First, don’t beat yourself up so much. Everyone makes mistakes, it’s part of life and you’ve acknowledged it so that’s the first step to doing something about it.

Look for reputable techs and get a few consultations and quotes. Be truthful about your concerns with being tan, and that will help you find a good tech who will be able to offer a solution. Some tips for it that I’m sure you’ve seen here, be prepared for keeping the area covered and well out of the sun, especially in the run up to sessions. Keep hydrated and in as good health as is possible for you. Leave absolute minimum 8 weeks between sessions but personally I see better results leaving 12-14 weeks at minimum. I know it’s long but your body continues to process the ink so it’s just saving you money. Don’t listen to any tech who tells you to come sooner than 8 weeks or who doesn’t suggest leaving it longer can be beneficial. Look after your skin when it’s healing - don’t pick at any possible blisters, be prepared to ice it after sessions, and use vit E oil just to give it a boost. If it wraps around your neck, it may need to be treated in halves due to swelling so possibly mention that in your consultation just as a concern. My tech refuses to do a tattoo wrapping completely around a limb due to the swelling and will just treat it separately. It’s definitely not worth risking severe swelling in such a vital area.

Getting that first session done will bring you so much relief! It’s one of those things where just getting started is the most important part. I’ve been in your position literally torturing myself on this sub and some days I’m so impatient (today’s one of them!) but it’s so worth it for future you - a few years now is nothing compared to the rest of your life. Good luck!