A TikToker with 30 tattoos shared the red flags you shouldn't miss when getting inked

• Lonni Pike, 57, shares videos about tattoos with her one million followers on TikTok.
• Pike has been getting inked for 27 years and now has approximately 30 tattoos all over her body.

Lonni Pike uses her platform on TikTok as @grayhairandtattoos to encourage women to embrace their individuality no matter what age they are. That comes with advice, too, like how to avoid pitfalls at the tattoo parlour.

A collector of body art, Pike, 57, told Insider that she has been getting tattooed since she was 30. Over the past 27 years she has collected an estimated 25 to 30 tattoos, including on her lower stomach, her back, both arms, calves, and even behind her ear. In a TikTok video posted last week to her more than one million followers, Pike showed off a new floral tattoo on her hand. The video has been viewed more than 68,000 times as of Monday.

If there is someone who knows the ins and outs about tattoos, it's Pike. That's why she shared what you need to know about getting a tattoo with Insider. It starts by finding a great tattoo artist.

If your tattoo artist isn't on social media, find someone who is

"Everybody is on social media these days," Pike told Insider. "If your tattoo artist isn't on social media, you need to find another tattoo artist."

She said looking at photos of the tattoo artist's designs online is a good indicator of their style. Then, you can determine whether that style aligns with the type of design you want. It's important that you and the artist mesh on design conception so you will be happy with the result.

Leave if the tattoo parlour isn't a good environment

Checking out social media is just the first step. Pike advises that you should get to know the artist before firing up the tattoo pen. That involves a visit to the parlour.

"Certain shops have a certain energy and you want to make sure you have a good experience," Pike said.

If the tattoo parlour has a bad environment or you don't feel comfortable, Pike said that you shouldn't stay.

Meet your tattoo artist in person before agreeing to get inked

Pike said her top advice is to meet the tattoo artist before agreeing to a tattoo. She said there have been instances where she has liked an artist's work on their social media accounts, but when she got to know their personality, she realized they were "a jerk." She decided not to have them tattoo her because she didn't get along with them.

"It's like a spiritual moment — you want to be able to connect with the person putting art on your body," Pike said. "There are personalities out there that you may not mesh with and you might not enjoy that."

She explained that the tattoo process is an intimate one that brings you in close contact with the artist.

"You're going to be there, face-to-face, and you want to make sure you like the person," she said.

Pike recommends starting small if you're unsure on a design

Not sure what design to get? You're not alone. Pike often shares tips with people who want a tattoo but cannot decide on a design. She said she recommends starting with a small tattoo rather than going for a larger piece, such as a sleeve.

The TikToker doesn't shy away from meaningless tattoos and said it's something she has done herself in the past. But she would recommend having your first tattoo be something with sentimental value.

"Pick an object that's going to remind you of who you are on the day that you get a tattoo, whether it's a flower, a bird, a book, or just anything that reminds you of who you are at this moment," Pike said.

After all, tattoos are a way of showcasing your feelings, emotions, and life moments on the outside of your skin.

"You're going to be a different version of who you are in 10 years, and you can look back at it," she said, adding that you'll remind yourself: "Oh wow. I remember her. She was really cool."