Should you get a tattoo? Well, that's up to you. There is no reason to feel pressured into getting a tattoo or to let the advice of others guide you beyond your own influence. There are both benefits and negative aspects to getting a tattoo. The obvious aspect of a tattoo is its permanence. Once that set of needles pierces your skin, the tattoo is there to stay. It also costs quite a bit of money to get one and even more money to remove one. Tattoos contain a high level of metals and could be toxic depending on the color and pigment composition. However, these aspects can be trumped by the beauty of the tattoo or by the meaning they hold to its recipient.

You have all seen those tattoos out there, they have names, dates, faces, or R.I.P. These types of tattoos are generally meaningful, sometimes beyond the words or pictures. The beauty to the beholder of these tattoos is beyond belief and its easy to see why they got them; for remembrance. Other tattoos are more artistic and therefore, meaningful in a metaphorical sense. A common theme is a dragon that transforms into a koi fish. You will generally find this tattoo as a sleeve, a tattoo covering a part of or the whole arm. The koi fish starts at one end of the arm and transcends up a river of difficulties, transforming into the dragon. This tattoo is not only aesthetically pleasing, but the significance of it is also wonderful. The permanence and remembrance of these meanings is why tattoos are so popular and expensive.

An artist giving a tattoo can charge whatever they want for the tattoo, especially if it is their own parlor and tattoo design. Some tattoos are given for free, normally from a friend or apprentice, and depending on the colors used, the time taken, and size, they can cost thousands of dollars. Part of the reason why tattoos are so expensive is because of the ingredients used and the time it takes for the artist. Generally, the smaller the tattoo, the cheaper. No matter the size or color of the tattoo, there are definitely risks involved.

Most tattoo inks are made from metals that are known to be toxic. Lead, mercury, and cadmium are some major ingredients in inks. These metals are toxic and could cause cancer no matter how small the traces of metal. There is also the possibility of getting an ugly or unprofessional looking tattoo. The tattoo could be poorly drawn, it could fade, or maybe it just doesn't have the same meaning anymore. Also, beware of certain tattoos that are visible with everyday clothing. Tattoos on your hands, face, and even your forearms could hinder your ability to land a decent job. And if all else fails, you could get it removed. Most likely with this option you will have scarring or incomplete removal, and the memory never dies anyways.

It is good to consider all the facts before going and getting a tattoo. Understand the benefits and risks, the costs, the pain and longevity of getting a tattoo. No matter what you hear from friends or family, the decision comes down to you. No one can force you to get a tattoo and no one else but you has to live with it forever. Make sure it is what you really want and use your good judgment.