might want to take off your list as design options include: private body parts, girl/boyfriend
names, anything referencing alcohol or drugs or current fads such as a musical band, television show,
character or movie star. Writing and quotes should be thought over twice as long. The final question to ask
yourself is, “Will I be happy with this design 5 or 10 years from now?”
7. Location of the tattoo is not important, as tattoos do not sag, stretch and wrinkle as
you grow older. (FALSE)
Where you have your tattoo placed will also influence the design you select. If the tattoo isn’t something you
want your grandmother to see, place it in an area that can be covered. Think about how the design you select
will go with clothing for both formal and informal occasions. Also think about areas that may stretch, sag or
wrinkle as you get older.
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8. Tattoos are not a threat to employability as long as they can be covered. (TRUE)
Consider your future career. Is your design suitable for this career or any workplace? Can it easily be covered if
necessary? Some employers do not approve of visible tattoos.
9. Tattoo shops are regulated by the U.S Food and Drug Administration. (FALSE)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration do not approve or regulate the pigments and inks used for tattoos.
Few states regulate tattoo shops, so it is important to find a safe, clean, reputable tattoo artist and shop.
10. It is not important to research a tattoo artist before you get a tattoo. (FALSE)
Get background information on your tattoo artist. Remember it’s your health. You want to protect your skin
from infections and other complications.
 Ask to see their license. How long have they been in business? Where did they receive their training?
Do they have any special certifications or degrees?
 Look through books of tattoo artists' work. Are they a good artist? Do you like their designs and style?
 Watch them apply other tattoos to see if they are following health and safety rules.
 Is the shop and tattooing equipment clean and sanitized?
11. Most tattoo artists charge by the hour. (TRUE)
Most tattoo artists charge by the hour. Do your homework and check costs with several shops. After you
select your design, ask the artist for an estimate of how long it will take, as well as the price. Keep in mind that
tattoo designs with color take longer, resulting in higher prices. The location of the tattoo can also impact the
price; certain areas of the body are easier to tattoo than others.
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12. Tattoos can be easily removed. (FALSE)
There are several methods for tattoo removal, all of which may be expensive, painful and leave your skin
permanently discolored or scarred. How successful the removal process is depends on: the size and location
of the tattoo, how it was applied, ink color, and the age of the tattoo.
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Laser - This removal method leaves the least amount of scarring and usually requires several
treatments in order to completely remove the tattoo.
Surgery - This technique is best for small tattoos. It involves an injection of a local anesthetic to numb
the area, after which the tattoo is removed surgically. The edges of the skin are sutured.
Dermabrasion - This method includes spraying the tattoo with a solution that freezes the area. The
tattoo is then "sanded" with an abrasive instrument that causes the skin to peel.
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