You’re thinking about getting a tattoo, but you don’t know how to approach properly to this new situation. If that’s your case, then don’t worry, you have come to the right place. Preparing for a tattoo is an exciting moment where you need to let your creativity and ideas flow. Another important deal would be to pick the perfect tattoo parlour for getting that body art done.
But don’t get nervous, we will discuss deeply all the points you need to take into count before getting the tattoo done. However, as you might know, the tattoo experience doesn’t end there. We will talk too about the things that you have (and don’t have) to do after getting the ink on your skin. After reading this, you’ll walk into the tattoo studio with all the confidence and calmness of the world.
What to do before getting your tattoo done?
1. Choose the design
First, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to get inked on your skin. Don’t freak out if you have a lot of ideas and you don’t know how to capture them properly. The tattoo artist you choose will be the one in charge of getting an accurate sketch of your design. But, you’ll need to give the artist material to work with, so I’ll recommend doing a mood board.
Mood boards are perfect to gather styles and ideas that you’ll like. Having a visual reference of what you want will be extremely helpful. Also, if you know how to use photoshop or are good at drawing, you can sketch your idea. The tattooist will work on your design until you have a result that you love.
2. Choose a style
If you’re not familiar with this, then let me tell you that there are plenty of tattoo styles. After having the idea of what you want on your skin, choose the perfect technique for it. Remember that there are no styles better than others; it all depends on your taste. Some of the most popular styles for tattoos are:
- Traditional
- Realism or Realistic
- Watercolour
- Neo Traditional
- New School
- Blackwork
- Japanese or Old School
Do some research and check all the styles that you can find. That will help you to choose the one that you like the most.
3. Choose where to place it
Where would you like to have your tattoo? Some people like to keep their tattoos hidden. If that’s your case, then you should have them done where clothes can cover them. On the other hand, you need to consider that some body’s areas are more sensitive than others. Here it’s a list of the most and least painful places for tattoos:
- More painful places: Ribcage, chest, neck, spine, elbows, hands, fingers, groin, knees, ankle and feet.
- Least painful zones: Outer upper arm, forearm, lower back, hips and shoulder.
Remember that this is a general list, pain varies from person to person. You might feel no hurt at all in a spot that it’s supposed to be very painful. After saying this, you should consider the list above, but don’t stick to it like if it is the only truth of the world.
4. Research your artist
Now that you have the idea of the design, the style and the place where you want it, it’s time to choose the artist. An important thing would be to choose a tattooist that works with the style that you want. Check the portfolio, Instagram or any other places where the done works of the artist are. Another good thing would be to check the reviews of other customers, which will give you an idea of how good the tattooist’s service is.
After choosing the correct artist, you’ll be ready for your quotation. Don’t forget to ask if they charge an additional fee for working on your design. Talk with the tattoo artist about your design idea and expectations. Ask the tattooist to show you the sketch of the tattoo before you get to the appointment.
Quick considerations for the day of your appointment:
- Shave the zone where you will get the tattoo done
- Don’t forget to eat well. You don’t want to pass out while the tattooist is putting ink on your skin
- Don’t move while the artist is working on your skin. If you want to change position or if it’s hurting too much, then say it
- Take a candy or some drink with sugar with you. Your blood pressure may drop because of pain
What to do after getting your tattoo done?
1. Follow the tattooist instructions
You will have to take care of your tattoo after getting it done. Remember that a tattoo is a skin wound, and if you don’t take care of it, then it can get infected. You can easily avoid this by following the instructions of your tattoo artist. Remember to wash it with neutral soap twice a day and to keep the body art hydrated with cream.
Avoid pools, sun, the sea and exercising for at least a week. If you were planning to take vacations after getting the ink on your skin, forget about it.
2. Do not scratch
Avoid at all costs to scratch. I know that you’ll be feeling itchy, and that will make it hard. Scratching will be a huge mistake that might ruin your tattoo. Let the healing process end up naturally, don’t rip off your scab. If you do so, you’ll be removing ink, and the tattoo may be left with holes.
Use a cream every time that you feel an itch that will help a lot. And try to focus on something else to forget about scratching your tattoo.
3. Sunscreen
After your tattoo has healed, don’t forget to put sunscreen on it. If your tattoo is always exposed to the sun, sunblock will be the best thing to do. When you don’t use sunscreen, the sun will gradually eat away the ink. If your tattoo is in blackwork, the ink will start changing its colour to a greenish tone.
Just put some sunblock on your tattoo before getting out of your home, and you’ll be set. That will help to maintain your body art in the best conditions possible for a long time.
Keep your mind open:
One last piece of advice, whenever the tattoo artist is working with your design, try to keep your mind open. Remember that tattooists are professionals here and have a lot of experience. They can recommend things that you haven’t thought about, and your design can end up looking better. That doesn’t mean you must stick with any proposal that the artist makes to you.
Now that you know everything that you need to know before your first tattoo, go ahead and do it. Getting a tattoo done will be an amazing experience that you will want to repeat.
Author Bio:
Erika Rhein, a professional writer and blogger by profession. I write on various niches, however, I prioritise writing on hair styling and colouring. I always strive to provide users with useful and informative articles in a readable format. I aim to achieve a difference through my writing.
