Getting a tattoo can be very exciting (and it is!), but you have to remember that it is a pricy, life-long commitment. The ink will likely stay on your body ~forever~ and you most probably spent a lot of money on it, so you want to make sure that you're really ready!
The thought of getting pricked or scratched a hundred or thousand times can be nerve-wracking for anyone (especially if you have a low pain tolerance, but your mind will be at ease if you take a deep breath and really prepare. Ahead, we list down six things you need to know before booking your first appointment:
5 Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Tattoo For the First Time
1. Pick a reputable tattoo artist.
A good tattoo artist will make ALL the difference, trust us! Their style and way of tattooing can greatly affect the final result, so it's best to do your research on the placement and the kind of tattoo you want. Many artists also have schedules that are likely to be packed immediately, so you need to make sure to snag your preferred date and time ASAP. You can start your research by going on Instagram and looking at the work of different tattoo artists, reading reviews and testimonials, and of course, taking lots and lots of screenshots for inspo.
2. Pick your chosen design and the location where it will be placed.
The best part about getting tattooed? Having to come up with your chosen design! If it's just your first time and you have a low pain tolerance, we suggest choosing a minimalist design that has more linework and doesn't involve a ton of shading so that your session can be done in under an hour. (Here are our top recos for minimalist designs if you need some inspo!)
Of course, the placement is also crucial. Different body parts have different pain levels, so it's definitely something to consider if you're quick to feel queasy. The location also takes into account your lifestyle. Are you in a workplace that doesn't allow exposed tattoos? Then you might be better off placing your ink somewhere only you can see or where you can easily cover it with your clothes.
3. Avoid drinking alcohol.
The night before or even a few days before your appointment, it's best to stay away from the liquor as this can increase bleeding and sensitivity, which, in turn, can affect the final result and healing. Caffeine also counts, so try to veer away from coffee and energy drinks as well!
4. Make sure to eat up.
A few hours before your session, make sure that you have a balanced and hearty meal. Not only will it keep you focused, but it will also maintain your blood sugar levels. You don't wanna pass out in the middle of your appointment, right? P.S. We also recommend avoiding heavy foods as you'll be sitting for your tattoo for hours on end, especially if it's an intricate design.
5. Avoid taking painkillers before your appointment.
Fact: Getting a tattoo hurts like a bitch, no matter where your placement is. You might be tempted to pop a painkiller before your tattoo sesh, but we strongly recommend against doing so. Painkillers like Ibuprofen can thin the blood, Generally speaking, bleeding is common when getting tattooed, and your artist wipes the blood off immediately to avoid contamination, but taking painkillers can exacerbate this, making it more difficult for your artist to contain the bleeding.
