Yesterday, I got my first tattoo. My best friend from high school drew up a design for me with an amazing description and explanation of the design about a month ago, so I've been mulling it over for a while now. Coming out of the experience, I definitely have respect for people who get huge tattoos, as well as some tips and tricks for the big day! This list is not comprehensive at all, and in no ways am I a tattoo expert, so make sure to consult a trustworthy artist and tattoo shop before making an appointment!
PREPARING
- Shopping for a shop - go to a few trustworthy and sterile shops to get price quotes, check out the clientele, read reviews online and on Yelp! The more you know, the better!
- Design - plan ahead and have a design ready to go. Sit on it for a few weeks just to be sure that's really what you want. Like the artist I went to said, "it's more painful to take it off than it is to put it on…"
- Making an appointment - many shops will require you to make an appointment and put down a cash deposit just to ensure that you show up. The deposit will then go towards your total price tag for your fresh ink!
- Paying - some shops only accept cash. Ask beforehand so you can plan accordingly.
- Tell EVERYONE - the more people who know, the less likely you are to back out!
- Prep for aftercare - each shop is different, but the one GUARANTEED ointment to help the healing process without removing any of your hard-earned ink (cough A&D and Neosporin…) is Aquaphor. It's a little pricier than other ointments, but everyone I've ever talked to says how much they wish they used Aquaphor instead of *insert other ointment here*…Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, basically anywhere with a cosmetic/lotion/skin care aisle will have this baby!
INK DAY
- Understand your limits - for your first ink, you probably won't want to go too big unless you know you can handle it. Everyone's pain tolerance level is different, but know that it will hurt.
- Be early - show up about 10 minutes before your appointment to fill out any paperwork, talk to your artist again, and get comfortable
- Needle to skin - practice deep breathing, focus on the TV in the shop, talk to your artist, and try not to move! It'll be over before you know it!
- Ask about cleaning - many shops will provide you with a little cleaning paperwork so you can remember what you have to do, but it doesn't hurt to ask clarifying questions!
AFTERCARE
- Clothes - ladies and gentlemen, now is the time to wear your baggy clothing. You'll want to wear things that are NOT tight fitting, allowing for your tattoo to breathe.
- Cleaning - wash your tattoo with liquid antibacterial soap (Dial is most recommended) at least 5 times a day. Your tattoo is a beautiful open wound, so you should treat it as such!
- Dressing - now is the time for Aquaphor! When the bandage that your artist applies can come off, you'll want to wash the tattoo immediately. Then apply a thin layer of Aquaphor to it with a clean hand. Coat the tattoo so there is a sheen, but not so much that there's excess goop. Reapply the Aquaphor after every cleaning.
- After the first few days - apply lotion! Unscented lotion like Lubriderm is best! The tattoo will begin to scab and whatever you do, DO NOT SCRATCH IT! Depending on the size of the tattoo, it can take upwards of 2 weeks to completely heal. No oceans, lakes, pools, saunas, or other bodies of water for a minimum of 2 weeks. You can do this!
Above all, consult with your tattoo artist for more tips, recommendations, and care methods. Good luck, and happy inking!
