Name/Date Mistakes
1. You might find yourself tattooing your significant other’s name, or a beloved pet, which seems sweet at the moment. But what happens if the relationship takes a turn for the worse? (Pets, thankfully, are a forever commitment). Tattoos often don’t reflect the fleeting nature of relationships. Conversely, laser removal processes come with an understanding of how significant that ink is to you and they involve considerable physical pain as well. Ultimately, you could end up with an empty wallet and some discomfort.
2. If you aspire to work in a professional environment such as the military or law enforcement—fields that disapprove of body art—consider your options. In my experience, I’ve witnessed many individuals regret their tattoos when they had to remove them due to workplace policies.
3. Certain designs, like butterflies, might have been popular tattoos in the past; yet, over time, they can look somewhat awkward as our skin ages. Just like everything else, tattoos can change; as you grow older, both the colours and forms may not maintain their original vibrancy.
You may not commonly hear this, but getting rid of tattoo colours from your skin is more challenging compared to removing solid colours such as black or blue. From personal experience as someone who has tattoos, I advise you to wait until you’re at least 25 before getting inked. The reasoning behind this is that by the time you reach a quarter of a century, your tastes and understanding are more developed. Instead of rushing into a tattoo at 19, consider allowing your preferences to mature a little more and choose to get inked after turning 25.
If you decide to proceed with your tattoo and notice something unusual, contact a trusted dermatologist right away. Remember: it’s easier to cope with missing out on something than to regret a bad tattoo.
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj
Anti-Skin Allergy Specialist & Dermatologist at Centre for Skin and Hair Pvt Ltd, Defence Colony, Delhi
