It’s pretty safe to get a tattoo nowadays (as long as you’re at a clean place), but the dangerous effects can come after you leave the salon, so it’s important to know how to prevent them.

For example, your new tattoo is an open wound and is prone to infection. “Germs can be picked up anywhere, so it important to pay attention to what it comes in contact with during the first few days,” says Saigh.

Also, “some people can have allergic reactions, mostly to red pigments,” says Oafenhammer. This usually happens to people with fair skin. In this case, a spot test is recommended (a tiny prick of the color to see if a reaction occurs). After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry, right?