Anticipating your first tattoo can be a nerve-wracking and exhilarating experience. We can’t assure that these tips will make the tattoo less painful, but they can make sure that the process is not as intimidating and memorable.
Licensed professional
The golden rule is to always go for a licensed professional when getting your first tattoo, not only would it be safe but you can also connect with them for the best after-care guidance. You can have a look at our best tattoo artists
Finalize your idea
Talk to your artist so that they can bring forth your vision to the best. Keep a clear vision on how you want your first tattoo, some have it finalized and some get torn between different ideas, crunch up the numbers to two, so that you don’t have much trouble finalizing.
Look for the best
Research for the best shop where hygiene and cleanliness are requisite. Make sure you read the online reviews and visit the shop and tattoo artists to see how comfortable you are for the best experience of your first tattoo.
Relay your doubts
It’s best to ask questions and relay your doubts to the artist, they would be more than happy to inform you regarding them. A true professional will answer your questions and make you feel comfortable, giving you a safe space to be in during the process. They understand that this is your first tattoo and will cater to you professionally.
Body placement
You must think well about the placement of your tattoo, as the pain sensitivity changes throughout the body. Some areas of the skin are more delicate than others. Talk to your artist and they will tell you which place would be better for a first timer, accordingly you can make your decision.
Comfort over style
Wear the outmost comfortable clothes you have. Depending on the size of your tattoo and the work it may take, you might be there for quite a long time. It’s better for you and your artist that you are comfortable, for your best experience.
No bargaining
If you are going to get inked, never bargain and never trust if it’s too cheap because it’s one-hundred percent a shady deal. Artists are worth their skill, it’s not just you spending hours on the table, but them too. Choose an Artist based on their skill, experience, hygiene standards, rather than on their pricing. If you don’t have the budget for it, then wait till you do, because you won’t regret waiting, but you will regret not waiting.
Mental Preparation
It doesn’t hurt much when you are prepared for it. We are dealing with needles here, there is going to be blood and pain, but on the brighter side, they only go to 1/8th inch of your skin, it’s not all that bad.
When you are made to wait
Your tattoo artist won’t just begin jabbing you from the start, at a reputed place they will take their time to get the gear out and make them sterile for a clean and healthy session. They want you to know and so they show that you are in good hands.
Expect to get shaved
If you wish to get a tattoo, you should not be surprised when they take a razor in their hand. If you wish to get a tattoo on your arm or another particularly hairy part of your body, the artist might shave the spot beforehand. You can ask in advance if you should shave the area before coming in, but most tattoos don’t require it.
The process of tattooing
Once the process starts, stay as still as possible for the sake of your tattoo. If at any point you feel lightheaded, or if the pain is too unbearable, communicate it to your artist. If you need a break to stretch or so, tell your artist, they would understand and would catch a break themselves.
Aftercare
You must follow the aftercare procedure that the artist tells you. Listen to them. Tattoo aftercare is something very important. While it’s healing, don’t pick, scratch, or itch your tattoo.
