Quality tattoo artists tend to know what they're talking about. If you have a vision for a piece that the artist tells you won't age well, take their word for it. However, don't let anyone rush you into something you're not 100 percent happy with.

"When I got my first tattoo, I wanted plain white ink, but the artist told me it'd be better to add a drop of purple to the color," says tattoo regret sufferer, Kristina King. "He said it would look whiter longer instead of yellowing over time. I agreed hastily, and we proceeded with the appointment." Unfortunately, King ended up with a purple tattoo, which could have been avoided had she been more cautious with the artist's suggestion.

It's also important to approach your tattoo with an aesthetic in mind (even if it isn't fully ironed out), or you might end up with something generic.

"I've known a lot of people who go into the tattoo shop not knowing what they want, only to have the artist suggest something that they've done a lot before, because they know they're good at it," explains tattoo enthusiast, Jennifer Flow. "When that happens, all their clients end up with the same tattoo. I come from a small town, where you can tell just by looking at someone exactly what artist they went to."

The bottom line? Do your research, and make sure your artist has experience with the style you want. That is to say, if you're looking to get a colorful Japanese style tattoo, don't go to someone who only does black and grey portraits.

No, this rule has nothing to do with your mood. "It's for pain management," says Mayorga. "When you PMS, your pain sensitivity is much higher." If you can help it, avoid scheduling the appointment three to five days before your period.

Tattoos don't have to be artsy — they can serve real practical purpose as well.

Hate doing your brows and lip liner every morning? "There is a branch of inking called Cosmetic Tattooing for your eyebrows, lips and lash lines," says Rakovic. (The skin gets numbed before these procedures for less pain).

"I'm also a big fan of tattoos that boost confidence in women," adds Taylor. "Covering scars, cellulite and stretch marks can all be very empowering. We're all beautiful, but sometimes I need to see something pretty in an area that I used to be shy about. To reclaim that part of me, to own it."