before getting a tattoo in Barcelona

Before getting a tattoo in Barcelona, it is important that you take into account few details and tips that we have organised for you so that you can choose a good tattoo, to place it in the most suitable area and, above all, that you can be sure that you are in the best hands for quality and, above all, safe tattoo.

Tips before deciding to get a tattoo in Barcelona

Before getting a tattoo, it is important that you take into account those tips that will help you make a firm decision.

Before getting a tattoo, think about it!

The first and most important thing is to think carefully about whether you really want to get a tattoo.

There are different reasons why most people decide to get a tattoo and the most important ones are:

• It is a way to express your opinion.
• It is a type of art whose canvas is the skin.
• It helps to show your personality.
• It is a good way of creating a link with other people, an idea, etcetera.
• It can be a nice tribute to a loved one.
• Aesthetically, there are tattoos very beautiful and will help to highlight your beauty.
• We can also get tattooed amulets and figures that protect you or bring you luck.
• It helps to overcome hard times that we have suffered in our lives.
• It is a good way to celebrate an event or moment that is important for you.
• It helps to reflect some kind of ideology or opinion that is important for you.
• It serves as a reminder of happy moments in our past.
• They can also be used as a representation of family or loved ones.
• It is used as a symbol of friendship.
• A tattoo can be used to hide an imperfection or mark on the skin.
• Tattoos can also be used to cover other tattoos that are deteriorated or that we want to obscure.
• Another reason to get a tattoo is as a way of motivation, so that we always have a clear objective in our life.

However, regardless of whether we have one or more of these reasons for getting a tattoo, we need to bear in mind that a tattoo is for your entire life, and although there are systems for removing tattoos, it is a process that not only has an economic cost, it also requires effort from our side.

For those reasons, it is very important to think carefully about whether we really want to get the tattoo and whether we want to keep it for many years.

We have to bear in mind also that we should study the reasons for you to get tattooed and its representation. It is possible that there are things that are important to us now, but that in a few years’ time we might regret of them and may even be ashamed, so we must be very careful.

Health problems and tattoos

During the tattooing process, our skin is pierced with a needle and ink is introduced underneath it.

A good professional will always use safe, high-quality tools and products, but it must be taken into account that, in the case of suffering from certain diseases, this may be a health risk:

• Anaemia: having a low level of red blood cells in the blood can lead to scarring problems.
• Anticoagulants: if you are receiving treatment with anticoagulants, this is not the best time to get a tattoo.
• Coagulation: those who suffer from coagulation problems should not get a tattoo until they have solved it.
• G6PD deficiency: This is an enzyme whose task is to protect red blood cells. If there is a deficiency, healing is slower and more problematic.
• Diabetes: If you have severe diabetes, it is not recommended to get a tattoo.
• Von Willebrand’s disease: a disorder that makes it difficult for blood to clot.
• Spherocytosis: the red blood cells are deformed and the cells are easily destroyed, which means that it can lead to a serious scarring problem.
• Haemophilia: a disease that prevents normal blood clotting.
• Surgical intervention: if you have just undergone surgery, it is better to postpone getting the tattoo.
• Leukaemia: this involves a significant reduction in the levels of white blood cells in the blood, which makes us more susceptible to infection.
• Neutropenia: if there is a shortage of white blood cells, the body is more exposed to infection.
• Cardiovascular problems: people suffering from various cardiovascular diseases should consider whether they can undergo tattooing.
• Chemotherapy: patients who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment should not get a tattoo at this time.
• Tetracycline: tattoos are not recommended for people who are undergoing treatment with tetracycline, for example, for acne.
• Thrombocytopenia: this refers to very low levels of platelets in the blood, which is why tattooing is not suitable at this time.
• Varicose veins: patients with excessive varicose veins should consider whether they can undergo tattooing

When is the best time to get a tattoo:

It is always a good time to get a tattoo, but it is true that colder months are more comfortable and even advisable for it.

Find a good professional tattooist:

Once you have decided to get a tattoo, it is time to look for a good tattoo professional in Barcelona.

Professionalism always comes before price

You should always prioritise professionalism before the price of the tattoo.

It is very common to shop around and compare prices, but when you decide getting a tattoo, you should bear in mind that there are studios that they offer very low prices. However, they use very low-quality pigments which means that the tattoo quality will be worst and will fade much more quickly.

Likewise, these centres carry out disinfection processes of dubious quality, which puts the client´s safety in a risk.

Remember that a professional tattooist will not only produce a much more beautiful, longer lasting and higher quality tattoo, but will also work safely, avoiding risks to your health.

The best thing to do is not to skimp and of course it is always recommended to look for a professional who has a good reputation within the sector.

Ask for information and advice about tattooing:

Remember that the tattoo artist has more experience than you in tattoos so don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have.

Take their advice and always listen to the different possibilities they present to you, as this will help you find the ideal tattoo.

Have a look at his tattoo portfolio to check his style.

Before making an appointment, it is interesting to take a look at his previous work, so that you can see beforehand how he works while, on the other hand, you might also find some ideas that you could find very interesting.

What to get tattooed in Barcelona and on which part of the body?

The time has come to choose what kind of tattoo you want to get on your body, so you should analyse the design and the place to be tattooed.

Choose a type of tattoo that you find interesting

The design is something very personal, there are many alternatives when you want to get tattooed in Barcelona and all of them have the aim of achieve the reasons why you want to get a tattoo.

In order to find the perfect tattoo, it is important that in one hand, you look for ideas through the Internet, magazines, friends, etc., and on the other hand, we recommend you to listen to your tattoo artist, who can guide you quite well in this regard.

Where are you interested in getting the tattoo?

It is also very important that you choose a part of your body where you want to get the tattoo.

You should consider whether you want the tattoo to be visible at all times, or if you prefer it to have it hidden and only reserved for special situations.

Another point to consider is the fact that, depending on the body area where you get the tattoo, the process could be more painful. In addition, there are parts of the body where the tattoo degrades more quickly than others.

In order that you can make the right decision, in this article we will explain all of this in detail.

Now we are going to explain everything you need to know before, during and after getting a tattoo.

Tips to know before the tattoo day:

Now that a date has been set for the tattoo, it is important that the days before the tattoo, you prepare your body so that the skin canvas is in perfect condition and the tattooist can create the best tattoo possible for you.

To do this, you should bear in mind the following tips:

• Food: you should opt for a diet rich in nutrients, especially proteins and vitamins.
• Alcohol: it is very important that, at least 48 hours before the tattoo, you do not drink any alcohol at all.
• Drugs: it goes without saying that no drugs of any kind should be taken in the hours before the tattoo.
• Medication: if you have to take any type of medication, it is important that you inform the professional beforehand, as he/she will be the one to determine whether it is viable or if it is better to postpone the tattoo for a later date.
• Rest: getting a tattoo can take several hours, which is tiring both physically and psychologically. It is therefore very important that you get adequate rest the night before, with quality sleep for at least eight hours.
• Moisturising: for your skin to be perfect on the day of the tattoo, it is essential that you moisturise thoroughly. To do this you should start at least seven days before the tattoo, drinking as much water as necessary to keep you well hydrated.
• Creams: apply moisturising cream twice a day at least seven days before the process, which will help to keep the area hydrated and smooth. It is very important that you do not apply any type of cream on the day of the tattoo so that the tattoo artist can work well.
• Hygiene: three or four days before the tattoo, you should clean the area to be tattooed thoroughly, exfoliating gently to remove dead skin cells but without causing irritation. On the day prior of the tattoo, do not exfoliate the skin, as it is better not to have an irritation risk.
• Waxing: in order for the tattoo artist to work properly, you should arrive with the area well waxed. To avoid inflammation, redness or even wounds, it is recommended to do the waxing or shaving a week before the procedure and to be very careful and gentle.

The tattoo day, what should you bear in mind?

Once the tattoo day has arrived, there are also some details to take into account:

• Accompaniment: you can be accompanied on this day by whoever you want, but it is always advisable that the person does not enter the cabin, as it can distract the tattooist.
• Refreshment: tattoos usually take a certain amount of time to complete, as well as being a process that consumes a lot of energy. It is therefore a good idea to bring a snack to take during the breaks.
• Clothing: wear comfortable clothes that can be easily uncovered in the area where the tattoo is to be done.
• Medications, alcohol and drugs: avoid taking them, and if you are taking any medication, inform the tattooist beforehand so that he/she can determine whether it is safe to perform the tattoo.

Care after the tattoo in Barcelona

The tattoo artist will give you all the instructions you need to take care of your tattoo in the following days. This care is essential, as it will ensure that the result is much better and, of course, avoid infections.

Among the care that you will have to consider, we highlight:

• You must keep the bandage on the hours indicated by the tattooist, avoiding the entry of bacteria and preventing infection.
• When the time to remove the bandage comes, do it very carefully and softly. Wash your hands thoroughly beforehand to ensure that they are well disinfected.
• Wash the tattoo with warm water and antibacterial soap with a neutral pH. Rub the tattoo very gently, patiently removing any remaining blood and ink. Do not put the tattoo under running water, add water with your hands. Pat the tattoo dries with paper, do not rub at any time. Leave it to dry with the tattoo uncovered, and then you can put on a piece of clothing to cover it.
• As soon as your tattoo artist tells you to do so, you should start applying the healing cream. This cream is generally used for about five days.
• You should wash the tattoo every day, at least twice a day, and up to five times a day for areas more exposed to germs, such as your hands or feet.
• Do not scratch the tattoo at any time.
• Do not expose the tattoo to direct sunlight.
• Do not immerse it in water or allow water to spurt on it.

If you have any doubts, remember that your tattoo artist will be able to advise you to guarantee maximum safety and the best tattoo results.

Answers to the most frequently asked questions about getting a tattoo in Barcelona

We are going to answer some of the most frequent doubts that most people who want to get a tattoo in Barcelona have.

Which parts of the body are more complicated to get tattooed?

Due to their danger, some of the most complicated parts to tattoo are the genitals, the soles of the feet, the inside of the mouth and the eyes.

However, in terms of difficulty during the procedure, there are areas such as between the toes that can be quite complicated, as well as those where the skin is not sufficiently taut, as it is more difficult to get a tattoo with good results.

How long does it take to get a tattoo?

This is one of the most common questions and one of the most difficult to answer.

Getting a tattoo in Barcelona can take anywhere from half an hour for a very small tattoo, such as a letter, to several hours or even several days for larger tattoos.

If you ask your tattooist, he or she will be able to give you a good idea of how long your particular tattoo will take.

Colour or monochrome, which is more interesting?

This is something very particular, as it will depend on the tastes of each customer. In both cases we are talking about quality and totally safe inks, so in this sense you should have no doubts.

Do tattoos hurt?

Getting a tattoo involves a little pain, but in most cases, it only hurts at the beginning, as the body gets used to it and in the end, it is only a very slight discomfort.

However, there are areas where the process is more painful, such as the face, chest, armpits, hips, back, calves, knees, feet and genital area. Less painful areas are the shoulders, neck, upper arm, forearm, shins, thighs and buttocks.

Where tattoos deteriorate more quickly?

Tattoos will deteriorate more quickly in areas where there is more frequent or more intense rubbing. Areas where tattoos have a shorter lifespan include the palms of the hands, nails, feet, armpits and elbows.

Will I be able to remove the tattoo in the future?

In the event that you change your mind over time and you don´t longer want to wear one of your tattoos, you will be able to apply laser tattoo removal without any problems.

You will have to undergo several sessions, the number of which will depend above all on the type of tattoo, type of paint, depth and other determining factors.

There is also the possibility of tattooing over a tattoo, i.e. if you no longer like one of your tattoos, you can transform it into a new tattoo based on the creativity of the tattooist in Barcelona.