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Before you get your tattoo, it is best to know the risks associated with it. Infections and allergic reactions are the most common, though most infections can be prevented with the proper aftercare. As for allergic reactions, the pigments in tattoo inks have the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but the inks are not regulated. If you think you may have a reaction to any of the inorganic materials used in the inks, such as titanium dioxide, iron oxides, azo dyes, acridine, quinoline, phthalocyanine and naphthol derivates, dyes made from ash, and other mixtures, you may want to choose carefully about getting a tattoo.

Less common experiences include pain or burning during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations because of metallic pigments, skin infections, psoriasis, dermatitis and other chronic skin conditions. Also, due to the use of needles in tattoo application, there is also the risk of contracting infectious diseases such as tetanus, herpes, staph, HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, and even Syphilis. Be sure your artists uses "one-time use" needles and takes the time to go through all sanitary procedures before the tattooing.