The decision to get a tattoo is personal. Regardless of what all your friends are saying and doing, it should always be your decision. Once you have decided to get one, you need to consider where you want it, what you want it to look like, and what tattoo shop to go to for the work to be done. Of course, if you and your friends have decided to get some type of friendship tattoo, they will need to be included in at least some of your decisions. When you get down to choosing a tattoo parlor, there are a few more things to consider. If you cannot readily see these things, ask the artist before you allow them to work on you.
Licensed and Inspected
You need to make sure that the place you go to is licensed as a tattoo place. Ask to see the license. There should also be some type of health inspection on the premises with results visible to the public. While it is possible for people to have tattoo equipment and work out of their homes, you still need to make sure they have all the licenses and inspections of a tattoo artist.
Cleanliness
A tattoo parlor should be as clean as any doctor's office. Look around. If you notice an overflowing trashcan or things just laying around it is time to look elsewhere. Everything used for the tattoos should be in sealed containers, or if it is an expensive piece it should be made of metal and there should be some type of sterilizing equipment around. Everyone working there should be clean and neat in appearance.
Design
Getting a tattoo is personal. While you may choose from examples the artist shows you, you may want to ask for something more personal, more unique, something you created and the artist recreates as you want it. When you first go into the shop, ask if they are capable of creating the tattoo you have in your mind, or perhaps have drawn yourself.
Make sure when you walk into a tattoo parlor you know what you want. If you are not comfortable in the space or with the artist, walk out. You want to be happy with the result of your trip to a tattoo shop. The best way to make sure you are is to go in prepared. For more information, visit a tattoo parlor in your area.