In the beginning tattoos were relegated to some particular groups. The list included bikers, sailors, and punk rockers. But with the passage of time things changed, and now it seems like pretty much everyone has got one. From the wholesome celebrities to the normal squads, everyone is getting inked.

Certainly, a right tattoo can make you look incredibly cool and classy. But recently a study found that particles from tattoo ink can spread into lymph nodes. Though it hasn't proved to be causing cancer, but yet it has spread a fear amongst the body art lovers.

So before you get set to look fierce and fearless with tattooing, there are some factors you need to know before you hit the parlor. This includes a lot ranging from safety risks to price comparison. For you, here it is rounded up into 6 factors. Read on:

1. Risks Involved: Safety comes first; so it would be wise to talk about the risks initially. When something is injected into your skin, the risk of infection increases. Some of the major risk factors are staph, hepatitis, and warts. The good thing is that using unsterilized tools like needles or guns, and high quality ink can reduce the risks for infection. Hence, you need to make sure that your tattoo artist is following all the safety rules to offer healthy and infection free artwork. Also there are chances that you could be allergic to the tattoo pigment. In such a case, the pigments can be hard to remove. And yes, there are possibilities to have an allergic reaction even after years of getting tattooed.

2. Cost Factor:You better not skimp with tattoos. For this you must start with your research bit early. Be aware of what the artists are charging in the area. And if you find someone asking substantially a less amount than others around him, do check for the quality being offered. Remember, paying more for a legitimate artist is better than choosing a guy with the tattoo gun down the street.

3. Time Matters:When it comes to the best time to get inked, it will be some where a time when your tattoo will have sufficient time to heal and be covered. In summers, your design will be more visible and there are greater chances of it getting more tanned. So it is better to go for it in autumn and winters.

4. Process Will be Painful: You might have read the term ‘painless tattooing’ somewhere. However, the fact is it hurts. Suffering caused can vary from person to person, depending on number of factors like tattoo size, threshold level, and much more. But you can still make it painless. How?

It is possible with the use of topical anesthetic. When applied to the skin prior to the tattooing procedure, it temporarily numbs the nerve endings for few hours. The cream is typically applied one hour before the process begins. Just make sure you choose a FDA compliant product like NumbSkin cream. It can be bought online now.

5. Artist can Make A Difference: Before you get into the process, ensure that you’re picking a reputable tattoo parlor with an experienced artist at work. Only an expert is known to correct safety procedures and tools. Do check for an autoclave and sterilization certification. Before he starts working on your skin, make sure that he is wearing gloves.

6. Ask for Removal: This might sound bit weird, but the trust is that there are number of people who first make a decision to get their tattoo on whim and later they regret it. So it is here when tattoo removal comes in. Hopefully, you have chosen the right design, artist, and parlor. Still you must be aware of the processes ins and outs. Similar to tattooing, even tattoo removal will be painful.

So take your decision wisely!