Tips for a first time tattoo?

Question

I am going to be getting a tattoo in the next coming weeks. I have wanted one for the past few years but took awhile to decide on what I wanted and I have also been having a friend of mine who is an artist work on the design. She is almost finished with it so I am getting ready to start researching. I am just looking for a few tips on the process, especially the after-tattoo part when you have to let it heal it up.

Answer 1

Hey cherry! :) I just got my first tat three days ago, so I can tell you exactly what to expect (and why is it people feel the need to answer questions like this with, "Don't get a tat"? That's not the question that was asked). Much of this is probably in the other posters' answers, but here goes:

Eat a decent meal beforehand. If you tend to get queasy when dealing with needles, try to eat more than an hour or two before your appt., and then suck on some hard candies right before/during the tatting so you keep your blood sugar up (I almost passed out because I didn't eat enough breakfast - trust me, nothing makes you feel like a bigger dumbass than that). You might want to bring some fruit juice too, just in case.

Make sure you wear clothes that will make it easy for your artist to access the site of the tattoo.

Ask your artist if it's ok for you to take some OTC pain reliever (I took acetaminophen). It might take the edge off, though it didn't seem to help me.

If your tat is in a place like your arm or leg, you might be able to bring a book if your tat will take 30 or more minutes. (I have mine on my back, so I couldn't move much).

You can also bring an iPod to help distract you (NIN saved me, man).

Remember - it's accepted practice to tip your artist if you like their work (many artists do not get the majority of the money that is charged for your tat - the shop does). I tipped 20% because he did a gorgeous job. But if you can't afford that much of a tip, making it clear to them how much you love your new tat and will tell everyone you meet who did it, is almost as good :)

That's about it. Aftercare is pretty simple, and will involve some antibacterial soap and most likely a fragrance-free lotion. Don't worry, your artist should give you some instructions when they do your tat. Good luck, hope your tat comes out just how you want it!

Answer 2

usually after you get your tattoo the place that you get it at well tell you what you should do or give you a card that shows you everything to do about after-care.

depending on where you tattoo is might determine the amout of pain it is to receive it on, but then everybody is different and experiences different pain.

what i did was keep it wrapped/covered in a paper towel for the first day. you must clean it with soap and warm water every time you getting ready to apply sometime of cream or lotion. my place suggested A&D cream (at walmart for bout $3) 2-3 times a day. depending on where you tattoo is it might look like a scab and peal a little. just do not touch it and try not to bump it into things.

hope everything goes well.

you well know more information when you go to a tattoo place, just pick a good one!

Answer 3

There is SO much to learn, and know when getting a tattoo!

-Before getting your tattoo:

1. Get a good night sleep.

2. Eat a proper meal.

3. Get some sugar in your system too.

4. Do you smoke & drink? If so, it's prob. not a god idea to before you get your tattoo

5. Taking a shower before you go probably isn't a bad idea either.

6. Don't shave the spot where the tattoo is being placed, the artists take care of that.

7. Be prepared that your tattoo may be very uncomfortable for you.

8. Breath while getting it and stay very relaxed.

9. Purchase your tattoo ointment and lotion before hand or when you get to the place. Price varies depending on what you are getting and where you are getting it from.

10. Also, you might want to take a chatty friend or ipod with you. It will help distract you and keep you relaxed. If it helps, talk to the artist too.

-Aftercare:

1. Get an unscented ointment & lotion. I use "Tattoo Goo" and "Curel". You can find "Curel" in the supermarket or a CVS. If you decide to get it, make sure there is no fragrance in it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHfGCJ3UT...

2. It's probably a good idea to take your bandage off while in the shower. Just make sure the spray from the shower isn't directly on the tattoo!

3. After that, gently wash the tattoo. Don't use the bar soap in your shower, its full of bakteria and can iritate your new tattoo. Pat dry with paper towel after.

4. Then apply your tattoo ointment three to four times a day or when the tattoo is dry.

5. You should also wash ur tattoo several times for the first week or so. Maybe 2-3 times a day. Keep in mind that you will sweat too. When you do, wash the tattoo.

6. After a week or when the tattoo starts to peel use your lotion. You can apply that 2-4 times a day or when needed.

7. Once your tattoo is healed its not a bad idea to get a color guard stick. Its a spf in a stick that is specifially made for tattoos. I use mine every day.

This is a really good website and they have really good products. If you want to also watch a tattoo aftercare video, click on aftercare and the video link. I hope I helped. Have fun :)  http://www.tattoogoo.com/tattooaftercare...

Answer 4

One word,

bepanthen

Baby nappy rash cream. Works a treat and makes them heel in about half the time.

Answer 5

http://tattoosbodyart.suite101.com/artic...

Look at that, it'll give you some info.

Answer 6

don't drink or take any meds before you go (or the day before you go). eat a good meal. (as dumb as this sounds....) don't forget to breathe while they're doing it. i've seen people pass out b/c they hold their breath. i don't know why. i dont' think it hurts. as far as taking care of it, leave the bandage on (if they give you one) for 2 hours after it's finished. then wash it off with unscented soap and water. pat dry DON'T RUB. wash it every few hours a day. after you wash it apply a thin coat of unscented lotion. and LEAVE IT ALONE. do not scratch it or it will look like c**p when it heals. good luck!

Answer 7

My advice for you is. DON'T DO IT.

Answer 8

Its really not that hard to take care of a tattoo! Buy a big tube of A&D ointment and put a thin layer of it on the tattoo every couple of hours (or when it starts to feel dry). The most important thing is to keep it moist, if you don't it will crack and start to scab really bad. Do NOT pick the scabs or peel the skin, it will take the ink right out of the tattoo! Good luck!