Tattoo Tips

Since I am a lover of tattoos, and I know a lot of people out there are. I thought I would write a post about getting a tattoo. I'm not an expert, since I only have one tattoo, but I want so many more. So I have been searching the Internet for some great tips that I thought I would share with you.
I know some people aren't a fan of tattoos, but I just want to say, If you don't like tattoos, then either don't read this post or please don't post horrible comments. I'm just writing about things that I love.

My first tip is to really think about the tattoo that you are getting. You don't want to look back in a couple of months and really regret your choice. Remember Your tattoo is going to be on your body for the rest of your life. 
If it is your first tattoo, I would suggest to start small, You don't know how high your pain threshold is while getting a tattoo. You also want to know how your body takes the ink and how your body heals.
Also if it is your first tattoo, you might want to avoid your ribs, knees, elbows, feet or groin area. I made the mistake of getting my foot tattooed first. Because it's such a tender spot, it's very painful. It's also more likely that your body will go into shock.
The morning of your tattoo make sure to eat a big breakfast. You don't want to get a tattoo on a empty stomach. Again this is another mistake I made, and I ended up fainting because my blood sugar went haywire. Also Bring sugary drinks and things like chocolate with you when you are getting a tattoo. Apparently bananas and orange juice are really good too. These things will stop your body going into shock.
Think about when in the year you are getting a tattoo, Sun damage and water immersion can damage a tattoo, I think that spring and autumn are the best times of year to get a tattoo, because you can leave your tattoo open to heal, and it won't be covered in thick fabrics.
Unless you have a trusted friend who can do your tattoo for cheap, please don't go to a cheap place for a tattoo. Remember your tattoo is on your body for life, so it's worth a good investment.
Most tattoo artists have social media pages, make sure you look at their work, and make sure it's the style you are wanting. Researching a tattoo artist, will make sure they are right for you. 
After you have had your tattoo, your tattoo artist might not give you a care cream, so buy some care cream in advance, I would suggest baby creams like Bepantham and Aquaphor. These will aid your tattoo to heal and also soothe sore and irritate skin. 
Keep calm when you are getting your tattoo. A lot of people who get their first tattoo freak out before they have even started getting their tattoo. If you start to get freaked out, you are more likely to hyperventilate or faint.
If you are scared about getting a tattoo, bring a friend. They are more likely to keep you calm and take your mind off having your tattoo.
Feel free to ask your tattoo artists questions, If you don't know what instrument they are using, or if they apply anything to your skin, just ask. The tattoo artist doesn't mind you asking, if it helps to calm you down.
You might need to be shaved. If it is a place that needs every-day maintenance, Don't shave again until your tattoo is fully healed, also don't use any hair removal products either. 
If you are satisfied with your tattoo, Make sure you tip your tattoo artist. You want to make sure that your tattoo artist knows that you appreciate the work you are doing.
You don't want to keep a freshly healing tattoo wet for too long. Once you have figured out where you want your tattoo to be, figure out the best way to shower/bathe. When I got my first tattoo (which is on the top of my foot) i figured the best way to clean myself, was to lay in the bath and just keep my foot out of the water.
Your tattoo artist will most probably give you ways to keep your new tattoo cared for. Make sure that you follow the care instructions. You don't want to get your new tattoo infected.
Don't drink alcohol or take blood thinning medication before getting your tattoo, this will make you bleed a lot more during your tattoo and then it can be a scary experience. If you take blood thinning meds on a daily basis, You might not want to get a tattoo.
Bring a reference picture with you, or what I suggest is when you book your appointment, give them a reference picture and then get them to draw you tattoo up. Then you will know if it's perfect for you.
Make sure to double check the stencil design or body placement. You want to make sure everything is perfect before you get it permanently on your body.
Just remember. Tattoos hurt. Just know that it will be uncomfortable. Look at this chart which shows where the most painful parts of your body are.

I know there are more tips out there but I think these are the best tips out there. If you guys can think of anymore. Please let me know in the comments.
Thanks for reading guys. Talk to you soon.