Growing up, I never thought I’d get a tattoo. Yet, there I was, back in August, getting one and feeling a strange mix of excitement and nervousness. As I prepare for my second tattoo, I think about what I wish I had known before.
If you’re thinking of getting your first tattoo, check out these tips to avoid some of the missteps I made.
1. Do Your Research
This one sounds pretty obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing. When looking for a tattoo artist, find someone whose style and vibe align with yours. Since I wanted a handwritten tattoo, I looked on Instagram and TikTok for an artist who specialized in that style. But it wasn’t just about finding an artist with a good portfolio – I wanted to feel comfortable with their approach. Initially, I thought I had found the right artist, but it didn’t feel right after a few exchanges. One key red flag was when the artist told me I couldn’t bring a friend along for support. The vibe was not what I was looking for.
Since you’re about to have something permanently inked on your body, it’s important to feel comfortable throughout the process. If an artist isn’t open to accommodating your needs, like bringing a friend for comfort, it might be a sign to keep looking.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away
If you ever feel unsure about your choice of artist, trust your instincts. As I mentioned, the first artist I spoke with didn’t feel like a good fit after a few conversations, which was okay. It wasn’t about the artist being bad; it was about finding someone who made me feel at ease and truly listened to my concerns. The tattoo experience should be something you enjoy and feel confident in. Don’t hesitate to look for someone else if it doesn’t feel right.
3. Ask As Many Questions as You Want
Getting a tattoo is a big deal, so you should be as informed as possible. Before my first tattoo, I had an email exchange with my artist. I think we had about 30 emails back and forth–no joke! But I had many questions about the process, aftercare, pain levels, and pricing.
And you know what? The artist never made me feel bad about it. They answered every question thoroughly, making me feel much more at ease. If you’re getting a tattoo for the first time, ask as many questions as possible. A good tattoo artist will understand that you need to be fully informed and should be happy to answer any questions.
4. Talk to Your Artist About Numbing Cream
While some people swear by numbing creams to reduce the discomfort of getting a tattoo, you should talk to your artist before using one. Some numbing creams can cause an adverse reaction, irritation, or problems with the tattoo healing. I considered using numbing cream for my first tattoo, but, after speaking with my artist, I learned that it could affect how well the ink adheres to the skin. If you’re sensitive to numbing creams, it could even make your skin react poorly.
It’s important to communicate with your artist before deciding on using anything. They might recommend the best way to handle the pain based on your skin type and the tattoo’s location.
5. Consider Where Your Tattoo Will Go
Where you decide to get your tattoo is just as important as what you’re getting. For my first tattoo, I chose to get it on my inner forearm. This area is often considered to be less painful to get tattooed. For the most part, that was true for me. However, there were parts of the tattoo that were more sensitive. The pain wasn’t unbearable, but there were a few moments where I could feel it more than others. If you’re unsure where to place your tattoo, ask your artist about pain levels for different body parts and choose a spot that feels right for you.
6. Eat Before the Appointment
It might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to forget: eat before your tattoo appointment! Getting a tattoo on an empty stomach can make you feel lightheaded or faint, and the last thing you want is to feel unwell in the middle of your tattoo session. A light, healthy meal is ideal to keep your energy up. And drink water, too. It sounds simple, but a nourished body is key to a smooth experience.
7. Prepare for Some Discomfort
I can’t stress enough how important it is to understand that the feeling of getting a tattoo is different for everyone. For me, it felt like a mechanical pencil poking my skin over and over. I barely felt anything in some spots; in others, there was a slight sting. It was a kind of constant pressure and buzzing sensation. That said, the discomfort was more tolerable than I had expected. I could scroll through my phone and even chat with my artist while it was happening. If you’re feeling nervous, know that you can usually power through it, and the outcome will be worth it. You’ll forget the feeling once it’s all over.
8. Make Time for Aftercare
After your tattoo is done, the real work begins. Following proper aftercare is essential for keeping your tattoo fresh and ensuring it heals well. Your artist will likely give you specific instructions, but generally, you’ll want to keep it clean, moisturized, and out of the sun. I recommend using a fragrance-free lotion or ointment (like Cetaphil) or another one your artist recommends. Also, don’t pick or scratch at the tattoo while it heals. It’s also helpful to wear loose clothing over the tattooed area during the healing process to avoid rubbing or irritation.
Getting a tattoo for the first time can feel like a big step, and it’s natural to have questions and concerns. But by doing your research, asking all the right questions, and trusting the process, you can have an experience that leaves you excited to get your next piece of art.
