6 things I've learnt since getting tattoos

After being tattooed for over 2 years and having 18 tattoos total, there have been a lot of things I've 

learnt along the way. I've seen a lot of posts like this but never understood them until I started getting 

tattoos myself. Despite doing all your research and thinking you already know everything, it's not 

until you've had a few tattoos that you realise you didn't. I could talk all day about the things I've 

learnt since getting tattoos, but I decided to narrow it down to 6 to share with you all.

The aftercare is just as important 

The most important thing I've learnt since getting tattoos is that the aftercare and TLC is just as or 

the most important. You spend so much money getting art personalised and tattooed on your body,

 so why leave it to get infection and ugly afterwards? I use the Yayo aftercare butter.

It's ok for tattoos not to have meaning

For so many years growing up I thought every tattoo had to be super meaningful and personal to 

you. I have a handful of tattoos that have meaning and that I love, but the majority of my tattoos 

don't have any reasoning behind them and I love them just as much. Even tattoos that don't have 

any meaning behind them, are just as important because they represent a time in your life as well 

as art that you love enough to express on your body.

Your opinion and taste will change over time

I never thought before getting tattoos that I would have a love hate relationship with them. Some days 

I wake up wanting to be covered head to toe in tattoos, other times I don't want any at all. This is 

probably the reason the location of my tattoo is super important to me as if I want to I can cover them 

up. Some of my first tattoos that I got, I wish I got them in a different design and it's not necessarily 

something I would get now. Obviously tattoos are permanent, but it's fine that years later your tastes 

have changed and they're not your favourite anymore. You can always add to and change them up.

They will never look the same as they first did

As soon as you get your tattoos done they are vibrant, bold, bright and definitely stand out. Over 

time they settle into the skin more and start to fade as the years go on. 99% of the time this is nothing 

to do with the tattoo artist and due to it being done a while ago. Tattoos can also bleed out (not actual 

blood), if you gain weight and look stretched but also change size and appearance if you loose 

weight. As your body changes over the years so will your tattoos, but that is completely normal.

They start a conversation

Whether you can a huge back piece or a tiny dainty tattoo on your wrist, you'll always be asked 

questions and before you know it you're an hour deep in a conversation about tattoos. I particular 

love when this happens, especially with people who don't have tattoos because they're interested 

in a way that others aren't. If you have personal tattoos that are super meaningful just be aware 

that they will become a popular topic. My semi colon and jigsaw tattoo on my arms have become

 a popular conversation throughout my life.

They are addictive

Everyone I know who has tattoos always talk about how addictive they are. Yes they are expensive. 

Yes they hurt. But once they are completed and you get to display this incredible art on your body, 

you will already have your next appointment booked and before you know it you're getting tattooed 

every month or 2 and influencing friends and family in your life to get inked too.

xoxo

Lea-Mai