Thinking of getting your first tattoo? Getting tattooed for the first time is an experience that will captivate you and will surely get you involved in the tattoo industry.
If you are thinking of taking the big step, we have made the 10 “commandments” before getting your first tattoo.
The 10 Commandments to getting your first tattoo
Avoid urges. In our experience, there are a few clients who are carried away by an impulse and decide to tattoo a name, a phrase, or really, anything on their skin without thinking about it twice. Well, sometimes these urges can lead to you regretting it sooner rather than later. Careful with that! A tattoo is a work of art made with a needle and ink that will accompany you forever. Depending on the placement, you may see (or will see) your tattoo daily and the decision to do it should be based on more of a desire and plan than on a fleeting whim.
Choose the area well. Not all of us have the same pain threshold and that is especially important when someone is going to get a tattoo for the first time. The areas that usually cause the least discomfort are the wrists, calves, ankles, forearm, and the bicep, especially on the outside. Meanwhile, the head, neck, ears, lips, armpit, inside of biceps, upper and lower back, buttocks, ribs, stomach, hands, fingers, genitals, inner thigh, back of the knee, and feet are the most bothersome. Keep this in mind when you go to choose your tattoo’s placement.
In tattoos, size does matter. A large-format tattoo will need a large canvas to work on, such as the back or the entirety of an arm or a leg; Meanwhile, a minimalist tattoo can be done on any small part of the body and is a great option to start and see how our body reacts to the pain of the needles. In addition, a large tattoo usually requires several work sessions to complete and its price is much higher for the hours and detail that must be invested in it.
Research, research, research. Instagram and Pinterest are two inexhaustible sources of tattoo ideas. You will find so many that it will surely be difficult for you to decide just on one design and even at times you will feel that you are looking too much, but no. A tattoo is not a t-shirt or a bag that you can send to the storage room when you get tired of seeing it.
Find a good professional. When getting any tattoo, you should choose a studio that meets all the requirements and hygienic-sanitary standards required for your state. In addition to that, it is essential that you look for a good tattoo artist that specializes in the tattoo style you want to get. It is NOT the same to make a watercolor design as a realistic one. ALL TATTOOS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL! Choosing a tattoo artist who specializes in the type of tattoo that you like the most is one more guarantee that you’ll love the final outcome!
Prepare well. When you already have the perfect design, the ideal studio, and the most professional tattoo artist, it is in your hands that the skin will be perfect come the big day. At least two weeks before your appointment, apply a good moisturizer twice a day, and avoid tanning as you could burn your skin and that may lead to having to cancel your appointment. Do not use “aggressive” depilatory methods with the skin such as wax, laser, or electric machine at least two weeks before, and be sure to hydrate by drinking lots of water!
And T-day arrives. The day of getting your first tattoo has finally arrived! Since you’ve prepared so well in the previous week it would be a shame if you spoiled all that work by not doing well on the day of the appointment! Do not apply any anesthetic unless directed by your tattoo artist, as it could interfere with the tattoo procedure and healing process. Do not take any unnecessary medications, especially those that promote bleeding such as aspirin; If you have any prescribed treatment, discuss it with your tattoo artist. Eat a large meal at least 2 hours before the session to avoid dizziness and, if it is going to belong, take something with you to eat. Wear comfortable clothes that you’re okay with getting dirty and lastly, take a shower the morning of your tattoo appointment.
Enjoy the session. Getting tattooed for the first time is a unique moment that you will never live again no matter how long you keep getting tattooed, so enjoy it to the fullest! Talk to your tattoo artist,=! Start a conversation, and be sure to ask them about all the doubts and questions you may have. And always remember to RELAX.
Take good care of your tattoo. Implementing a good hygiene and hydration routine after getting a tattoo is essential for the area to heal well and to ensure there are no infections or discoloration. Strictly follow the advice of your tattoo artist on how to care for a freshly made tattoo, you will also find many on this blog. The normal thing is that you leave the studio with your tattoo covered with a transparent film. The tattoo artist will advise you on when and how to remove the film and instruct you to wash the area twice a day for 1 week, with antibacterial soap and warm water using very gentle circular movements. Then apply any tattoo healing cream for the next 3 weeks of the healing process. If you notice excessive swelling and pain, a bad smell, or that the tattoo is oozing white puss, see your doctor and speak with your tattoo artist immediately.
Keep searching. We are sure that your first time getting tattoos, will not be your last because the ink is just that addicting! If this is your case, keep looking for designs, learn about new techniques and trends, and enjoy your unique art!
