Ready to get your very first tattoo? Here are some tips for preparing yourself for your first tattoo! It’s an exciting time, but you might have a ton of questions. Being prepared for everything a tattoo involves—prepping, the tattoo process itself, and aftercare—is key. In this guide, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about that first tattoo.
We’ll cover:
- Finding an artist you’ll love
- Choosing a design and placement
- Preparing for the big day
- The tattooing process
- What comes next
Finding a tattoo artist you trust
Choosing a tattoo artist is about way more than just how close they are or how cheap they might be. Tattoos are forever, and if you end up with an amateur, things can go south quickly. But when you find a real pro, you’ll get top-notch care from start to finish. So, take your time, do your homework, and make sure you’re choosing someone who’s reliable. If you’re in Amsterdam, we’ve got your back at INKORPORATED—but wherever you are, here’s what to keep an eye on when finding the perfect artist for your new ink:
- A great artist keeps a clean, comfortable, and professional-looking shop.
- They’re happy to answer all your questions about the tattoo process, including the types of ink they use.
- They’re also willing to show you their previous work, explain their experience, and discuss their favorite styles. While every artist starts somewhere, they should still be able to guide you through their portfolio and answer any questions to ease your mind.
Be cautious of artists who brush off your concerns or seem unprofessional. Make sure to check their reviews online, and pay close attention to how they handle negative feedback. If you see them arguing with unhappy clients instead of addressing the issue, it might be a red flag to look elsewhere!
Choosing a design and placement
Once you’ve found your artist, it’s time for the fun part—deciding where your tattoo goes and what it will look like! A great artist won’t just put any design on you; they’ll work with you, discussing any limitations and helping refine your vision into something perfect.
If it’s your first tattoo, you might think smaller means less pain, but your artist may suggest going slightly bigger if the design has lots of detail. Trust them—it’s all about clarity, and honestly, a little extra ink doesn’t add much to the pain!
Not sure about your design? Don’t worry! Your artist will help craft something that suits your personality and that you’ll love for years to come. Pay attention to their advice on placement too, especially if you’re nervous about pain. Pro tip: areas with more fat and skin are way less painful, and honestly, it’s never as bad as you think! If it was, would tattoos be this popular? Exactly!
If you’re worried about the pain for your first tattoo, there are definitely some sweet spots that hurt less! Such as:
- Forearm
- Back of the arm
- Shoulders
- Outer thigh
- Parts of the back
Preparing for your tattoo day
Getting ready for your first (or any) tattoo is all about the prep. The smoother things go, the better your tattoo will turn out, and that prep work doesn’t just start the night before. Ideally, you should begin getting yourself ready a few weeks ahead of time.
Avoid Sunburn
Getting sunburned can ruin your tattoo plans. Sunburned skin is damaged, making the process more painful and difficult for the artist. Most artists won’t tattoo on sunburned skin, and for good reason. If you end up burned, reschedule your appointment. Trust us, it’s worth the wait for the results you want.
Prepare your skin
The smoother your skin, the better your tattoo will turn out. Start moisturizing about a week before your tattoo. Don’t go overboard right before your appointment—your skin shouldn’t be too wet—but a few days of prep will make it healthier and happier.
Shave the area (if needed)
Shaving before your tattoo is a must; otherwise, your artist can’t work as efficiently. Often, tattoo artists will shave the area for you, so don’t worry if it’s hard to reach, like your lower back. But if you can shave it the day before, even better—it saves your artist some work and speeds up the process. Just be careful to avoid cuts that might interfere with the tattoo.
Avoid alcohol
Heading to the bar before getting tattooed? Bad idea. Alcohol might make you feel braver, but it actually thins your blood, making you bleed more and complicating things for your artist. Plus, getting inked while drunk is a no-go. Skip the drinks a few days before and after your tattoo.
Skip aspirin
Aspirin has a similar effect to alcohol—it thins your blood. To keep the tattooing process smooth and your healing on track, avoid aspirin a few days before your session.
Get plenty of rest
You’ll need to sit or lie still while getting your tattoo, so being restless won’t help. Make sure you’re well-rested, avoid late-night partying. It’ll help you stay calm. If you’re nervous, consider cutting out caffeine the day before and the morning of your tattoo; it might make you feel less anxious.
The tattooing process
When you arrive, your artist will confirm the final design and answer any last-minute questions. They’ll prepare the area and set up their equipment, ensuring everything is sterile and safe. If you’re feeling nervous, tell your artist! He or she can reassure you. Also always remember to breathe and chat with your artist—it can be a great distraction.
You might feel some mild pain, but it shouldn’t be too intense. Feel free to ask for a break if you need one; your artist will understand. Once the tattoo is done, they’ll clean and wrap it to protect it during the initial hours.
Next steps
Your artist will guide you through a care plan for your tattoo. This will vary depending on the tattoo’s location and size, but basic steps include keeping it clean, avoiding sun exposure, wearing loose clothing, and minimizing risks to the area.
For more information on this read our blog: Tattoo Aftercare: Everything You Need to Know.
Discuss any concerns with your artist—they’re there to help and can recommend numbing products if needed.
Your first tattoo – A summary
A tattoo shouldn’t be an impulsive decision you’ll regret later, so do the prep work to get the tattoo you want. This means finding the right artist and taking smart steps leading up to your session. Take care of your skin, and you’ll get the best results. If you’re worried, communicate with your artist—they can reassure you and suggest appropriate numbing options.
In short, it’s not as scary as you might think. If you’re feeling more confident now, fill out our contact form or give us a call to book your (first) tattoo. Get excited—it’s going to be awesome!
