arlornotes
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A little shop talk with tattoo artist Leah Farrow
Q: What’s your experience with people regretting tattoos?
A: When people come into the shop who say they regret
getting one, a couple of things are almost always true: They
got them when they were younger (17,18 years old), and the
quality of the tattoo is extremely poor.
Q: How often do teens come in who don’t plan on telling
their parents?
A: I would say 80 percent at least. The usually ask, “Where
can I put it where my parents won’t see it?”
Q: What advice would you give teens considering a tattoo?
A: First, don’t rush. Second, find an artist or shop whose
work you love and research them. And lastly, let them take
their time. It’s going to be on your body forever. What’s waiting one more day?
Q: Any advice for parents?
A: If your teen expresses interest, help them. If they want one,
they will do it anyway. Better to help them find a good shop or
artist than to have them get one in their friend’s basement.
Oops!
When a tattoo becomes a regret
There’s a not-so-simple fix to remove a tattoo you’ve come to
regret thanks to plastic surgeons like Dr. Michael Bentley.
Requires 3-12 sessions depending on colors and surface
area. $500 - $1,200 per session.
Illustration by heather cooper
Leah Farrow is a tattoo artist at Shenanigan’s Tattoo Parlor in
Auburn, Ala. She shared some basic tattoo info with Potential:
Age requirement: 18 or older without parental consent.
Cost: $50 minimum; $100 per hour
What you discuss beforehand: The size and placement of
their tattoo. I avoid hands if at all possible and will not tattoo
faces. I explain the healing process and aftercare (how to keep
it clean, etc.).
Risks: There can be both social and job ramifications. And
infections, but I’ve only seen infections twice in four years,
and it was because the client didn’t follow directions.
Most common reason for tattoo: “I’m not in my parent’s
house anymore.”
What’s popular: Women: Infinity symbol, cross
or Bible verse. Men: Memorials or something celebrating their
heritage.
Newest trend: White ink, especially for women.
Mom knew best
SAVED FROM “FRAT TAT” REGRET
“My mom made me promise I’d call her before I got a
tattoo. I wanted to get a frat tat after being initiated
into my fraternity, so when I called my mom about it,
she asked me to wait one year. She said if I still wanted
it in a year, she would give me her blessing. After a
year, I decided against it. I still loved my fraternity, but
I wanted to wait until I have someone to honor.”
– Jeff Grear, age 27
You’re
covered
If a special occasion or job interview would go a little smoother
without your mark making an appearance, make-up artists
at L’Esprit offer services for temporary tattoo cover-up using
make-up application. Check out these remarkable before and
after images. We promise, no Photoshop!
www.potentialmagazine.com
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