After over a decade of planning, I finally got inked! It is still new and healing and I keep freaking out over something or other other, so I thought about doing a post on tattoos to help other first-timers. I think getting a tattoo is a major personal decision. While you can get your tattoo removed, I think it should be a well-thought-out decision and not an impulsive one (unless you're getting something really tiny). I changed my mind many times about what tattoos I wanted and I am extremely glad that younger me didn't make any rash decisions. So let me break down the tattoo process for first timers while also sharing my own experience with getting one (if you just want to see my tattoo you can skip ahead)-
STEP 1: Should I Get A Tattoo?
I don't mean to be an old, naggy aunt but I would recommend having a good, long think about this. I had many tattoo ideas in my 20s that I would be mortified to have as of now. I figured out the answer to this question by thinking about who I am as a person now and if my likes, dislikes, and thinking are steady now and less likely to have a major shift in the next few decades. In my 20s, my likes/dislikes would change every few months so despite having thought of 10 different ideas during my 20s, I am glad I didn't get inked then cause I don't resonate with any of those ideas anymore.
STEP 2: What should I get?
This is probably THE most important step in the process. Give it some time and consider what you want and the size. Try to avoid trendy designs (since things go out of style fast), the name of a partner (unless you're sure they are the one) or anything that you might outgrow in the next few years. If you work in a corporate setup you probably want to keep in mind how it might be perceived in the workplace. A question that helped me decide was - will I still like this in 5 years? My brother is a designer and I took his help in choosing and perfecting my design. I told him what I was thinking and he did the research and made me a design I absolutely loved (scroll to the end of the post to see my tattoo). If you'd like him to help you design your tattoo you can contact him.
STEP 3: Which tattoo artist should I go to?
This is again an important choice, so make it wisely. Please do your research and make sure to read reviews. The place should be clean, and safe and the tattoo artist should have a decent experience. If possible, meet them beforehand and share your design to ensure they are prepared. (If you are in Delhi and looking to get inked, definetly check out Devilz Tattoo in GK. It was clean, hygenic and the tattoo artists were pretty cool. )
My tattoo artist at Devilz Tattoo in GK, New Delhi
STEP 4: The tattoo process
The tattoo process is fairly straightforward. I was fairly anxious about the process so I thought I'd outline the process to help other first-timers. The tattoo process varies a little from artist to artist. The tattoo artist will first take a print of your tattoo (in the size that you want) on temporary tattoo paper. They will then help you decide where the tattoo will look best and transfer the temporary tattoo on the spot. Then the tattoo process will start and depending on how intricate and big your tattoo is the process will take anywhere from 30 minutes to hours. My tattoo was 4x1 inches and it took about 30 minutes. After the tattoo is done the artist will let it rest for 10 minutes and then cover it with a transparent cover.
STEP 5: Care process post getting inked
The post-care process is vital to ensure your tattoo doesn't get infected. My siblings and I got tattoos together but from different artists and we all got different care instructions which led to a little bit of confusion. So I spent the next few days obsessively Googling about it and have relatively decent knowledge about the post-care process. Here is what you want to do-
- Your tattoo artist will cover your tattoo with a transparent tattoo bandage. Keep that on for 4-5 hours after and then remove it. Clean your tattoo with a mild unscented soap and dry it. (unless your tattoo artist has asked you not to) Please make sure to get all your information from your tattoo artist and write it down.
- For the next two days keep the tattoo uncovered (or covered if your tattoo artist asked you to) and keep out of water. Using mild (unscented) soap, wipe clean the tattoo twice a day.
- From day three/four start applying tattoo wax or vaseline and keep the tattoo covered with long sleeves when you leave the house. Don't over moisturize either, just a light layer of vaseline or wax. Continue cleaning the tattoo twice a day.
- Don't swim or get the tattoo super wet while bathing for 2-3 weeks. You will notice it flaking and healing.
- For the next few months, do keep it moisturized with vaseline or a light lotion. The tattoo will fade a little over the months and years
My Experience
Are you ready to see my tattoo? Here is the reveal -
Fresh photo: The tattoo is upside down in this photo
What does my tattoo mean? My tattoo is the symbol for Unalome which is a Hindu/Buddhist concept meaning the path to freedom/enlightenment or nirvana. So why did I get this tattoo?
- If you have been a long time follower you probably know my name which also means nirvana. Unalome symbolizes the path to nirvana so it connected deeply with me.
- I wanted a tattoo that represents life - with its ups & downs and eventual conclusion. The symbol of unalome captures all that and explains it beautifully.
The meaning of my tattoo (Photo Credit mentioned in the photo)
After planning to get a tattoo for over a decade I finally did it now because my siblings were also getting inked and we kind of wanted it to be a special shared experience. I shared my idea for a tattoo with my talented designer brother who found the concept of unalome and edited the symbol to showcase the starting point as an M which is the starting letter of my name (and cutely the starting letter of all my siblings' names). He also designed by other siblings' tattoos and they are all incredibly well done. I can't recommend enough you reaching out to him to get him to design your tattoo (or other design needs since he is a graphic designer). You can reach out to him here.
I did have a little bit of an itch on day 4 after getting the tattoo but overall the healing process so far has been smooth.
The itchiness on day 4
I am so glad I finally got a tattoo and one that truly means something to me. Have you gotten inked? What does your tattoo mean?
PS: I just got back from a trip to Sri Lanka (posts about it coming soon) but if you want to see photos and reels, follow me on IG -
If you haven't already, check out my other recent posts -
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