While tattoos are becoming more and more commonplace--an estimated 1 in 5 people have at least one tattoo, but that doesn't mean your mom, dad, or great grandma are down with you getting inked.If your parents find out you have a tattoo, what should they do?
Step 1: Pick something small.
The time is not right for a full sleeve of a fish.It will take less effort to hide a smaller tattoo.If your parents see your tattoo in full view, you can slap your hand over it to keep them from seeing it.Taking care of a large tattoo is more complicated than hiding it.Fine lines will spread over time and blur the design, so a small tattoo shouldn't be very detailed.A simple design will age better.Think of shapes like hearts and stars, arrows, crosses, musical notes, flowers, anchors, or paw prints.If you have a lot of hometown pride, you should ask for a simple representation of the skyline.If you eventually show them a small tattoo, they might be more willing to accept it.It's possible that the ice breaker makes it easier to move larger pieces.
Step 2: The tattoo can be hidden or easy to cover.
There are a lot of spots on your body, and it's a good place to hide a tattoo.If you run around in a bathing suit all summer, your back-of-the-shoulder tattoo will be in full view.Conspicuous or easily hidden spots include the inside of your lower lip, behind your ear, ribs, ankle, wrist, and back.The inside of the foot and hands will fade more quickly than other areas due to the fact that those areas are constantly regenerating skin.
Step 3: Try white ink.
If you have pale skin, you may want to get a white tattoo.White ink is less noticeable than other colors because of the geometric patterns.Even with a powerful SPF the sun can cause the white ink to disappear, just leaving some raised bumps and the memories of your rad tattoo.
Step 4: You should go to a good shop.
If you are under 18 you may be tempted to go the stick-and-poke route.If you use needles, you are at risk of getting infections from skin to HIV.They rarely turn out well.Bond with your friend not by giving them tattoos, but by going to the shop together and supporting each other as you get tattooed.If you want to work with an artist with your style in mind, check out the shop online.You can make an appointment to speak with the artist.The smell of soap and cleaning supplies should be present in the shop.Go somewhere else if not.For a small piece, you may be able to get tattooed as a walk-in, but the best tattoo artists are usually booked well in advance.
Step 5: Follow the artist's instructions.
You're going to have to tell your parents if you get an illness.Your parents might be suspicious if you don't pick at or scratch your skin after your tattoo.Re-wrapping a tattoo is not a good idea.After tattooing, the tattoo artist will tell you when to take it off.Don't use a bandage, cloth, or anything else to wrap it.If you are on the swim team, wait until the off-season because tattoos cannot be submerged in water for at least two weeks.For a few days, tattoos can "weep", so be aware that some fluid may soak through your clothes.The tattoo can get air and heal if you wear something loose.
Step 6: The tattoo should be covered with makeup.
You can use makeup to disguise your tattoo once it's healed.It is possible to make high-quality makeup for this purpose.Many are strong enough to stay on all day, won't rub off, and may even be waterproof.White face paint can be used to cover a tattoo.If you want to cover your tattoo with liquid foundation, you have to paint two layers over it.It is possible to keep it in place with a spray of hairspray.Purchase a primer for your tattoo if it is very dark.This will make the tattoo not show through your coverup.
Step 7: Wear clothes and accessories to hide it.
If you strategically placed your tattoo, it should be easy to hide with long sleeves, a thick watch band or a bandaid.It's possible to cover a tattoo behind your ear or on the back of your neck with just your hair down.
Step 8: If the subject of tattoos comes up, be non-committal.
Don't be anti-tattoo.If they're done well, I think they can be pretty.You could say that you would consider getting one someday.You're going to come off as a bigger liar if you say there's no way you'll ever get one in a million years.
Step 9: Expect to be punished.
Prepare to deal with the consequences after being caught.It's not going to help you prove to your parents that you're more than an impulsive child if you whine, scream, and make a scene.
Step 10: They should apologize for hiding the tattoo.
They may eventually realize you are mature enough to make decisions about what to do with your own body if you acknowledge that you were wrong to lie.If you made smart, safe choices when you got your piece, they don't have to worry about your health as well.Bringing up that you can do what you want with your body might not go well in the heat of the moment.It is a valid point, but probably one to be made once things have cooled down.
Step 11: There is a reason you got the tattoo.
It's sort of a dirty trick, but if you say your tiny heart tattoo is to remind you of your grandpa, your parents might be a little softer.If you have a crucifix, tell them that it's tied to your faith and to remind you to be a good Christian, or your shamrock tattoo is to keep you grounded in your Irish roots.It works best if you have symbolic tattoos that you can easily connect to.