Lifestyle
Everything You Need To Know Before You Get A Tattoo
There was once a time when people with tattoos were looked down upon by society, but at this point in 2023, it’s more like an accessory you can’t afford not to have! From heavily tattooed body parts to tiny dainty scribblings, Ugandans are getting way more into tattoos than ever before.
If you’re thinking about getting one, well, it isn’t as straightforward as walking into a tattoo parlor and telling the artist to start drawing. There is a bit of preparation and after care that you should consider. Many people getting their first tattoo worry most about the pain.
While it isn’t exactly a comfy experience, the sting lasts just as long as the tattoo is being drawn on, and it feels more intense on different body parts. The general rule is the closer the area you want tatted is to bone, the more painful it will be. So the chest, fingers, toes and anywhere near joints will definitely bite, but your leg, thigh or upper arm shouldn’t be too uncomfortable.
I spoke to Santo, a tattoo artist from Kla Ink to find out more about his experience tattooing, of which he has 8 years under his belt!
Turns out, the most common tattoos are lettering (names, dates, words), infinity sign and other symbols. Clearly majority of Ugandans getting tattooed like them small and inconspicuous, at least to start. But what about the process of getting tatted?
According to Santo, the best way someone can do to prepare themselves for a tattoo is:
- Do research on what would like to get done as a tattoo.
- Prepare financially – quality tattoos are not cheap or any art.
- Book an appointment a month or 2 weeks before the actual appointment day (this give the artist enough time to draw the design genuinely & if there’s any adjustments or changes to be made to it, there is enough time to do so.
- Getting enough rest, hydrating & eating healthy most especially if you’re going to get a big tattoo.
- Leaving their whole day available, so the artist is not in hurry to finish & has enough time to enjoy & zone into his/her work to give you the best tattoo of their ability.
- Preparing Mentally.
- Carrying a snack, water or gum.
- Wearing a comfortable outfit or an outfit that they wouldn’t mind getting some ink on, in case it’s a big tattoo.
What happens after getting the tattoo?
You need to take care of the piece until it heals, in a process commonly known as “after care”. Here are Santo’s pro tips on that:
- The Artist will always cover up the tattoo with a thin cling film (this is to be taken off as soon as you’re home or in a clean environment)
- Wash your hands before touching, washing or applying tattoo aftercare ointment.
- Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water or an unscented soap.
- Let the tattoo dry or pat it dry with a clean paper towel or cloth.
- Aftercare ointment is sold at the tattoo studio or given to you once the tattoo is finished.
- Apply 2-3 times daily or (any time you notice the tattoo is dry) for at least a month for best result.
- The tattoo will scab do not try to peel off any particles (let it peel naturally on its own)
- It gets itchy sometimes but do not scratch. Most times that a sign that you need to moisturize the tattoo
- No swimming until the tattoo is fully healed (swimming pools contain chlorine which bleaches tattoo ink)
- Let the body do its thing and heal naturally.
Do you think the conservative nature of Ugandans is letting up? The attitude people have on tattoos has generally been negative…
The tattoo culture in Uganda is still growing & being accepted; I find myself tattooing a diverse range of styles. I think the culture is growing & we still have a long way to go, both the Artist & tattoo collectors.
What is your preferred art style/ kinds of tattoos you would do if you had no restrictions
My favorite style would be my style which I’m constantly trying to figure out & build. I’m inspired by African ancient art, realism geometry & new school. Hopefully I’ll be able to only tattoo & have clients that reach out to me only for my style in future. Every Artist loves creative freedom & also challenges.
What is your favorite piece you’ve ever worked on?
So if you have been thinking about getting some art on your body, here are the things you should have considered prior.
And the next time someone sneers at you by saying getting a tattoo is like “putting a bumper sticker on a Bugatti”, remind them the kind of customisation a super expensive car gets to fit the needs and look of the owner.
You own your body, have fun decorating!
atwiine@satisfashionug.com
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