Tattoo Cover-up Experience

Let’s set the scene. Just graduated high school and have experienced a few months of freedom that comes after the academic achievement. You don’t need your parents as much and can make decisions without their consult. So, what do you do? Get a tattoo. That’s what I did. My first tattoo was of the Winnie the Pooh character, Tigger, and placed on my upper ankle. Growing up really depressed, I chose Tigger, to remind myself to be happy. Twenty years later, and the tattoo didn’t serve the same purpose; reminding me of a sad past rather than a happy future. I no longer enjoyed looking at it. After much research and deliberation, I decided to get the tattoo covered up.

Last year, I visited a tattoo shop in my area, after reading some good reviews, and had a consultation. I wanted something that I would never grow tired of, which was flowers. The tattoo would have to be larger than my current one in order to deflect the focus so that the flower is what’s seen, not Tigger. It’s impossible to completely cover up a tattoo, the image is permanently there. But you can enhance, expand, or revamp the image.

Things that surprised since my last tattoo in the early 2000’s:

The ink has significantly improved. Especially the ink for brown/ ethnic skin tones. The cost has gone way up. I paid about $50 for my Tigger tattoo. The cover up cost me a couple of 100’s. While, I did not anticipate just how much higher the cost would be, I did expect the cost to have increased. Walk-ins are not encouraged. Back then I just walked in, told them what I wanted, and got it done. Today, you get a consultation, depending on the size of the tattoo, you may have to schedule an appointment and give them a deposit. The first few weeks were a surprise. I didn’t recall experiencing  pain or  peeling during the healing process of my first tattoo. With the cover up, the day after I could barely walk. Once the tattoo started to peel, it was daunting to witness. The ink appeared to be falling off. But after three weeks, the tattoo was healed for the most part.

Do I regret it:

Now that I’ve had this tattoo for a year, I can 100% express satisfaction. I am so happy with the results. I do believe it’s overpriced, but I’m cheap. Those who are meeting me for the first time wouldn’t know there was a Tigger tattoo; all that is seen is a flower. Once I manage to come up with the money again, I’ll be getting another tattoo of mine covered up.

Until the next blog, be merry.

Alisia Latoi