Getting a tattoo with your best friend can be an exciting and meaningful experience commemorating your bond and shared memories. However, choosing the right design, artist, placement, and aftercare can make a huge difference in the quality and longevity of your tattoo. We’ve put together this best friend tattoo quality guide to help you make informed decisions and avoid common mistakes. This article share tips, insights, and advice on getting a best friend’s tattoo, from brainstorming ideas to maintaining the tattoo over time. Whether you’re a first-time tattoo recipient or a seasoned ink enthusiast, this guide will help you create a beautiful and lasting symbol of friendship.
Choosing the design
Getting a tattoo with your best friend is a way to celebrate your bond and make it last forever. One of the first steps is to choose a personal and meaningful design for both of you. Here are some ways to make this process easier:
Brainstorming with your friend
Start by talking with your friend about what you want the tattoo to represent and any ideas you may have. Consider your shared experiences, inside jokes, and common interests. You can also draw inspiration from your friendship stories, such as the location you first met or something significant between you. Write down all your ideas, no matter how silly they may seem initially.
Researching Popular Designs
Look online and check out popular tattoo designs for best friends. You’ll find ideas such as matching symbols, quotes, phrases, or even split tattoo designs that complement each other. Remember that you don’t have to use the same design as long as they complement and symbolize your friendship.
Customizing the design
Once you know what design you want, customize it even further. You can add a unique twist to the design or tweak the colours to make them more personal to your relationship. You can also work with the tattoo artist to create a unique design representing your friendship.
Finding a skilled artist
Choosing the right tattoo artist is crucial when getting a tattoo. Your tattoos will be on your skin for life, so you want to ensure you work with someone skilled and trustworthy.
Reviewing the Artist’s Portfolio
Check out the tattoo artist’s portfolio to see what kind of work they have done before. This will give you an idea of their style and skill level. If you want a specific style, such as watercolour or hyperrealism, look for artists specializing in that.
Reading reviews and testimonials
One of the best ways to find a reliable tattoo artist is by reading reviews and testimonials. You can browse online reviews from previous clients and talk to your friends who have tattoos, and ask for recommendations.
Asking for referrals
If you see someone with a great tattoo, don’t be afraid to ask where they got it and who their tattoo artist was. This is a great way to get a personal recommendation and see the quality of the artist’s work in person.
Tattoo placement
The placement of your tattoo is just as important as the design itself. You want to choose a spot that looks good and represents your friendship meaningfully.
Choosing a visible or hidden spot
Think about whether you want your tattoo to be visible or hidden. For example, you might want to get a small tattoo on your wrist that’s easy to conceal with a watch or bracelet. Or, you might opt for a larger tattoo on your shoulder or back that you can show off whenever you want.
Taking into account the Size of the Design
The size of your tattoo should also be considered when deciding where to place it. A larger design might work better on a flat surface like your back, while smaller designs can fit in smaller spaces like the wrist or finger.
Considering Future Life Changes
Keep in mind that your life will change over time, and so will your body. Consider future life changes, such as pregnancy or weight fluctuations, when choosing the tattoo’s placement. You don’t want the tattoo to deform or stretch out and lose its meaning.
Tattoo aftercare
After you get your tattoo, proper aftercare is essential for the healing process and the longevity of your tattoo.
Cleaning the Tattooed Area
You must always keep the tattooed area clean to prevent infections. Use mild soap and warm water to wash the tattoo daily. Avoid using a loofah or washcloth on the tattooed area, as it can be too harsh on the skin.
Applying moisturizer and ointment
After cleaning the tattoo, apply a thin layer of moisturizer or ointment recommended by your tattoo artist to keep the skin hydrated and speed up the healing process. Avoid using petroleum-based products like Vaseline, as they can clog the pores and cause more damage to the tattoo.
Avoiding sun exposure and certain activities
During the healing period, avoid exposing the tattoo to direct sunlight, as it can fade the tattoo and increase the risk of infection. You should also avoid swimming, saunas, or any activities that can cause excessive sweating or friction on the tattooed area until the tattoo is fully healed.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you and your best friend will have a great tattoo that represents your friendship for years to come.
Safety Precautions
When it comes to getting your best friend a tattoo, safety should be your top priority. Make sure to thoroughly research the tattoo parlour before making an appointment. Verify that the parlour is clean, hygienic, and has a good reputation. You should also ensure that the equipment used is sterile and disposable to prevent contamination and spreading infections.
Another important factor to consider is the possibility of allergic reactions. Before getting the tattoo, discuss any allergies you or your friend may have with the tattoo artist. This will help avoid adverse reactions and ensure a smooth and safe tattoo experience.
Communication with Your Friend
Clear communication with your friend is crucial for getting matching tattoos. Discuss expectations and preferences before deciding on a design and placement. This will help you reach a mutual agreement and avoid potential disagreements.
Agreeing on a design and placement that both of you are happy with is essential. Take the time to explore different design options together and look for inspiration online. Consider your pain tolerance and the tattoo’s visibility before settling on a final design.
In a disagreement, it’s important to handle it maturely and respectfully. Take the time to listen to each other’s concerns and work together to find a solution that suits both of you.
Personalization
Best friend tattoos are a great way to express your unique bond and connection with your friend. To make your tattoo more personalized, you can add symbolic elements representing your friendship. You could also incorporate unique features such as your favourite colours, quotes, or inside jokes.
Creating a meaningful message that represents your friendship is also a great idea. You should take the time to carefully consider what you want your tattoo to say and how it will represent your special bond with your friend.
Maintenance and touch-ups
After getting your best friend a tattoo, it’s important to take proper care of it to maintain its quality. Protect the tattoo from fading and distortion by avoiding direct sunlight and excessive sweating. Use a high-quality moisturizer to keep the tattoo hydrated and prevent it from drying out.
Over time, your tattoo may require touch-ups to maintain its appearance. If you notice any fading or distortion, consult your tattoo artist about retouching the tattoo. Additionally, if your friendship changes over time, you may need to consider altering or covering up the tattoo. Handling these changes with sensitivity and respect for each other’s feelings is important. Getting a best friend tattoo is a unique and personal journey that requires careful planning, communication, and attention to detail. Following the tips and guidelines outlined in this guide can increase your chances of getting a high-quality and meaningful tattoo that you’ll cherish for years. Remember to choose a design that reflects your friendship, find a skilled artist who shares your vision, take good care of your tattoo, and enjoy your bond with your best friend.
FAQs
Can I get a best friend tattoo with more than one friend?
Yes, you can get a best friend tattoo with two or more friends. However, ensuring everyone agrees on the design, placement, and other details is important to avoid conflicts or regrets later on.
Is it painful to get a tattoo?
The level of pain involved in getting a tattoo can vary depending on factors such as the location, size, and complexity of the design and your personal pain tolerance. Some people find the process uncomfortable or even painful, while others describe it as more of a pleasant sensation. However, most people agree that the pain is tolerable and fades quickly after the tattoo is finished.
Can I remove or cover up a best friend’s tattoo if our friendship changes?
Yes, removing or covering up a tattoo is possible if you no longer want it or if your friendship changes over time. However, tattoo removal or cover-up can be expensive, time-consuming, and may not always yield perfect results. That’s why it’s important to choose a design and placement that you’re happy with and to communicate openly with your friend about your feelings and expectations.
How much does a best friend’s tattoo cost?
The cost of a best friend tattoo can vary depending on factors such as the size, complexity, and location of the design, the experience and reputation of the artist, and the location of the tattoo parlour. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $500 or more for a best friend’s tattoo. It’s important to choose an artist who offers fair and transparent pricing and to budget for additional costs such as tips and aftercare products.