Tattoos are a form of body art that allows you to express yourself. But they’re also permanent, so they can’t easily be removed from your skin. Before you commit to the ink, we encourage you to read this article, which shares how to get started with your tattoo, how to prepare, how to consider your pain tolerance, and proper care and maintenance.
Getting Started
Choosing the right tattoo studio and artist takes time, especially considering each professional has their own sense of style. We suggest researching social media, personal portfolios, and reviews to find an artist whose work you are drawn to. Then, book a free consultation to go over ideas and ask any questions you may have. Finally, choose a size and placement for your tattoo. Make sure you take into consideration that the area will be sore at first and need time to heal.
Prepare for Your Tattoo Appointment
Before you go into a tattoo session, prepare by following these general guidelines:
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, aspirin, and any other substance that thins your blood at least 48 hours before the session.
- Hydrate and eat balanced meals the day before the session. You’ll heal better with adequate hydration and nourishment.
- A few days before the session, start moisturizing the area lightly. Don’t do this immediately before the session; you want your skin clean and thoroughly sanitized with no trace of lotion.
- Shave the area the night before (though some tattoo artists will do the necessary shaving themselves). If you cut yourself, the appointment may have to be canceled.
- Get a good night’s sleep so that you minimize anxiety and nervousness.
Consider Pain Tolerance
One thing you have to consider before getting a tattoo is your pain tolerance. If you don’t know how to gauge it, start with something small. Most people say that the general feeling of getting tattooed is tolerable, but you may want to slowly ease your way into the situation to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Aftercare
Treat a new tattoo like a wound that needs to be thoroughly cleaned often to prevent infection and irritation. You should leave the tattoo parlor with a covering over the new ink (like plastic wrap or medical-grade bandages). Your tattoo artist will tell you how long to leave it on for. Once you remove the wrap, use unscented antibacterial soap to clean it. Wipe the area with a clean hand towel or paper towel, then apply the appropriate aftercare ointment.
Be prepared to avoid baths, pools, hot tubs, and the ocean for at least two weeks after the session. Additional restrictions may exist, so check with your tattoo artist before leaving the parlor.