How should i prepare for a tattoo?

Question

it's large and i'm getting it on my side in a week. what should i expect & what should i do to prepare? aftercare directions would be great too! thanks so much :-)

Answer 1

the artist should give you detailed aftercare instructions

Answer 2

Well congrats on deciding on what you want, that is the hardest part for me. As far as preparing, the most important thing for me to do is stay calm. If you are nervous, uncomfortable with the position, or not focusing well it can totally throw off your mood while getting tattooed. Be sure to have a good meal long enough before your tattoo so that you have nourishment to cool your stomach, don't skip eating because you are nervous, that is even more reason to have a small meal or even just a snack. Take a bottle of water or something simple to drink with you, ask a friend to tag along for company, bring music, or even go to your zone and block everything else out. If you feel like you are going to pass out or need a break, let your artist know. They want you to be calm as well so don't be too timid about saying that lines are too long and the pain is insane or asking for a quick breather. Do not take anything to help cope with pain, it's a bad idea in general and is stupid because pain is part of it. Having a good pain tolerance is a plus, try  not to think about how much it hurts. I know, easier said than done but if you can get past "omg! he is going to split my skin open!" you should be just fine. As far as aftercare is concerned, they will give you instructions specific to what they recommend and tell you what to use on your tattoo. The general rules of after care are to wash your tattoo 2 or 3 times a day with antibacterial soap and warm water, pat dry and apply the ointment given or plain lotion (no scent, no color, no extras and NOT a vaseline type product- it's too heavy to allow proper air to your tattoo). No scratching or picking, keep it out of direct sunlight as much as possible, no water logging while it's healing. Cut showers short, no baths, no swimming and no hottubs. It will itch, just apply a light layer of lotion or ointment to sooth your skin and don't let yourself scratch at it no matter how much you want to. If you have questions, concerns or are wanting to make sure it's doing okay, go in and ask them really quick.

Good luck with the tattoo, be strong and come out inked!

Answer 3

make sure to get plenty of rest the night before and have yourself a good meal about an hour or so before your tattoo appointment. also, avoid alcohol.

i like to bring some candy and soda with me to my appointments to munch on. if you start getting lightheaded or anything then the sugar will help.

Answer 4

Make sure that you're prepared to remain very still for a long period of time, even though muscle cramps and twitches will probably occur. Oh, and I'd make sure your blood sugar is high enough, or you may begin to feel lightheaded or dizzy (drinking a soda right before helps). Make sure to communicate with the artist, tell them when something doesn't feel right or if you need a break. After the tattoo is completed, you should request an aftercare sheet just in case your artist has specific directions in the event that you need touchups due to their mistakes etc (if you don't follow their directions, they may charge you an extra fee to have touchups done). I've heard, and used Vitamin A and D ointment works best for tattoos for the first few days, then unscented gentle lotion to keep it minimally moistened. And importantly, do not pick or scratch at it. If it itches, and it will, slap it gently to sting it. Also, do not over expose if to water or soaps for at least a week, two for sure afterwards and no swimming either.