First Tattoo Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before and After Getting Inked

Your first tattoo is an exhilarating step to take, yet it is a step that you must take your time in thinking over. Considering a small symbol or a whole sleeve, having an idea of what to anticipate during the procedure can make you feel ready and armed with confidence. In this tattoo guide we will go through every part of the process with you, starting the moment you settle on your design all the way to the aftercare required to maintain that fresh ink look.

The Choice: Is Tattoo Suitable to You?

The most crucial thing to do before you even consider the design of the tattoo is to question yourself whether a tattoo is the right thing to do. Tattoos are permanent and even though this may be a way of self expression, you need to be sure that you are one hundred percent sure. Think about where you want to locate your tattoo, about the influence of your tattoo on your future career and the relevance of the design in the long run.

Tattoo Tip: Be sure to pick a design that has some meaning to you. Fads will fade, and a tattoo will last forever.

Finding the Best Tattoo Artist

Finding a professional and well-established tattoo artist is one of the most significant processes in your tattoo process. Look up local artists, examine their portfolios, and review what previous clients said about them. However, when choosing an artist, ensure that his style is in line with the design that you are interested in such as traditional, realism, watercolor or any other style.

Tattoo Tip: Be sure to ask as many questions as you want during a consultation with your preferred artist. This is a very good time to ask questions and be sure you are comfortable with how they are going to do it.

How to Design Your Tattoo

And after you have located your tattoo artist, you now have to collaborate with him or her to perfect your design. You may have a Vision in your head, and most artists will collaborate to fine tune it. Some individuals come with rough sketches whereas others just leave the artist to come up with something absolutely different. Be sure to talk about the size, placement and color options to achieve the best outcome.

Tattoo Tip: When you want a bigger, more detailed tattoo, remember that you may need more than one sitting. Agree with your artist on time and cost in advance.

Getting ready: Preparation before getting inked on the Big Day.

Your tattoo design has been decided; now you should get ready of the D-Day. With a slight preparation, the procedure can be more enjoyable and easy.

These are pre-tattoo tips:

Have a decent meal: Have a nice meal before you go to have your tattoo done, so you do not get lightheaded.

Hydrate: Drinking lots of water will also ensure that your skin is hydrated and will make it easier.

Dress suitably: in case your tattoo is on your arm, leg or back, dress in a way that you can easily access the area without obstructing it.

alcohol and blood thinners: These may encourage bleeding and complicate the tattooing process.

Tattoo Tip: In case you feel nervous, calm down and breathe deeply. The tattoo artists are accustomed to dealing with anxious clients, and they will be able to talk you through the process to calm you down.

Here is what you can expect when you undergo a tattoo process:

So when you come to get your tattoo, Step one is the stencil. To get your design in the right place, your artist will stencil your design on your skin. When you feel you are satisfied with the position, tattooing starts. This is because the tattoo machine involves needles pricking your skin with ink that may be uncomfortable. Pain experiences differ concerning the part of the body and also your tolerance to pain.

Tattoo Tip: There is no need to worry or get nervous on your first tattoo. Do what you have to do to take breaks, and also know that it normally does not take as much time as you may think.

Aftercare: Tattoo Aftercare Tips

After getting a tattoo, the actual hard work starts, aftercare. The key to a well-healed tattoo with a vivid look is to take proper care of it. The procedures are the following:

Right after You Get Your Tattoo:

As your artist directs: Your artist will probably put some kind of protective covering over the tattoo, and you should leave it on a couple of hours.

Do not touch the tattoo: Your tattoo is a wound and touching it with unwashed hands may cause an infection.

The Initial Days:

Keep it clean: Wash the tattoo slightly with mild soap and water then dry it using a clean towel.

Put on a thin layer of ointment: Apply an aftercare ointment suggested by your artist to assist in moisturizing the skin and healing.

Do not scratch: During the healing process the tattoo will probably itch, however, do not scratch or peel off the scabs as this can ruin the design.

The Following couple of Weeks:

Avoid the sun: The sun can cause your tattoo to fade as well as speed healing skin. Apply sunscreen on a tattoo at all times after it has healed.

No immersion in water: Do not go swimming, soak in hot tubs or take lengthy baths until your tattoo is completely healed.

Tattoo Tip: The healing process normally happens within 2 to 4 weeks, however the tattoo can still be settling in your skin over the course of a few months.

Possible Pitfalls and preventive measures

Although tattoos are considered to be safe, one should be aware of a couple of risks such as infections, allergic reactions, and scarring. To prevent any problems, make sure to adhere to aftercare instructions at all times, and don t expose your tattoo to dangerous substances such as dirt or bacteria.

Tattoo Tip: Although tattoos should not be itchy after they have healed, any excessive redness, swelling or pain in the area of the tattoo should be checked by a dermatologist or your tattoo artist.

Touch Up on your Tattoo

Once your tattoo is healed you will likely find that it has faded or is uneven. Touch ups are normal and can be applied so that the design appears sharp and new.

Tattoo Tip: Not every tattoo requires a touch-up, although it may seem like your tattoo requires a touch-up, consult your artist to see if it is necessary.

The Process of Getting Inked: Conclusion.
The process of receiving the first tattoo is a big deal, and with the help of this tattoo guide, one can make everything alright during the process. To get the best results, preparation, artist selection, aftercare and expectations will be discussed. Again, tattoos are permanent, so be patient, do your homework and have fun with the process!

Tattoo Tip:

Another important thing to remember is that a properly taken care of tattoo will be a permanent piece of art. Give it the respect due to it!

Armed with these tips and knowledge, you should be more than ready to rock your first tattoo. Positive to get tattooed? And with the help of this tattoo guide, you will be sure to be prepared fully for the experience!