Have you been thinking for a long while about getting a tattoo and are now finally ready to put your plan to action? If so, then let’s get right to it and get the plan rolling (before you change your mind!).
Here are some tips to help you prepare for getting your very first ink on your skin. Pay close attention because tattoos are permanent, and although you may eventually remove them, it does not come without cost.
Pick a Design and Location
If you’ve been mulling over getting a tattoo for a while, then for sure you must already have something in mind. You’ve also probably decided where you want it done. Ideally, that should be the case. If not, then you better get started on thinking of a design before you even make that appointment.
Tattoo artists need to know in advance how big or small the tattoo is going to be so they can block their calendars as necessary. Sure, walk-ins are possible too, and tattoo designs can be decided on a whim too. But if you want to get something that’s truly meaningful and relevant to you, then give the design and location a long, hard thought before deciding on it.
If you can send it to your artist in advance, that would be great too. That way, they can give you their feedback on the feasibility of the design in relation to your picked location, as well as set and manage your expectations about the session and the corresponding cost.
Stay Hydrated, Get Skin Moisturized
You want your skin in its best condition when you go to your tattoo artist for your first ever session. Drinking lots of water for a day or two leading up to your session can help get your skin plump and moisturized.
You want this because it makes it a lot easier for the artist to navigate their way on your skin–which is going to be their actual work surface. Dry skin can lead to imperfections in the design, and might even turn out more painful for you.
That said, you’d want to put on some moisturizing lotion too, to better help with keeping your skin looking and feeling good.
Pain Management
If you’re feeling scared about the pain, don’t worry, that’s perfectly normal and expected. There is no one solution to that, but you can take over-the-counter pain relievers following the procedure. Some people bring music and videos to distract themselves with, while others simply fall asleep.
It would all really depend on your level of pain tolerance, so take that into account too when deciding what and where you’re getting a tattoo. Just keep in mind that it doesn’t matter if the size is going to be smaller. Your pain sensitivity does not decrease the smaller the design gets; it just makes the session shorter.