Tattoo Dos and Don’ts

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Depending on your location and culture, tattoos can be perceived as anything from a mark of high status all the way to a symbol of a criminal. Because of that, it makes sense to consider a few things before getting inked yourself.

If you have tattoos or you’re considering getting one and you’ve talked about it with friends, you’ve probably gotten a lot of unsolicited advice. At the end of the day, the big question is, should you get a tattoo or not? And while we can’t answer that question for you, we can definitely provide you with some insights that help you reach a conclusion that makes sense for you.

A woman being inked
A woman being inked [Image Credit: Amazon]

Tattoo History

Archaeological evidence suggests that tattoos have pretty much been around since the dawn of mankind. As such, it’s one of the oldest forms of personal style that exists and a lot older than clothes, for example. Historically, tattoos had three principal meanings:

  • A simple decoration.
  • An indication of social status.
  • A kind of a talisman because tattoos were supposed to have healing properties and were good for the body and soul.

The culture that is probably most widely associated with tattoos is the Maori of Polynesia. In fact, the word tattoo originates from the Maori word “tatau” which means as much as to strike. Maori culture incorporates several rituals and rites of passage, especially for young men, that all evolved around tattoos. The Maori also practice a related art form which is called Ta Moko which includes carving of the skin which leaves a slight texture once it’s healed.

Maori of Polynesia
Maori of Polynesia [Image Credit: Culture Trip]

You’ve probably heard of tattoos being very popular among sailors and was in fact, a Maori influence that led to that popularity among them. Now for sailors, tattoos have very specific meanings. A turtle was a sign of having crossed the equator whereas an anchor would mean that you crossed the Atlantic and so forth. Historically, sailors often had a reputation for being rough around the edges and sometimes even violent.

The popularity of tattoos with seafarers secured a societal stigma around tattoos being only for people at the fringes of society. In fact, it remained outlawed until the mid 20th century. While tattooing has surged in popularity in Europe and in the US, particularly with Millennials, there are others, oftentimes older people, in society who still associate a certain taboo with tattoos and associate it with prison life or gang culture. That being said, with more and more people having at least one tattoo, that stigma is slowly but surely fading. In fact, 40% of Millennials in the US today have at least one tattoo.

David Beckham with a full sleeve tattoo
David Beckham with a full sleeve tattoo [Image Credit: Glamour Magazine]

Things To Keep In Mind Before Getting Inked

Ultimately, no matter if you like it or not or how well it’s done, people will always see it and judge you for it. As I said many times before, in an ideal world, people shouldn’t judge you by your outward appearance but they subconsciously do, there’s nothing you can do about that.

On a more practical note, consider exactly where you want to place your tattoo because chances are that there might come a time, even if you think to the contrary right now, where you want to hide your tattoo. Just think about meeting the conservative parents of your significant other for the first time or maybe at a job interview at a white-collar law firm.

Overall, if you decide to get a tattoo, I think it’s really great if there’s a story behind it and some meaning. So rather than picking something out from a menu, come up with something that really means something to you whether it’s your children or deceased sibling and creates a tattoo that speaks to you in a way that you can look at it for years to come without changing your mind.

Polynesian half-sleeve tattoo
Polynesian half-sleeve tattoo [Image Credit: Pinterest]

Now once you’ve decided on the design, it’s best to keep the design with you for six months to a year and if after that time period you still like it and you still want it, it’s probably time to get a tattoo and you won’t change your mind about it anytime soon. In other words, if you’re in a hurry to get a tattoo, you’re likely not in the right mindset to get it at this point in time.

That being said, there have been advancements in the ink technology in recent years. Some New York University students came up with ink that actually can fade automatically after I think three months, six months, and a year. Alternatively, the tattoo can also be removed with a special solution by your local tattoo artist and no lasering is necessary. On that note, lasering away a tattoo doesn’t always work 100% so it pays to really think about it and not just rely on being able to get rid of it after the fact.

The art of tattooing
The art of tattooing

What To Expect…

First of all, there should be a good vibe between the tattoo artist and you so everything is clear and there’s a good level of communication.

The artist will apply a stencil to make sure you have the size as well as the angle exactly right. The first needlework will be the outline which is done with a loaded tattoo gun and a liner needle. Because this liner needle covers the smallest surface amount, you will likely have the most pain at this stage of your tattoo process.

After the artist is done with the liner needle, he’ll probably rinse your tattoo area and will then use broader needles to add shades to your tattoo. Once the tattoo is completely inked, it will be soaped and washed and you’ll get a sterile bandage on top of it. Definitely expect some slight bleeding during and after the process.

Before settling on a tattoo studio, I suggest to read some reviews, maybe talk to friends with a good experience, and also read up on the latest technology of inks and the tattooing process.

Tattoo Dos & Don’ts

Ta Moko
Ta Moko [Image Credit: Tattoodo]

1. Study Up Your Design

By that, I mean really think about what you want, get inspired by different tattoos so you end up with something you truly love.

Be sure to choose a reliable tattoo parlor and artist
Be sure to choose a reliable tattoo parlor and artist [Image Credit: Thurston Talk]

2. Choose A Reputable Tattoo Parlor

Otherwise, you may end up with something that looks really really terrible. It goes without saying that it should have several sanitary measures to guarantee safe procedures. For example, that means the artist should wear gloves and the needles should be sanitary and taken out of the package in front of the customer. Furthermore, different artists have different areas of tattoo expertise and you should try to find a perfect match for your design.

3. Hydrate

Do drink plenty of water the night before you get a tattoo because you don’t want your skin to reject the ink because you’re dehydrated.

A tattoo studio
A tattoo studio [Image Credit: Pinterest]

4. Stay Still

Do try to remain as still as possible in the chair, otherwise, the artist might get frustrated and it will hurt you more.

5. Expect To Shell Out Cash

Do expect your tattoo to cost anywhere from five hundred to a thousand dollars for a small one and of course, a lot more for bigger all body tattoos. Remember, you’re essentially hiring an artist to create a piece of art and you shouldn’t try to lowball him and instead give him a good tip. A common phrase in the industry states “Good tattoos aren’t cheap and cheap tattoos aren’t good”. Because your body’s immune system naturally attacks the tattoo, it will fade over time and so you may have to go in for touch-ups and because of that, it pays to have that good long-term relationship which is helped by tips.

Tattoo aftercare infographic
Tattoo aftercare infographic [Image Credit: Tattoo House]

6. Follow Aftercare Instructions

Do follow the aftercare instructions to the tee, otherwise, you may end up with a disfigured tattoo or even worse, an infection. The exact healing time can vary from person to person but in general, it takes about 2 weeks. You should definitely wait that long before you expose a tattoo to the sun, salt water, or other abrasive elements.

Neck tattoo by James from Australia
Neck tattoo by James from Australia [Linkedin]

7. Don’t Get Inked On Your Neck, Hands, & Face

That way, it’ll always be easy for you to look professional, you can have business wear and you can go about your own business without people bugging you about your tattoo.

8. Don’t Tattoo Sensitive Areas

Don’t tattoo potentially sensitive areas, you know what I mean! Don’t tattoo your foot soles!

A really bad tattoo
A really bad tattoo [Image Credit: Anthill]

9. Don’t Get A Tattoo Under The Influence Of Drugs Or Alcohol

Don’t get a tattoo under the influence of alcohol other drugs or peer pressure. It’s simply not worth it. Also, think about it this way, just like nobody should be able to talk you out of getting a tattoo, nobody should be able to talk you into it. It’s your decision and your decision alone.

10. Don’t Get A Tattoo Just To Impress People

Don’t get a tattoo to impress people to get a certain standing or to be perceived as a badass or maybe even to commemorate a relationship. Why? According to a 2017 study from Poland, tattoos don’t make you any more or less attractive to women in general. While some women do consider men with tattoos to be healthier and more masculine, that same group of women also thinks that those people are not as nurturing in a relationship or partnership.

CONCLUSION

Tattoos are one of the oldest art forms of personal self-expression in terms of style and you should choose them wisely so they reflect your personal style, don’t let others or substances pressure you into or out of it and it’s important for you to do your homework so you end up with something that you’re proud of.

Outfit Rundown

Raphael in a casual outfit consisting of a green checked shirt, denim jeans and dark brown boots.
Raphael in a casual outfit consisting of a green checked shirt, denim jeans, and dark brown boots.
Navy and Yellow Shadow Stripe Ribbed Socks Fil d'Ecosse Cotton - Fort Belvedere

Fort Belvedere

vy and Yellow Shadow Stripe Ribbed Socks Fil d'Ecosse Cotton

I’m wearing a rather casual combination of a dress shirt that covers off my big ass tattoo on my back. Just kidding! I don’t have any tattoos at this point, I am wearing a pair of dark blue denim jeans that are just slightly tapered because I wear them with boots and I find that too much of a taper just doesn’t look good if I wear boots. My socks are shadow striped in navy and yellow so they pick up the color of the jeans but they contrast the brown jodhpur boots.

Do you have any tattoos? What are your experiences?

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Reader Comments

  1. There are no dos when it comes to tattoo, except do not get them. No matter the design or the supposed justification, what a ridiculous way to deface one’s body.

    1. LAStyleGuy said what needs to be said. In the words of Jimmy Buffett, a tattoo is a “permanent reminder of a temporary feeling.”

    2. All the people commenting saying they hate tattoos and are against them, why are you even on this article then????? lmao go look into fishing shit or whatever other boring hobby you have.

  2. I am not able to reconcile the terms “gentleman” and “tattoo” in the same sentence. “Tattoos Dos and Don’ts”? Well, just one: “Don’t!”

    1. If you have watched it, you will learn that nobody on our team has them but as gentlemen we have an open mind and can discuss things in a civilized manner ;)

  3. Sorry but no matter how hard I try, it just looks trashy to me. Now that it’s trendy and every idiot in the world is getting them, it’s even worse. Nowhere does it fit in the context of a “gentleman”.

    However, if you’re going to get one, at least be committed and get a real one. Not those stupid little scattered lines of text or script that no one can read.

  4. I agree with everyone above on this one. And no.9 should say don’t go to a tattooist who would be willing to work on a customer who is under the influence of alcohol, drugs or anything else

  5. Tattoos and gentleman are not mutually exclusive and I’m very happy to see this article here.

    I didn’t remove my ear piercings (only three in one ear) for an interview (I got the job) but it was commented on. So you can’t avoid being judged subconsciously by people.

  6. When you get your tattoos put some money away because in the future for a dermabrasion .Your doctor will appreciate your business .

  7. Regarding tattoos:
    Old school – do not wear tattoos. Introduced, and made popular by, sailors during World War II.

  8. As others have said here, the only tattoo rule for a gentleman or one who aspires to be a gentleman is Don’t. If you’re tempted, then promise yourself that you will talk with at least three others who have had their tattoos removed. Tattoos make one a walking billboard proclaiming a total lack of long term thinking.

    1. Why not also talk to 3 people who haven’t removed their tattoos, it is a personal choice, I love my tattoos and will get more of them

  9. Tattoos can be accepted exclusively on gang members, prisoners, sailors and morons. No gentleman should ever engage in this stupidity. We educate our young children not to write on their skin with marker pens, which will eventually disappear with the help of cleaning fluid. But adult pay a substantial sum of money to endure pain, risk infection/allergy to receive a stupid picture in the skin, which will not dissolve in cleaning fluid and will deteriorate with age to look like a bad sketch by a drunk amateur artist.

    1. Funny you should mention sailors. Dad was career Navy with no tattoos… and he can’t cuss either.

  10. No Tattoos, never will be. Even if so inclined, I can’t think of a design I’d like to have on my body “forever”.

  11. For a gentleman a tattoo is always a “do not”, unless perhaps done discretely to mark military service. A gentleman does not deface himself with icons of the trailer park. Also visible tattoos can impede your career.

    1. I agree, tattoos can “impede one’s career”. While not my idea of a career, a local entity of national chain of grocery stores hired an employee with facial tattoos. While it will not stop me from shopping at this location, I was surprised to see the employee.

  12. The first and only true mark of a gentleman is character. Those judging a hypothetical “other” on the basis of their choice to excercise their free will and get a tattoo are simply tactless boors.

  13. One has never known a single gentleman (and one knows quite a few) whether young, middle aged or old, who has a tattoo. Of course, if you do belong to a tribal society where tattoos are an ancient custom and you are going to become, let say, the Chief, then perhaps… but in Western society having a tattoo is a rather poor decision that it’s likely to close more doors than the ones it may open.

  14. Let’s talk prejudice and stereotypes: I was born in Chelsea ( London) educated at a well known English Public School, graduated from two of the better known British Universities and am a member of two well known Gentleman’s Clubs. I suspect you have formed an image of me, you may have made assumptions about my accent, my politics?
    I have also spent much of my adult life at sea, not in the Royal Navy. I have spent most of my career in steamy back waters of the maritime trade, and I have tattoos, many of them done in seaports, not all with electrical machines ( one was done with a sharpened bamboo spike). I try to behave as a gentleman ( i.e treat others as i would wish to be treated) The point I am making is that a gentleman should not be judgemental, should respect conventions but not be bound by them. In Britain we have a long culture of eccentrics, T E Lawrence, Richard Burton ( the explorer not the actor) who was also tattooed, Sir Ranaulph Finnes, Mad Jack Churchill and many many more, Most of these men would have been referred to as gentlemen. As for myself I am fairly heavily tattooed but I can wear a Gives and Hawkes suit or Scottish Highland evening dress without anyone being the wiser, Douglas Badder the famously legless World War Two flying ace is reported to have said : “Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the obedience of fools” a gentleman must, come what may, be true to himself and, as Polonious affirms, he cans’t be false to any man, So in choosing to ink or not to ink do as you feel is right for yourself but be mindful of how it might make others feel. If your ink causées others offence or discomfort it’s wrong. If it causes no offence it’s up to you , Carpe Diem.

  15. The popularity of tattoos and significant piercings reflect carpe diem attitude of millenials. Once a seemingly cool tattoo will become smudgy and ugly with time, making it difficult to age with them with dignity. I dont think many consider this when getting one.

  16. Assuming the point of this series is how to project class and command respect, this article can–and should–be reduced to one word: DON’T.

  17. From a woman’s point of view, a tattoo is a permanent scar on your body and character.
    There are men I have not dated because of tats. As far as location, put it where your mother won’t see it-knowing full well that she’ll find it somehow. Several times, I have been close to refusing service from a wait staff with tattoos on their hands because they look dirty. But I remember to be a lady and instead no longer patronize those restaurants.
    Laser removal means going below the ink and heating it up until it boils and erupts, breaking through your skin and seeping out. If getting a tattoo was as painful as having it removed, this conversation would not be necessary.
    And remember, “the larger the tattoo, the lower the IQ”.

    1. With me, as noted in previous posts, I choose not to “wear” tattoos.
      However, I have dated women with tattoos. Translation, what others choose is their own business, I stick to minding my own.

  18. I have multiple tattoos. Each one is a symbol of my Native American spirituality. They have never stopped me from finding employment, getting a college degree, or otherwise impeded my life whatsoever. For those judging other people for having ink, shame on you. A real gentleman is not judgemental of others.

    1. Dapper, you are spot on. Judge not lest… These boys have yet to develop past prejudice. It’s laughable. Sad, but laughable.

  19. I am friendly with a lady from Holland now in SW France. She has qualities, intelligent, and, I believe keen for our friendship to progress to another level. However, being conservative “old school” from England I could not help notice on first meeting she had tattoo of the the name of grandson on inside of wrist. Clearly visable but small.
    For me it was and is off-putting and really unacceptable to “date” a lady of certain age with this idiotic thing on her wrist.
    I know she likes it but I am not sure why she did it or what is represents? I came to the conclusion that her 10 year old grandson was of prime importance and I would be regulated to second class – unless of course she agreed to my name & address on her other wrist . Being a gentleman I did not request this favour.. We all ask what the future will be for these marked generation ?

    1. Another way to look at it is that her tat might indicate that she is very loyal to people she loves. A good quality in a partner.

      But I still hate tattoos…

  20. I’m retired Navy and didn’t get my tattoo until I was just shy of 50. I spent a little time thinking about it and saw a design that said “born to die young.” Well, as a 50 y/o combat vet, that didn’t fit, but I went with – in Mandarin – “Didn’t Die Young.” Eight years later, I still love it.

  21. A few;-) years ago, when I was younger, I considered getting a tattoo – a cougar it was, because I like cats very much (and still do). That was at a time when tattos where decidedly not mainstream. Needless to say, I never got it – and I can´t say how glad I am about my decision, if for no other reason than not to be associated with the countless number of idiots who get a tat because its the latest “thing”, only to have it removed three months later, because its “out” now (how some young ladies go about this when boyfriends´ names change somewhat frequently I don´t even want to contemplate…). So – if you think about getting “inked”, what you should really consider is, do I want to live with this for the rest of my life – not only next year, or in five years, but in forty or fifty years. Hopefully, you will never regret your decision.

  22. While having tatoos absolutely doesn’t exclude being a most noble gentleman, one should be conscient that no one wearing them will be judged as such. After all, this is also true for someone who only wears baseball caps and printed t-shirts. He might be as noble, educated and polite as he will, but at first sight, no one will consider him a gentleman. This is unfair, but style is also about considering that first impressions do count and usually don’t get a second chance. Bearing this in mind, having a permanent baseball cap, printed t-shirt and bomber jacket, and a tatoo is nothing else but that, is most disadvantageous.

    A gentleman bears in mind that different situations require different appearance. With a tatoo, you limit yourself to a most casual appearance, and every time you wear something more elegant, it will automatically seem a carricature.

  23. Here in Australia the big thing when you joined the Navy was to get a tattoo . Some of my pals did just that . sixty years later they feel they should not have been inked . As we age some of us get fat and our skin sags too .

  24. the Scriptures speak in so many words against body art.I once thought about it in my teenage years but never acted on it.

  25. tattoos are not good to have because as a person matures and sees life from a different view as they gracefully age, they come to discovery that the tech to the had put on their body at the time was nothing more than immature act.

  26. Just an extra tip: while you are coming up with your tattoo and waiting to get it, make sure to also google it and talk to people who know about tattoos. As you have said, gangs are known for tattoos, and if you get something like “88” tattooed on your arm, people won’t automatically assume it’s in honor of your kid born in that year. Even folks who don’t mind tattoos might not want to talk to folks with neo-nazi tats, and some tattoos could get you beaten up or killed if you don’t know what they mean. Also, even if it does not have bad associations, be very careful before you get a tattoo that could, for example, imply you served in the military when you did not, so as not to be disrespectful.

    Personally, I am far too fickle to get a tattoo. I just cannot think of something I want to have on my skin for the rest of my life. However, that is a very personal choice. I don’t have any tattoos, but as a young person many of my friends (including my sister) have beautiful tattoos, and I do admire them.

  27. Very informative and well-thought-out video,spot-on advice as well. Thank you so much! The only thing I would add is to see that particular artists work. Some artists are better with realistic designs, some that look more like watercolors, some more retro…
    Talk to the staff to see which artist best in the shop at the style that you want.

  28. Hi there,
    I have a tatoo and I have it since I am 22 and I did never regret to have been at the studio. However, even at that time I knew, that it should be at a place of the body where one can hide it even in summer with short sleaved shirts and thus it is on my upper arm and it is the logo of a famous computer hardware company since I studied computer science and this is my passion and profession in life and I still stand to it!
    Solong and, of course, a happy new year to all of you
    Ginger

  29. I am very disappointed because the comments. I don’t have any tattoos, but I don’t think that it makes me gentleman. Nor my clothes, my hairstyle or my accesories, cars, schools, job, or another thing. For me to be gentleman is more to own these and more to play(!) the old-fashioned man. It has to come from your deep personality. For example: for me Albert Schweitzer was a gentleman. Who cares what he weared. I hope you understand my statement. I don’t speak against suits, shoes or something. But these aren’t the most important things to be a good man/woman.

    1. It is ok to disagree with others, but the way one does it says often more about oneself than about the other person.

      1. I hope you did not misunderstand me because my limited language. I didn’t like only the comments which said: tattoo is primitive and a real gentleman doesn’t wear any tattoos. I don’t like when people judge others with upper lip.

  30. I admit, I find the contrast in these comments quite amusing. I would like to note, however, that it is entirely possible to dislike something without making cheap broadsides at people’s class status, character, intelligence, cultural background and so on. There is a reason that ad hominem is widely considered an unworthy form of argument, and I would suggest that it is equally unworthy in general commentary where it may be easily avoided.

  31. I’m against all body parts and any form of tattoos regardless where it is on the human body.

  32. Your recommendation to find a reputable tattoo parlor that uses proper safety procedures and can match your design is a good idea. When choosing one, it might help to research online to learn about local tattoo parlors to find one that offers custom services so that they can match the design of your choice. Going online could give you the chance to read their reviews to check their reputation and you could also talk to people you know to learn about their experience with local professionals in order to figure out which artist will be best.

  33. I believe that it is definitely possible to have tattoos and still be a gentleman, so long as they can be covered up. One can still have style and class with tattoos – having them does not change your character, unless *you* change your character.

  34. Thanks for pointing out that we should be inspired first before heading to the tattoo shop. As you mentioned, it must be something that we truly love. I think that is important since it will be a permanent mark. With that in mind, I will make sure to take time alone and check what makes me happy before getting one which I plan to have for my 25th birthday.

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