Getting Your first tattoo: my advice for first-timers!

I have been honored to do a lot of first tattoos for folks over the years tattooing, and I often get asked for advice on getting your first tattoo. Here are a few pieces of advice from my experience as both a tattooer and a client that I would give someone looking to get their first tattoo!

Do your research!

Getting a tattoo is a big, body-changing process and you should give yourself enough time to realize your tattoo dreams without rushing into anything. Make a vision board. Take some permanent markers and draw a version of what you want on yourself! Take a photo of your anatomy and doodle the design on your phone. Do your research on tattoo styles, artists, and what pricing is reasonable. Look for an artist with a strong portfolio of tattoos that make you feel confident in their abilities to execute their work- including examples of their healed work. Make sure you really know what you want, where you want it on your body, and that you've chosen an artist that is willing to work with you to make your dreams come true!

Watch out for scammers and creeps!

Lots of folks try to take advantage of how vulnerable tattooing is, at every stage of the process, especially for first-timers. Double check that everything is legit before you send anybody any money. If an artist claims to be working with a studio, check that they are listed on the studio's website or social media. Artists should ask before touching you and get consent for every step of the tattoo. At your appointment, or even just at a consultation, anyone trying to pressure you into removing more clothing than is necessary to access the area is being predatory. Research hygiene and safety requirements for your state and make sure your artist is holding up-to-date certifications if needed- they should be displayed prominently. Don't be afraid to ask questions of your artist and advocate for yourself!

Take care of yourself before!

A tattoo is a great motivator for self-care. Exfoliate the area you intend on being tattooed a week before the tattoo and keep it well-moisturized leading up to your appointment. However, don't worry about shaving beforehand! Your artist will prepare the area for you at your appointment. Eat lots of good food that you enjoy in the days before your tattoo. Maybe most importantly- you should do your best to get a good night's sleep the night before so your body is well-rested.

Get a sweet treat, you deserve it (and need it)!

On the day of your tattoo, eat a big balanced breakfast with lots of protein and carbs AND have a sweet treat within two hours of your appointment. Having enough fuel in your body is key for making the tattoo experience as comfortable as possible. Don't go too far the other way and make yourself jittery, but a small sweet treat before is good for both morale and your blood sugar levels. Drink lots of water and keep yourself hydrated all day! This makes your skin easier to tattoo and helps it hold the ink during the healing process.

A note on pain!

Yes, tattoos hurt! They hurt differently for everyone, and it depends on your personal pain tolerance and the design itself, as well as where it is located on your body. The pain can be described as somewhere between a cat scratch and a sunburn, and it definitely goes on for an annoying amount of time. Don't be afraid to ask for breaks if you need them- getting tattooed is physically hard! Breathing is the number one way to cope through the pain of a tattoo and help calm your nervous system, so starting with even three deep breaths can make a big difference in your comfort level. At the end of the day, pain is part of the process and you can ask your artist about any pain management tips they might recommend as well.

Aftercare is everything!

After your tattoo, be prepared for "tattoo brain"- the phenomenon of exhaustion, euphoria, and loopiness that comes from hours of sitting through pain! If you can, get someone else to drive you home, especially for long sessions, and be sure to grab any aftercare information your artist provides on the way out for instructions on care later on. The range of what is normal for what you experience after a tattoo is wide- some people feel a big "drop" after all the anticipation and adrenaline is gone, others feel energized by the experience! It's also normal to need time to adjust to the tattoo being a part of your body. Give yourself a few days to adjust to the sensation of the healing tattoo and the emotions surrounding the experience. Feel free to reach out to your artist with any questions or concerns!

Things To Avoid!

Avoid taking unprescribed blood-thinning medication, or drinking alcohol or high amounts of caffeine for 24hrs before your appointment, as this will thin your blood and make it more difficult to tattoo. Don't apply numbing cream in advance without discussing it with your artist first (some artists will not tattoo with numbing cream at all, and in some places its use is illegal). Don't be super early or super late- you don't want to be waiting around on someone else's appointment or hold up the process for your artist. Don't bring anyone under 18 with you to the appointment.

Things To Bring!

When you get to your appointment, for every session, you will need a valid ID (license, state ID, or passport), and whatever payment method you or your artist prefers. You will fill out a consent form and a photo will usually be taken of your ID but not stored. An inclusive artist will also ask for your preferred name in forms and in conversation rather than just assuming you go by your legal name. Many artists accept tips after a service, or gifts if you feel so inclined, but this is not expected or required, and it's a good idea to check if your artist has a tip policy or any personal preferences first.

Also plan to bring anything you need to help you get through painful experiences: headphones, fidget toys or stress balls, video games, a book, snacks, layers of clothing, slippers, and/or one friend/support person. Avoid oversized stuffies or soft items that will potentially become contaminated or contaminate the tattoo space. Don't be afraid to ask for accommodations from your artist if you need them, and do what you need to make yourself feel comfortable.

In my tattoo practice, I offer free consultations where you can ask all your tattoo questions, and there is never any pressure to book an appointment after the consult- though you'll have the chance to if you'd like! If you're interested in a consult or in booking your first tattoo with me, fill out my tattoo request form and I'd be happy to chat more with you!

Whether you get your first tattoo with me or with another artist, I hope your experience is positive and helps you feel more happy and at home in your body! :)