First Tattoo: Tips for getting a tattoo for the first time

Get to know how you navigate your first tattoo experience, including how to choose your design, find a reputable artist, and care for your new ink. 

You are a newbie to tattoos and ink has not yet touched your skin, but the idea is still running through your head. Concepts, designs and studies cross your mind. But you also have doubts. What if I change my mind? How to do it right? What should I know? Getting a tattoo for the first time can be scary. That’s why we’ve compiled our tattoo artists’ tips and recommendations to get it right the first time. Here’s a guide to getting your first tattoo. Warning: there will be a second one; ink is highly addictive.

Does getting a tattoo hurt?

Most people who get tattoos say they feel a slight discomfort. However, we are not going to lie to you, getting a tattoo can hurt. Some people tolerate the discomfort that getting a tattoo can cause better than others. The “pain” will depend on the area of ​​the body, the size of the tattoo and the sensitivity of each person.

There are areas of the body that hurt more than others when tattooed. The more nerve endings in the area, the more potential pain. Of course, size also matters. More surface, more time, more pain. It is not the same to endure ten minutes of tattooing than four hours. However, living the process is part of the experience. Whether it is because of the result, the good vibe with the tattoo artist or the whole package, many people end up liking the sensation.

We know what a tattoo is and where this idea of ​​injecting ink into our skin comes from. We have also clarified the first doubt of those who are thinking about getting a tattoo for the first time. The time has come to present you with the guide for your first tattoo. We bring you eight tips for getting a tattoo for the first time. Let’s go!

Tips guide for your first tattoo

1. Give yourself time

Look, think, evaluate. If you ask us for just one piece of advice for your first tattoo, it would be this: give yourself time and think it over carefully. Don’t get us wrong, we love impulses, but we always recommend having a clear idea before you start.

A tattoo will be with you forever. You will see it and it will be seen every day. It will tell the mirror and the rest of the world something about who you are. Many have decided to go with the flow and tattoo a name, a phrase or an image without thinking and soon regretted it. There are ways to remove a tattoo, but they are expensive and painful.

Think about the decision, explore options and look for inspiration. There are many styles of tattoos: realistic, watercolor, geometric, minimalist, miniature … Google is full of ideas and can help you evaluate ideas.

2. Choose the area well

You’ve got the ‘what’, now let’s get to the ‘where’. Where are you going to get that design you love tattooed? There are different factors to choose from: aesthetic, practical and pain-related.

For your first tattoo, consider it. Keep in mind that arms and legs are the easiest areas to tattoo. Tattoos heal well and don’t hurt too much. Tattoo artists can tattoo more comfortably and can give more detail to the work. Areas where pain is most bearable are the calves, ankles, wrists, forearms, and the part of the arm between the elbow and shoulder.

Areas where the skin is very delicate and sensitive, on the other hand, are more painful. Blow-outs can occur, meaning the ink spreads more than it should as it heals. Delicate areas are also more likely to need touch-ups once the tattoo is healed. The most bothersome areas are the head, neck, armpits, inner biceps, hands, ribs, stomach, lower back and dorsal area, buttocks, genitals, inner thigh, back of knee and feet.

Every skin and every person experiences the experience in a different way. Choosing a small tattoo in a comfortable area can be a good idea for a first tattoo. This way you can get to know the sensation and reaction of your skin in the most pleasant way possible. But the decision is in your hands.

3. Find YOUR tattoo artist

It’s time for the ‘who’. Once you have your ideas clear, find YOUR tattoo artist. Research which studio and which professional best suits your first tattoo idea. Finding a good tattoo artist who specializes in the type of tattoo you want is one step closer to success.

But it’s not all about the portfolio. Of course, talent, style and quality of work count. Find an artist you really like. But there’s something else: trust. Find a tattoo artist with whom you have chemistry with. Someone you feel comfortable with. You’re going to trust them with your skin to tattoo for the first time. It’s important that you feel a certain connection, a relaxed atmosphere.

When you find your tattoo artist, be an open book. Ask him/her anything that comes to mind. Share ideas, concepts, and inspiration. Once you have your design, if you are not satisfied, mention it in time to adjust it to your ideas.

Of course, whichever tattoo artist you choose, make sure you choose a studio that complies with all health regulations.

4. Before: prepare your skin

You’ve chosen a design, location, studio and tattoo artist. You have your appointment, your T-day. Now it’s time to prepare your skin so it’s in its best condition when the day comes. What should you do?

A couple of weeks before, start taking care of your skin. Apply moisturizer twice a day for two weeks and avoid sunbathing to avoid sunburn. If you want to remove hair, shave; avoid aggressive hair removal methods such as waxing or lasers that could damage your skin.

Do not drink alcohol or take drugs the days before getting a tattoo. This could affect healing, cause you to bleed more during the process and compromise the final result.

5. T-Day: Clean and Hydrated

The day arrives. What’s left to do? Not much. In fact, it’s best to do nothing. Don’t apply any creams. Don’t take any medications either. (If you’re undergoing any treatment, discuss it with your tattoo artist and your doctor beforehand.)

Wear comfortable clothing, eat well before the session and hydrate with water. If the session is going to be long, bring something to snack on.

6. During: Enjoy the experience

Now, enjoy the session. Getting a tattoo for the first time is a special experience. Get comfortable and relax. Chat, breathe and experience how your tattoo artist creates a work of art on your skin.

7. After: Take good care of your tattoo

After getting your tattoo, you will have a beautiful design on your skin that needs to heal properly.

Follow your tattoo artist’s advice step by step. A good hygiene and hydration routine is key to ensuring that your tattoo heals, does not get infected, and looks its best.

Once the design is finished, your tattoo artist will apply a moisturizing gel and protect the tattoo with a thin layer of plastic. After 24 hours, you can remove the protective film. From then on, wash the area twice a day with warm water and a neutral antibacterial soap. Do this gently, without rubbing. Dry the tattoo and apply a tattoo aftercare cream. If you feel that the area is inflamed, or may not be healing properly, see your doctor.

8. Keep moisturizing and protecting it from the sun

For the first few weeks, avoid exposing your tattoo to sunlight. Afterward, continue to moisturize the area and use sun protection to keep your tattoo looking good for the long term.

Key Takeaway 

Getting your first tattoo is an exciting journey filled with both anticipation and curiosity. By taking the time to research, choose the right design and location, and select a trusted artist, you can ensure a positive experience and a tattoo that you’ll cherish. 

Our studio is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process, from initial inspiration to aftercare. Ready to take the step and make your first tattoo a reality? Contact us today and let our skilled artists bring your vision to life with precision and care.