Before you get inked for the first time, we are giving you our favorite tattoo tips to know before you go under the needle.
The first time I got a tattoo was spur of the moment. We were out on the town, it was late and there in the distance was a neon sign flashing “tattoo.” While now my body has a few more, everytime I go to get inked I think back to that first experience and how I wish someone had given me tattoo advice ahead of time.
Tattoo Tips for First Timers
While I can’t turn back time, I can share first-time tattoo tips with any moms who are getting their first tattoos. Like we prepare our kids for all big events, tattoo preparation is key. Here are 10 tips I wish I had known before getting my first piece of body art.
Research Tattoo Artists Like a Boss
Research Your Tattoo Artist: Finding a reputable tattoo artist is crucial, so is first on our list of first timer tattoo tips. Look for portfolios that match your desired style, and read customer reviews to ensure the artist has a strong reputation for quality work.
Find a local Facebook group and ask around for tattoo artist recommendations. Read reviews, check out social media profiles to see the artist’s portfolio. Tattoo safety is critical and while you may end up at some random tattoo parlor like me, just know it’s best to do you research and ensure that you have a reputable artist working in a sanitary environment.
Start Small and Know Your Design Ahead of Time
Start with a Small Tattoo Design: If you’re new to tattoos, consider beginning with a smaller design. This approach allows you to gauge your pain tolerance and experience the process before committing to a larger piece.
My first tattoo, while not gigantic – is much larger than my other body markings. Again, it was spur of the moment – so of course I had no idea what I wanted to put on my body that would last forever.
Research Tattoo Design Ideas Ahead of Time: If possible, send your tattoo design idea to your artist before your session. This will allow them to not only prep the tattoo stencil but will allow them to give you any needed feedback.
We want these first time tattoo tips to be helpful! Remember, finding body art that will last a lifetime can feel daunting. Just remember, worse case scenario you can always get the tattoo removed or covered.
Where to Ink
Choose the Right Tattoo Placement: Different body areas have varying pain levels. For a more comfortable experience, select a spot with thicker skin, such as the upper arm or thigh, where the pain may be less intense.
While finger tattoo are super cute, just know that the skin on your fingers is thing and there are many nerve ending close to the service making the area more sensitive. If you do decide to go with a sensitive area, let’s talk pain management while getting a marking.
Numbing Cream for the Win
Use Numbing Cream for Pain Relief: Next on our list of tattoo tips is something no one told me about! If you’re concerned about tattoo pain, consider applying a numbing cream like lidocaine. Apply it 30-60 minutes before your session, but consult your tattoo artist first to ensure they’re comfortable working with it.
While numbing cream for tattoos is not a new thing, it has become more popular in recent years. The demand for pain management for tattooing has grown, most likely since the demographic for those getting ink has expanding.
Tattoo artists and clients have become more open to using numbing creams, especially for larger or more painful tattoo sessions. While some artists prefer not to use them because they feel it can affect the skin’s texture or the tattooing process, others accommodate clients who want to minimize pain.
Skip the Wine Tonight
Avoid Alcohol and Blood-Thinning Medications: Steer clear of alcohol and painkillers like aspirin before your tattoo appointment. These substances can thin your blood, potentially leading to increased bleeding during the session.
While it maybe tempting to take an Advil or a shot before getting ink, don’t do it. If pain is something you are fearing, talk to your artist ahead of time to discuss options.
Hydrate and Snack Up
Stay Hydrated and Eat Before Your Tattoo Session: Proper hydration and a nutritious meal before your appointment can help stabilize your blood sugar levels, reducing the chances of feeling lightheaded during the tattooing process.
Like all things in life, drinking water and having something in your stomach will help the experience. My husband’s first tattoo session ended with him passing out.
He had an empty stomach and wasn’t well hydrated, combined with the pain of his first tattoo resulted in smelling salts, followed by a protein bar and water which helped him successfully finish his tattoo session.
Comfy Clothes Are a Must
Wear Comfortable Clothing: On the day of your tattoo appointment, opt for loose, comfortable clothes that allow easy access to the tattoo area. This makes the session more convenient for both you and your artist.
Listen to the Pros: Trust the Tattoo Artist
Follow Your Tattoo Artist’s Advice: Trust the expertise of your tattoo artist. Follow their guidance before, during, and after the tattooing process to ensure your new ink heals well and looks great.
The artist is the expert. They may suggest you move your tattoo slightly or make slight modifications, know that this is what they do and at the end of the day want to make sure that this is something you are happy with forever.
Relax Mama
Stay Calm and Relaxed: Feeling nervous is normal, but try to remain calm during your tattoo session. Deep breathing and distraction techniques can help ease any anxiety you may feel.
Remember those breathing techniques you learned when you were pregnant to prepare you for labor? Those work great when getting inked.
Know Your Tattoo Aftercare
Learn About Tattoo Aftercare: To conclude our list of tattoo tips, let’s talk about caring for your fresk ink. Before getting inked, familiarize yourself with proper tattoo aftercare. This includes keeping the tattoo clean, moisturized, and protected from sun exposure to ensure optimal healing.
The second skin should be left on for 1-2 days. After that, the second skin can be removed in the shower. A helpful tattoo tip I learned was to not start moisturizing immediately. Wait until the tattoo starts to flake off and look shiny. No second skin? Here’s a helpful aftercare video to help you know what to do.
My first tattoo, nobody told me it would scab – nor was I given proper aftercare tips. I had no idea about the tattoo healing process. The reason I got my tattoo? I thought it would be a great addition to my wedding dress.
Yes, I was getting married the week after getting my tattoo and yes, I did walk down the aisle with a scab over the tattoo on my right shoulder. I survived but it wasn’t pretty.
Have an Amazing Tattoo Experience
While my first tattoo experience wasn’t the best – here’s to hoping that any moms (or others) find these first time tattoo tips helpful and give you tattoo mistakes to avoid. Now let’s go get you that needlework!
Here at Digital Mom Blog, we talk everything from first time tattoo tips to funny memes and politics – all the things the modern mom needs to know.
Do you have first time tattoo tips to share? Let others know what they need to know before getting their first body ink!
