Today I decided to finally get that England football tattoo I’d been thinking about for ages. Just grabbed my phone, searched for “best tattoo places near me,” and booked a slot same-day after reading some reviews. Couldn’t wait any longer, y’know?
Walking into the Parlour
Place smelled like antiseptic and ink. Told the artist I wanted the three lions badge, simple and clean, about palm-sized on my forearm. Showed him a pic from my phone. He nodded, printed a stencil, slapped it on my skin. “Like this?” he asked. I checked the mirror – spot on.
The Needle Part
Sat down in that big black chair. Felt the buzz start as he pressed the needle to my skin. Not gonna lie – first few minutes hurt like hell. Clenched my other fist tight. We talked football to distract me – how crap England were last season, how maybe next year’s our year. Standard stuff. Took about an hour total. Artist dabbed the blood and ink away with paper towels.
After the Ink
He wrapped my arm in cling film. Gave me strict orders:
- Keep it covered for four hours
- Wash it gently with plain soap twice a day
- Slap on special ointment religiously
- No sun, no pools for at least two weeks
Paid cash, tipped him a tenner. Walked out feeling pumped.
Healing Sucks but Pays Off
First three days? Itched like crazy. Woke up twice almost scratching it in my sleep. Peeled like a bad sunburn week two. I followed the cleaning routine though – like doing bloody dishes twice daily. Now three weeks later? Looks sharp. Zero regrets. Actual benefits I found:
- Instant convo starter – mates at the pub won’t shut up about it
- Weirdly proud every time I glance down at it washing hands
- Cheaper than buying a new England jersey every year
- Surprisingly zero judgement – even rival fans just ask “did it hurt?”
Forget all the fancy reasons people give. It’s simple: Got drunk on national pride one night, stayed sober through the needle, ended up with something permanent that makes me grin. Job done.
