Skip to content 
Getting your first tattoo experience is a wonderful way to express yourself creatively. It’s almost like hosting a dinner party for someone you admire and respect, although you’ve never met them. You’re going to be excited, yet anxious, and I’m sure you’re wondering “what have I gotten myself into?”
In this guide, you’ll find tips and advice about physically and mentally preparing yourself for your first tattoo—so you’ll go into your appointment feeling confident and leave with a sense of pride, not disappointment and a badly represented dolphin instead of the phoenix you had in mind. 
Understanding How Tattoos Work
Before diving into all the exciting parts of having a tattoo, let’s understand the process. It’s pretty fascinating learning about how tattoos work, and this knowledge will help you stay calm during your session.
There is an average of 50-3000 needle punctures per minute from tattoo needles within a tattoo artist’s machine. Tattoo needles penetrate the dermis layer of the skin—the second layer that lies just under the outermost layer called the epidermis. According to the skin anatomy and dermis research from dermatology experts, this deeper placement is essential for permanence.
Why the dermis? The epidermis loses cells rapidly, much like an overactive snake shedding skin. If ink were placed in the epidermis, it would disappear in two weeks. The dermis is much more stable, which is why your tattoo will remain on your body permanently.
Because of this process, your body will generate a “controlled wound.” After creating this wound, your body must heal it, which will take approximately 2 to 4 weeks, based on the size of your tattoo and where it’s located on your body. For a detailed breakdown, check out our tattoo healing timeline guide.
Mental Preparation for Your First Tattoo
Controlling Anxiety and Expectations
Humans have varying degrees of pain tolerance—due to a mix of genetics, psychological makeup, and what you had for breakfast. The mindset and preparation you bring will significantly impact your ability to manage discomfort during the tattoo process. This isn’t simply positive thinking or psychology mumbo jumbo.
Your brain’s anterior cingulate cortex and insular cortex are responsible for receiving and processing pain sensations from your body. Research on pain perception and anxiety shows these regions can be influenced by what you expect to happen and how you feel mentally. Anxiety may enhance your perception of pain, similar to increasing the volume on a blaring radio.
Read over the reviews for your chosen studio, discuss with your artist what you want your art to look like, and remind yourself that pain is temporary while your art is permanent. Consider this a rite of passage that humans have experienced for thousands of years. Your ancestors were able to endure it too, albeit utilizing far less advanced technology.
Choosing the Right Artist and Design
The most important decision in this entire process is choosing the right tattoo artist who will create the type of art you want. You must research thoroughly before committing.
Tattoo artistry comes in many forms including traditional, neo-traditional, realistic, watercolor, geometric, Japanese, and tribal. While artists may not specialize in all of these tattoo styles, study their portfolio to ensure they can create your desired tattoo.
Verify that the studio adheres to the highest standards for cleanliness—sterilizing needles, autoclaving sterilization, and obtaining proper licenses. None of these are optional. Ask your artist about aftercare instructions during your initial consultation. A skilled artist will respond to your questions, alleviate your anxiety through their skills and professionalism, and provide you with confidence.
Remember: the artwork will live on your body. Select your artist wisely and avoid selecting the cheapest option unless you’re positive the artwork is quality.
Pain Sensitivity and Placement Selection
Yes, it hurts. However, not all areas are equally painful. Each part of the human body possesses a varying number of pain receptors in differing locations. Parts of the body with more pain receptors, less fatty tissue, and closer proximity to bone tend to be more painful. For a comprehensive overview, see our guide on tattoo pain levels by body location.
Some common sensitive areas include the ribcage, ankles, back, and the delicate skin near the collarbone. The hands, feet, and behind the ears are also quite painful. On the other hand, locations with thick layers of fat and few nerve endings—upper arm, thigh, and calf—are usually easier for those getting their first tattoos.
Think of it as “you don’t need to prove yourself.” Our tattoo placement guide offers more detailed advice on selecting the perfect location.
Physical Preparation Before Your Appointment
Hydration and Skin Care
You can hydrate the skin that you would like to have tattooed in the days leading up to your appointment. However, do not put any creams or lotions on the area immediately before you arrive. Do not get a sunburn, use an exfoliating product on the skin, or burn your skin prior to your appointment.
Damaged skin does not take ink well and can result in patchy coloration or patches in your finished tattoo. Understanding the tattoo healing process helps you appreciate why skin condition matters so much.
Alcohol, Caffeine, and Blood Thinning
Here’s a critical rule: no alcohol for 24 hours prior to your session. I know you may be thinking about drinking a few to “relax” beforehand, but alcohol thins your blood, makes you bleed more, slows down ink absorption, and makes everything worse for you and your artist.
Caffeine also slightly thins your blood and makes you fidgety—not ideal when trying to remain still during precise needle work.
What to Wear and Bring
When getting a tattoo, dress in comfortable loose-fitting clothing which will allow quick and easy access to the area where the tattoo will be applied. For example, wear a vest or button-down shirt when having your shoulder tattooed. Wear shorts or an adjustable skirt if you’re having a tattoo placed on your leg.
Consider dressing in dark colors such as black, navy blue, or gray. It’s possible to have some ink spill onto your clothing even though your artist will try to prevent it. That brand new white linen shirt can wait.
You’ll need to bring hydration, snacks, ID, and possibly headphones with your favorite music playlist or audiobook. Many people enjoy bringing a friend to provide encouragement—just confirm with your artist that there is room for another person in the studio.
During Your Tattoo Session
Breathing Techniques and Staying Relaxed
The key to managing discomfort is to breathe deeply. This simple technique can be remarkably effective for relieving some of the physical pain during your tattoo. Breathe deeply and consistently throughout the process by inhaling through your nose for 4 seconds and exhaling through your mouth for 6 seconds. This consistent breathing rate sends signals to your parasympathetic nervous system and relaxes your body’s fight-or-flight response to stress.
Think of something you have to do after you’re done, listen to music, or talk with your artist if they allow it. People can only concentrate on a certain number of stimuli at one time, which is why distractions work. 
Communication and Taking Breaks
Important: don’t move suddenly. Your artist is working to create a piece of artwork using precise and accurate methods. Sudden movements can damage the end product of your tattoo.
If you are feeling lightheaded, very uncomfortable, or just want to take a break, tell your tattoo artist and ask them for a few minutes of time. Professional artists are used to new customers and will expect you to take a few minutes to stretch, go to the bathroom, or get a quick bite to eat before continuing.
Aftercare Essentials
The First 48 Hours
After your session, the artist will put a bandage or protective film on your new tattoo to prevent dirt and bacteria from coming into contact with it. These protective films should be left on for a minimum of two to four hours, though some newer protective film designs can be left on for several days.
When you remove the film or bandage, wash the tattoo with warm water and fragrance-free antibacterial soap. Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel—do not use cloth towels as they often harbor bacteria.
Apply a thin layer of cream or lotion that was given to you by your artist, such as Vitium Tattoo Butter. Apply only a thin layer, as applying too much can smother your skin and delay the healing process. For comprehensive guidance, see our full tattoo aftercare guide.
Long-Term Tattoo Protection
Protect your tattoo from exposure to the elements during the healing process by avoiding direct sunlight, chlorinated water in pools, bacterial contamination, and tight clothing that may irritate and rub against your tattoo. The scabbing and peeling processes are normal; however, avoid scratching your tattoo as this will remove ink from under your skin and cause distortion.
Once your tattoo has finished the recovery period, sunscreen becomes your new best friend. Sunlight includes both UVA and UVB radiation, which are responsible for breaking down the ink in your tattoo. This results in your tattoo losing some of its detail and color over time. To protect your tattoo from sun damage, apply sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher whenever your tattoo is exposed to sunlight.
