It’s no secret — I love tattoos. I’ve lost count of how many I have, but each new one, no matter its size, always makes my day. The most important thing for me was finding my tattoo artist — the one I could trust and return to every time. Once I found her, everything else became easy. I simply share my ideas, and she takes care of the rest. Even if I never see the design beforehand, I know I’ll be blown away. To me, tattoos are art, and my body is just the canvas. The result? Satisfaction, beauty, self-acceptance, and confidence.
I only recently started to love my body. For most of my life, I was focused on being fit and slim. I achieved that in college and looked great, but something still felt off — I wasn’t satisfied. Then, during COVID and my journey to getting pregnant, my thyroid went haywire, and I began struggling with my weight. Even when I started dieting again, losing weight wasn’t as easy as before. Pregnancy changed my body even more, and adjusting my mindset took time. It was a long journey, but through all the chaos, tattoos became my way of self-expression. They are a part of me, a reflection of my journey and identity.
Not everyone around me, however, is happy with my choices. My family is a little conservative and not exactly thrilled about my tattoos. To avoid unnecessary discussions, I stopped telling them when my next appointment is. They’ve learned to live with it, but of course, they still have their opinions — and they make sure to share them. That’s fine. I respect their perspectives, but I also hope they’ll learn to respect mine. This is who I am. You can accept it, or you can keep hurting my feelings with your remarks. The choice is yours, but one thing is certain: I’m not going to stop getting tattoos.
Now, if you’re preparing for your first tattoo session (or your next one, like me — I can’t wait!), here are some tips to make the experience smoother:
Before Your Appointment:
- Eat breakfast. You’ll need energy, and low blood sugar can make the pain worse.
- Bring snacks. Some sessions last for hours — you don’t want to get lightheaded. High-protein snacks like nuts or protein bars can keep you going.
- Read or listen to music. Whatever helps you relax will make the process easier.
- Be kind to yourself. Missing a workout or taking it easy after getting tattooed is okay. Your body is healing, so prioritise rest and hydration.
Aftercare:
- Keep your tattoo clean. Follow your artist’s instructions carefully. Use fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water to avoid irritation.
- Listen to your tattoo artist. They know what’s best for healing. If they recommend a specific ointment, stick to it. (Bepanthen for life!)
- Moisturise and protect your tattoo. Dry skin can affect how it heals. Avoid heavy lotions that can clog pores. I use my daughter’s Bioderma Atoderm for Atopic skin after the scabs fall off. It works wonders.
- Use sun protection. UV rays can fade your tattoo faster than you think. Cover it up or use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 once it’s healed. I use SPF 50 – the sun is not your friend. Remember that.
- Avoid tight clothing. Friction can cause irritation and slow down the healing process.
- Get tattooed as often as you like! If it makes you happy, go for it.
At the end of the day, tattoos are more than just ink on the skin — they’re a form of self-expression, a reminder of our journeys, and sometimes even a form of healing. Each tattoo tells a story, whether it’s a symbol of strength, a memory, or simply something beautiful. Don’t let anyone dictate how you should decorate your body. Whether you have one tattoo or a full sleeve, own it. Your body, your choices, and your happiness matter most. Wear your art proudly, and let it reflect the person you truly are.
Most importantly, never let fear of judgment stop you from embracing what you love. Your body is yours alone, and the way you choose to adorn it should bring you joy and confidence. Life is too short to worry about what others think — so if tattoos make you feel more like yourself, go ahead and get that next one. Keep evolving, keep expressing, and most of all, keep being unapologetically you.
Do you have any tattoos? If so, why do you have them? Or are you thinking about getting your first one? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences — let’s talk ink!
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