Ink Blunders: Avoiding 8 Common Tattoo Mistakes

Getting tattooed is a significant decision that should not be made carelessly or in haste. It can be intimidating to have something permanently engraved onto your epidermis. It is time-consuming and sometimes agonizing. Getting a tattoo requires careful consideration of numerous factors, particularly for your first one. It is not uncommon to make errors during the planning, execution, or aftercare of a tattoo. Fortunately, they are simple to avoid with some investigation, planning, and perseverance. It is difficult to correct tattoo errors, so it is best to avoid them entirely whenever possible.

1. Misspellings/Incorrect Translations

Misspellings and mistranslations are standard errors. Before the tattooing, make sure the text is spelt correctly. Avoid misspellings and “lost in translation” by taking these steps. Double-check the spelling of the words or phrases you want to include, verify translations if using a different language, hire a professional tattoo artist experienced with text, review the stencil or design before starting the tattooing process, communicate clearly with the artist about your intended text, and take your time to ensure accuracy. Ariana Grande’s 7 rings tattoo illustrates this blunder. The U.S. singer claimed on Instagram that her new hand tattoo represented “7 Rings” in Japanese. Grande erred. Shichirin, or small charcoal barbecue, was the tattoo.

2. Bad Designs

Tattoos may turn up poorly if the artist doesn’t comprehend the design. Blurred lines, uneven shading, and distorted proportions can occur—research tattoo design to avoid mistakes. Find a trusted artist who shares your aesthetic. Communicate your design goals to ensure people understand. Get a consultation and a mock-up before committing. Trust the artist and consider their style.

3. Incorrect Positioning

Getting a tattoo in the wrong place might be a mistake. When determining where to place your tattoo, consider factors such as your body form, future ambitions, and professional considerations. Consider your current situation and plans. Consult your tattoo artist for professional placement assistance that complements your selected design and body form. Before committing, use temporary tattoos or henna to test out other spots.

4. Subject Matter That Is Regrettable

People’s tastes and interests change with time, and a tattoo that seemed stylish or relevant at the time may now be a source of regret. Examples include trendy or pop culture references, which might lose their charm over time. The name or photograph of a love partner can serve as an unpleasant reminder of prior relationships. Tattoos with inappropriate symbols or contentious imagery may be something you regret later. Before getting a design permanently inked, it’s critical to think about its long-term meaning. Angelina Jolie, who had to cover up and remove multiple tattoos on her body, is a notable example.

5. Decisions made on the spur of the moment

Getting inked on a whim without considering the design’s meaning and long-term consequences increases the likelihood of eventual unhappiness. Tattoos are permanent, and what appears to be a brilliant idea at the time may lose its attractiveness or significance over time. By taking the time to make a meaningful and well-considered decision, you may reduce the likelihood of future regret and create a tattoo that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

6. Being Ill or Having a Hangover

Be sure you are in good health and did not drink too much the night before the event. If you still have alcohol in your system, you may bleed more, making it more difficult for the ink to set. Hangovers, in conjunction with other illnesses, can make the discomfort more severe. You don’t want to make the artist sick, do you? A better and less painful experience can also be achieved by ensuring that one is adequately nourished and hydrated at all times.

7. Awful Aftercare

Neglecting adequate aftercare can cause difficulties and impact the outcome of a tattoo. It is critical to follow the artist’s instructions and care for the tattoo during the healing phase to retain its attractiveness and ensure good healing. Maintain your tattoo by cleaning it with mild soap and water, moisturizing it with tattoo-specific ointments or fragrance-free lotions, resisting the urge to pick or scratch it, protecting it from the sun with sunscreen, avoiding prolonged water exposure, wearing loose clothing to prevent irritation, and avoiding irritants such as scented lotions.

8. The failure to inquire or ask questions

Ask any questions that come to mind, regardless of how inconsequential they might appear. It will be worth it if it helps to calm any anxiety you might be experiencing. If the tattoo artist cannot confidently and in detail answer a question regarding what is contained in the tattoo ink that they use, you may wish to ask additional questions concerning the ink.