My first tattoos

I had my first tattoos done last month, on the 2nd of October and I thought that I would share my full experience and show you guys what I had done (I did mention my tattoo experience in my highlights of last month, but it was brief). I also only decided to do this now as both tattoos are fully healed (it has been over a month) so you can see everything properly.

I was able to go and have my tattoos done because I received a voucher for TenTwo Tattoo studio from one of my closest friends for my birthday. I was so overwhelmed when I opened the envelope and read the card, because I had been wanting to have my first tattoo done really badly and I knew that it was not going to be cheap - I would have to work for the money to save up and eventually get a tattoo done - and I felt so lucky to be given it as a gift. I was so surprised and felt so happy in that moment that I cried, I don't usually get that emotional when I get given gifts but this was such a big deal to me that I did not know how else to react or even say thank you at first. I honestly appreciated this gift so much and the thought behind it meant the world to me because my friend knew how badly I had been wanting a tattoo and she made it happen.

I had my tattoos done at TenTwo Tattoo studio in Rondebosch. I was extremely pleased with their service and how my tattoos turned out and will definitely go back to them in the future for tattoos and piercings. They make you feel comfortable and relaxed, which is needed because some people freak out when going for piercings and tattoos. I usually get nervous leading up to having a piercing done and when I get to the place I am completely calm and the whole process always goes smoothly (I am not afraid of needles either so I guess that helps) and my feelings before having my tattoo done was pretty much the same. I would definitely recommend TenTwo, I received great and friendly customer service leading up to the tattoo (over emails) and on the day, and the work that they do there is incredible, the artists there are truly talented.

I decided to get the quote "No regrets, only memories" done with a small crescent moon next to it under my collar bone, and to get my semi-colon done on the side of wrist. I went for a thin cursive font, which the artist did mention would need touching up in future. I chose this quote because I always try to enjoy and live my life without regretting anything that I have done (and I haven't regretted anything so far). I chose the crescent moon to go with the quote because at first I wanted it separate but when the artist showed the design to me with the moon next to it I loved it. The moon represents my star sign, Cancer's ruling planet, and Cancer's are very in touch with their emotions (which is why the moon represents this star sign so well). I decided to get the semi-colon done on the same day because I had always wanted it as it is a reminder to me of what I have gone through in my life. The best way to explain the semi-colon used as a symbol, is for example, when a writer is writing a sentence in their story and wants to end their sentence with a full-stop, but instead of finishing their sentence, they decide to carry it on with a semi-colon.

I was so excited for this whole experience. I didn't find getting the tattoos done bad at all, it felt like someone was scratching me and it was more of an annoying feeling than a painful feeling. I know everyone experiences pain differently and I don't really find getting piercings done painful and I didn't find getting a tattoo done painful either. One thing I can say is that before just getting any tattoo done, make sure it is exactly how you want it - the design, the placement- because it is going to be there forever and you are the only person who needs to be really sure about it and know exactly how you want it. It is also something you invest in and save up to get, depending on the design, most places charge R500 for start-up costs, like TenTwo where I had my tattoos done, and the rest of the cost is added on according to the design (size and detail). Straight after the tattoo is done, it is wiped down and covered with cling wrap and tape. This wrap needs to stay on for a minimum of 4 hours (I kept mine on until I showered that night which was enough time) to ensure that no infection starts. For the two weeks following the tattoo being done, I had to wash the tattoo gently with a non-scented soap, pat dry and apply a very thin layer of bepanthen/baby bum cream on to the tattoo. During this time the tattoo will start scabbing and might itch a bit (mine didn't itch that much) and the worst thing you could do is scratch it or pick the scabs off (it could cause an infection or affect how the healed tattoo will look). When my tattoos started scabbing the scabs were so small and thin that they did not get caught to anything and I didn't really notice them. After two weeks to about a month after getting the tattoo done it will be completely healed, mine was healed after two weeks, but I feel like now after a month it looks completely healed and I love it so much!

Some last minute reminders if you go for your first tattoo:

• On the morning of the day you are getting your tattoo done make sure that you eat and drink something before you go

• Preferably wear some dark coloured clothing (black) because when the design is being placed and when the tattoo is being done there is ink that could smudge onto your clothes

I hope you enjoyed this little review on my experience. I just thought I would share my entire experience for anyone who would want to know the process of getting a tattoo done, because it is a commitment. I am really happy with the tattoos I had done and can't wait to go back for more in the future.

- Jo xo.