First Tattoo Tips: A Complete Guide

Every tattoo lover today was once a puzzled tattoo newbie. While embarking on the journey to get your first tattoo is always exciting, it can cause a lot of confusion and hesitation as well. Thus, it is crucial to be familiar with some first tattoo tips that will help you achieve a relaxed smooth-sailing experience. This transformative and exciting experience is more than just acquiring a piece of artwork, it is etching a personal narrative into your skin. Hence, as you take your first step into the world of body art, there are a few things you need to consider. From tattoo design choices and finding the right tattoo artist, to following careful aftercare instructions for the optimal appearance of your masterpiece, there is a lot to plan and execute.

In this article, we share with you important tattoo tips and offer useful insights into the complete tattoo process. You can explore the world of tattoos with our guide, covering everything from selecting alluring designs, choosing the right tattoo parlor, to ensuring proper aftercare. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!

Tips For Your First Tattoo

Thinking about getting your first tattoo? A little prep can go a long way. Knowing how to prepare for a tattoo is key to ensuring everything goes smoothly. Ready to dive into some tips that’ll help you get started? Let’s break it down!

• Choose A Tattoo Design: Take time to choose a design that holds personal significance, or you could pick a small casual design that matches your aesthetic. Play around with your options, but keep in mind that the decision is a permanent mark that you will have to carry for the rest of your life.

• Explore Different Styles: Familiarize yourself with different tattooing styles as well as styles of tattoos to find the one that perfectly resonates with your personality and aesthetic.

• Select A Reputable Artist: Conduct thorough research and choose a skilled and professional tattoo artist, along with a reputable tattoo shop that follows proper hygiene protocols. Check their portfolio before making a commitment to ensure that your design is in your preferred style.

• Analyze Pain Perception: Understand that tattoo pain is a thing, and knowing your pain threshold is important. However, don’t let the fear of potential pain stop you from getting inked.

• Commit To Aftercare: Prioritize proper tattoo aftercare, such as using unscented soaps and maintaining hydration levels for optimal recovery and to achieve a vibrant result.

Trivia

Modern tattoo machines have evolved from Thomas Edison’s electric pen invention, which served as the prototype for contemporary tattooing tools.

Now that you are aware of the basic first tattoo tips, delve deeper into each of these pointers, starting off with how to choose your first tattoo design. Scroll down to know more!

Tips For Choosing Your First Tattoo Design

Picking your first tattoo design can be a blast but also a bit overwhelming. If you find yourself circling down an endless spiral wondering “what tattoo should I get?”, don’t worry! We’ve got some cool tips to help you narrow down your options and find a design that’s totally you. Ready to get inspired? Let’s jump in!

• Choose a design with some personal meaning for a lasting connection with your tattoo. However, if you want to opt for something casual, make sure it is a small design in case you want to make changes to it or build on it later. You can also sit with the stencil mark on the area you have chosen for the tattoo to see how you feel about it before getting it done.
• Explore various tattoo styles and tattooing techniques to select the one that matches your aesthetic preference, the design you want and the preciseness of the lines you desire.
• Consider the placement and tattoo size to ensure a visually pleasing result.
• Opt for a timeless design that does not go out of trend and stays ever-enduring.
• Discuss with your tattoo artist for some expert guidance and useful collaboration on the tattoo design.

Rose, a blogger, talks about getting inked for the first time. She writes about her experience at the tattoo studio, stating, “Mine was around an hour more or less. Make sure you shower and eat before, and I took some jolly ranchers for when I was getting it done, but any candy you like is comforting. Research the perfect artist for a really long time. All artists have different styles, so make sure the style matches what you want (i).”

Alongside this, there are certain preparations you must take before getting your first tattoo; continue scrolling to know all about it.

What To Do Before Your First Tattoo?

Adhering to some crucial tips before getting inked will help you attain a smooth tattooing experience, such as the following:

• Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
• Ensure that you have a balanced meal before your tattoo appointment to avoid dizziness.
• Wear comfortable clothing for easy access to the tattoo area.
• Consult your dermatologist prior to the session, if you have sensitive skin and are prone to allergic reactions.

A most important decision to make before getting inked is selecting where to get your first tattoo, so read on for some good options for you to consider.

Where Should I Get My First Tattoo?

Choosing your first tattoo placement is important, and there are a few factors that one has to take into consideration, such as your pain tolerance, visibility, and aesthetics. Spots that are away from the bone and least sensitive to needlework, as well as areas that can be easily covered are recommended. For instance, certain common areas like the forearm, outer thighs, and stomach are the least painful spots, and hence are recommended for first-timers

Once you have chosen your spot, read on to understand the simple ways in which you can prep your skin for tattooing in the section below.

Preparing Your Skin For Tattooing

• Moisturize your skin regularly to boost skin elasticity and achieve clear lines and vibrant tattoo results.
• Wax before getting inked to remove any pesky hair and allow for better skin visibility for the tattoo.
• Gently exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells and keep the skin clean.
• Hydrate yourself well to prevent dry and flakey skin for smooth skin texture before getting inked.
• Opt for a numbing cream before the tattoo session if you have low pain tolerance.

Trivia

Veteran singer superstar, Madonna, got her first tattoo at the age of 62 which was the initials of all her six children.

But while we are aware of the things we should be doing, what are some things to avoid before getting inked? Read all about it in the section below!

Things To Avoid Before Getting A Tattoo

• Refrain from drinking alcohol as it can lead to thinning of the blood and cause excessive bleeding (1).
• Do not consume blood thinners or blood sugar medications as they can cause excessive bleeding (2), (3).
• Avoid direct sun exposure that may burn the skin and lead to damage. Inking on such sensitive skin can increase the risk of infections.
• Avoid drinking caffeine before the tattoo session as it may cause dry skin and blood thinning.
• Skip shaving before getting a tattoo to avoid the possibility of getting nicks and razor burns and bumps.
• Do not wear tight-fitted clothes like skinny jeans that may make it uncomfortable to sit through the tattoo appointment.

Now that you are aware of everything you need to know before getting a fresh tattoo, get familiar with some useful aftercare tips that will help in proper healing once you are inked.

Tattoo Aftercare Tips

• Use A Gentle Cleanser: When removing the tattoo plastic wrap after the initial couple of hours, clean the tattoo with a mild, antibacterial soap and some lukewarm water. Do not soak your tattoo as prolonged exposure to water can cause tattoo bubbling.

• Moisturize Well: Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free, hydrating ointment or nourishing, antibacterial creams on the tattoo twice a day.

• Refrain From Touching: Natural scabs may form on the tattoo during the healing process that may result in skin irritation and itching. Avoid picking at them or touching the healing tattoo skin at all costs.

• Protect From UV Exposure: Guard the tattoo, use sunscreen, and refrain from sitting in sunny spots to prevent possible sun damage and skin infection due to prolonged exposure.

• Wear Relaxed Fit Clothes: Opt for loose-fitting clothing for a breathable environment for the healing tattoo, and to prevent possible skin irritation from friction.

• Avoid Waxing/Shaving: Refrain from indulging in any kind of grooming treatment for the initial couple of weeks after getting inked so as not to damage the sensitive skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should my first tattoo be?

Choose your first tattoo design as something that is aesthetically appealing and has some personal connection to you as well. It could be anything, from a symbol of your values, passions, or life experiences.

What should I ask my tattoo artist beforehand?

You may want to ask your tattoo artist a list of important questions. Inquire about things like the price of service and hourly rate, if they practice proper hygiene, what artificial colors do they use, if they use fresh tattoo ink and tattoo needle every time, the tattoo aftercare procedure, how much experience they have, and discuss whether your tattoo idea will fit their style of tattoo.

What is a good age to get your first tattoo?

It is always recommended to keep one’s legal age in mind when thinking about getting a tattoo. Many like to get inked in their mid-twenties as they generally become better at decision-making and are financially independent as well.

Should your first tattoo be simple?

While this completely depends on the individual’s preference, it is recommended to opt for a small and minimalist tattoo design so you won’t have any major regrets in the future and you can build on it later, if you so wish.

Tons of questions arise the moment you decide to get your first tattoo and the nervousness can instantly overtake the excitement. Watch the video below as it discusses everything you need to know before getting inked!

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Brik RangelTattoo Artist

     

Brik Rangel is a highly skilled tattoo artist who has 12 years of experience in the field. She specializes in transformative tattoo makeovers and cover-ups. After honing her craft in São Paulo, Brazil, she now works as a tattoo artist and manager at Manhattan Tattoos in New York, and as a tattoo artist at Divine Tattoos in New Jersey.

Read full bio of Brik Rangel

Pahul NanraBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Pahul Nanra is a content writer with a penchant for all things fashion and beauty. She has two years of experience in writing across beauty and lifestyle genres. She is an English Honors graduate from Delhi University with a diploma in Fashion Designing from YMCA.

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Manjari is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over three years of experience in writing across different niches, including beauty, health, wellness, and technology. She first discovered her passion for writing in school and has since honed her craft to perfection.

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