Have you met Boris? (Body Tattoos in general)

Member Name: wiggglypufff

Product:	Body Tattoos in general
Date:	25/09/01 (971 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beautiful and unique designs, easy after care

Disadvantages: Can be expensive for large or intricate designs, possible regrets in later life, black 'henna'

Boris is my friend. He goes everywhere with me, he has done since we met in June last year. People say we’re joined at the hip, but that’s not exactly true. To be precise we are joined on the right side of my lower back.

Just in case you missed the category of this review and you are wondering what the hell I’m on about, Boris is my tattoo. A small blue spider with mauve legs and pink boots. (There's a link to some pictures on my profile page if you wanna see him). Why did I name him Boris? In fact why did I name him at all? I don’t really know. It just seemed fitting to give the cute guy a name, seeing as I’ll be spending the rest of my days with him.

Tattoos are not something to be taken lightly though. I was 29 when I finally decided to get my tattoo done. Not an impulsive action, nor a drunken dare or bet, It was a choice I made after many years of thought and consideration of the subject.

Boris is not much bigger than an inch round. He cost £25 and took just 15 minutes to do. I can’t say I didn’t feel a thing as the tattoo was done because I did. But it wasn’t a pain as such, better described as a discomfort. A slight burning sensation as the outline was done and then a dull scratchy feeling as it was being coloured. Nothing too bad at all.

(Bear in mind with the pain issue though, that people seem to deal with it very differently. I witnessed a grown man pass out and then come round only to be quite violently sick - this isn’t an uncommon occurrence so be prepared).

After care was simple. The dressing was removed and discarded after 2 hours. I then had to wash my tattoo gently with soap and water, pat it dry, and apply Savlon to keep the skin moist. This process had to be repeated 3 times a day until the area scabbed over and consequently healed up. Within a week, Boris was fit and healthy, and ready to be shown off.

I would not recommend
that you rush out and have a tattoo done on the strength of this review. But if you have already considered it, think some more. Then, get as much information as you can from both independent sources, as well as people you know. And if you do decide to finally take the plunge remember a few things.

DO...
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- Ask questions. A good tattooist will explain the whole process (including aftercare) to you, and will happily answer any concerns you have.
- Check for documentation. Tattooists have to be registered with the local Environmental Health Department, and will have valid documentation on the studio premises.
- Have the tattoo where you really want it, not where you think it will hurt least (or cause least embarrassment in doing).
- Take a friend with you. Having a tattoo done causes sickness in some people. Have someone with you that can see you home if you feel unwell.

DON’T...
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• Be tempted by anyone offering a tattoo that they claim will last only 5 or so years. This is not the case. A tattoo is for life!
• Attempt to get a tattoo done when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You will probably regret it. (Reputable tattooists would refuse you anyway).
• Have a tattoo done by a street-trader. (Not even a henna tattoo). These people are un-registered, often lack the correct hygiene practices, and commonly use materials that can cause serious damage to your skin.


Above all else, be sure it is really what you want. Don’t let anyone pressure you in to it. It’s your body, and a choice that only you can make. If in any doubt at all, don’t do it. Boris (or whatever you affectionately decide to call your tattoo) will be with you for life.


Links
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If you are unsure where the nearest tattoo studio is to you, check out this site for a listing of registered UK places... http://www.bodyartdirectories.
co.uk

You can get more general information from the following sites...
http://www.tattoo.co.uk
http://www.tattoo.com

Anyone in Kent, or more specifically the Maidstone area, who is considering having a tat done may be interested in the website of the tattoo studio I went to...
http://www.davestattooart.co.uk
If you follow the links for Markus, you can see the guy who did my tat and take a look at some of his work. (He looks a bit scary but he is a really friendly bloke and did an excellent job on Boris). The studio address is...
Dave’s Tattoo Art
46 Lower Stone Street
Maidstone
Kent
ME15 6NA
(Tel. 01622 200109)

If, after a lot of thinking, you are still unsure about having a tattoo done then I’d advise heading to one of the following sites that offer stick on tattoos (lasting a few days) and loads of body art accessories at reasonable prices (£1 upwards)...
http://www.thenailstudio.co.uk
http://www.toots.co.uk


A FINAL WARNING
===============
Please remember a tattoo is for LIFE!

• The so called temporary tattoos that are supposed to last 5 years are not to be trusted. The idea is that they gradually fade away eventually leaving no sign of the tattoo at all. THIS IS OFTEN NOT THE CASE!!!! These tattoos do fade, but usually do not disappear altogether, and you are likely to be left with a rather unsightly mess.

• Henna tattoos can be dangerous too. A traditional henna mix has a brown or red colour and is generally safe to use (although you should do a small patch test for allergies before applying the whole tattoo). The problem with henna comes with the black mixes. Henna is not naturally black, and a so called black henna tattoo often contains PPD, a chemical that on prolonged contact with the skin can cause major damage.

More details can be found at
http://www.hennacrazy.co.uk/black.html

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