Getting your first tattoo is a great way to express yourself creatively and patiently, and 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?”
To begin, I’m not a very inked-out person myself, but I’m a curious person who enjoys researching different topics and I have many friends with great tattoos. In this blog, you’ll find tips and advice about physically and mentally preparing yourself for your first tattoo experience – so you’ll go into your first tattoo experience feeling confident and leave with a sense of pride, not disappointment and a badly represented dolphin instead of the phoenix you had in mind.
The Process of Getting a Tattoo – Educate Yourself Before the Fun Begins
I think it would be helpful for us to learn about the process of how a person gets a tattoo before we get into all the exciting parts of having a tattoo. It’s pretty cool learning about how to get a tattoo and education is one of the best things in life – especially if you can put that education to work to stay awake through this experience.
There is an average of 50-3000 needle punctures per minute from tattoo needles (in sets) within a tattoo artist’s tattoo machine. That’s amazing! Tattoo needles penetrate the dermal layer of the skin (the second layer of skin that lies just under the outermost layer called the epidermis), as they are also injecting ink into the skin.
Why the dermis you ask? The epidermis loses cells rapidly, much like an overactive snake. If ink is put into the epidermis, it will disappear in 2 weeks. The dermis is much more stable, which is why your tattoo will last on your body forever.
Because of the process mentioned above, your body will generate a “controlled wound,” which sounds rather dramatic and like a regulated, Victorian-era duel. After creating this controlled wound, your body must now 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.
Knowing this time frame is vital, regardless of whether you plan to get inked in a visible area of your body or on an area that gets rubbed constantly (such as your ankle, the week before you leave on a hiking vacation to the Cotswolds). Just prepare yourself, is what I’m saying.
Preparing Your Mind – Controlling Anxiety and Expectations
Controlling Expectations
There is an average of 50-3000 needle punctures per minute from tattoo needles (in sets) within a tattoo artist’s tattoo machine. That’s amazing! Tattoo needles penetrate the dermal layer of the skin (the second layer of skin that lies just under the outermost layer called the epidermis), as they are also injecting ink into the skin. Humans have varying degrees of pain tolerance – due to a mix of genetics, psychological makeup and what you had for breakfast (more about this later).
To clarify, the mindset and preparation you come to the table with will have a significant impact on your ability to manage the discomfort experienced during the tattoo process. This isn’t simply positive thinking or some type of psychology mumbo jumbo.
Your brain’s anterior cingulate cortex and insular cortex are responsible for receiving and processing pain sensations from your body but can also be influenced by what you expect to happen as well as 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 the pain is only 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 a great deal less advanced technology.
Choosing the right artist and design is the most important decision-making part of this entire process; and I would like to stress how important it is for you to find a tattoo artist who will create the type of art you want.
Tattoo artistry comes in many forms including, traditional, neo-traditional, realistic, watercolor, geometric, Japanese, tribal – and while artists may not specialize in all of these styles, study their portfolio to ensure they can create your desired tattoo.
Verify that the studio adheres to the highest standards for cleanliness (i.e. sterilizing needles, autoclaving sterilization, obtaining proper licenses – none of which are optional). Ask your artist about the after-care instructions during your initial consultation. A skilled artist will respond to your questions, alleviate your anxiety through their skills, experience and professionalism and provide you with confidence.
Don’t forget – 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.
Sensitivity to Pain and Choosing Locations
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.
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 on the body with thick layers of fat and few nerve endings (upper arm, thigh, calf) are usually easier for those getting their first tattoos. Think of it as “you do not need to prove yourself.” You can select an area which is going to be less painful when receiving your first tattoo. Wait until you have more experience to do the ribs.
Physically Preparing Your Body
What to Eat Before a Tattoo
It’s time to be honest – what you consume and how effectively you manage your blood sugar can significantly impact your capacity to endure the pain of getting a tattoo. Low Blood Sugar Can Make You Dizzy, Fatigued, Nauseous Or Even Cause Loss Of Consciousness And That’s Not Very Helpful When You Are Sitting For Hours Having Your Skin Altered By A Tattoo Artist Being Poked And Prodded.
Eat a meal that contains proteins and complex carbohydrates (a quinoa and chicken bowl, oatmeal with nuts etc.) at least 2-3 hours prior to your appointment. The protein will give you a continuous source of energy and the complex carbohydrate will provide you with a steady supply of glucose in your bloodstream.
Do not skip a meal. Bring snacks to your longer appointments – fresh fruit, nuts, granola bars, etc; as well as the healthy nut-based protein balls all your health conscious friends rave about.
Pre-Hydration & Pre-Skincare Leading Up to Your Appointment
You’ve heard this one before, but water is very important – your skin is comprised of approximately 64% water.
Hydration is very important for tattooing as it will make the tattoo process easier. Hydration helps create a healthier environment for the skin to heal from the tattoo, which makes healing after your appointment much faster. To help hydrate your body and assist with the healing process, we recommend that you consume at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day (the equivalent of about 6-8 glasses) prior to your appointment.
You can hydrate the skin that you would like to have tattooed; just do not put any creams or lotions on the area before you arrive at your appointment. 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. That sounds gross!
Thinning Blood, Caffeine and No Booze
For a moment, I’d like to channel my inner strict school principal: ABSOLUTELY NO booze for at least 24 hours prior to your session. I know you may be thinking about drinking a few to “relax” before your session, but booze 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.
Loose Fitting Clothing for Easy Access to Tattoo Area
When getting a tattoo you should dress in comfortable loose-fitting clothing which will allow quick and easy access to the area of your body where the tattoo is going to be applied. Example would include; wearing a vest or a button down shirt when you are having your shoulder tattooed. Wearing shorts or a skirt that can be adjusted with ease, would be an example if you were having a tattoo placed on your leg.
Dark Colored Clothing for Protection from Ink Spills. You should also consider dressing in dark colors such as black, navy blue, gray, etc. Because it is possible to have some of the ink spill onto your clothing even though your artist will try to prevent it. That brand new white linen shirt can wait.
Important Supplies to Bring
You’ll need to bring hydration, snacks, ID, and possibly headphones with your favorite music playlist or audiobook to listen to. 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 the Tattoo – Staying Focused and Communicating with Your Artist
Staying Still and Relaxed
Breathing Deeply. It is easy to do and can be an effective method for relieving some of the physical pain that comes from getting a tattoo. Breathe deeply and consistently throughout the tattooing process by inhaling through your nose for 4 seconds and exhale through your mouth for 6 seconds. This consistent breathing rate should send signals to your parasympathetic nervous system and relax your body’s fight/flight response to stress.
Think of something you have to go get at the store when you are done, listen to music, talk with your artist if he/she allows it, etc. People can only concentrate on a certain number of stimuli at one time, thus distractions work.
Not Moving Slightly
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.
Need a Break?
Do I Need A Break?
If you are feeling lightheaded, very uncomfortable or just want to take a break tell your tattoo artist about it and ask them for a few minutes of time off. Artists who make tattoos professionally are use to new customers and will expect you to take a few minutes out to either stretch, go to the bathroom or get a quick bite to eat and then try again at completing your tattoo.
Aftercare: Healing and Maintaining Your Tattoo
Initial 48 Hours Post-Tattoo
After that, the artist will put a bandage (or protective film) on your new tattoos to prevent dirt and bacteria from coming into contact with the new tattoos. These protective films should be left on for a minimum of two to four hours; there are however new protective film designs which 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. Apply only a thin layer as applying too much cream or lotion can smother your skin and delay the healing process.
Protection of Long Term Health of Your Tattoo
Protect your tattoo from exposure to the elements during the healing process, by avoiding direct sunlight, chlorinated water at pools, bacterial contamination, and tight clothing which may be able to irritate and rub against your tattoo. As part of the scabbing and peeling processes of your tattoo are normal; however, you should avoid scratching your tattoo as scratching will remove the ink from under your skin causing your tattoo to become distorted.
Once your tattoo has finished the recovery period, you’ll be able to develop a brand new “best buddy” in the form of sunscreen. Sunlight includes both UVA and UVB radiation (rays). UVA and UVB rays are responsible for breaking down the ink that’s in your tattoo, which results in your tattoo losing some of its detail and color over time. In order to protect your tattoo from sunlight that may cause damage, apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when your tattoo is exposed to sunlight.
