What Should I Do Before Getting A Tattoo?

Julia
19.10.2022
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Get a Good Night’s Sleep – The last thing you want is to come in and be completely exhausted for your tattoo session. It is incredibly important to be well-rested so that you can be alert and in-tune with your body. As you are getting tattooed you want to be able to read the signals your body is sending you and react appropriately.

You don’t want to be falling asleep in the chair as your artist tries to put the care and detail into your tattoo;
We recommend getting into bed earlier than you normally do;
This will give you extra time to rest and fall asleep, especially if you’re super nervous about your appointment;

If you show up tired for your session, it is best to let your artist know that you didn’t get the best night’s sleep. Otherwise, your artist won’t know how you are truly feeling and it will make your appointment feel a lot longer and your body could become more sensitive to pain as you continuously yawn and stretch your way through your session.

Contents

- 0.0.1 What should I not do before getting a tattoo?

1 What to do before getting a tattoo to ease the pain?
2 How painful is a tattoo?
3 When should you not get a tattoo?
4 Can I drink alcohol before my tattoo?

What should I not do before getting a tattoo?

What to do before getting a tattoo to ease the pain?

How do I prepare my skin before getting a tattoo?

What should I do 24 hours before a tattoo?

Download Article Download Article Getting a tattoo can be an exciting, as well as painful, experience. In order to assure that your tattoo experience is successful, and as painless as possible, there are some things you can do to prepare before hand. Making sure that you understand the process, that your body is properly prepared, and that you are happy with your design when you go in for your tattoo appointment.

1 Hydrate yourself. Before you go to get tattooed, make sure that you are well hydrated. Drink lots of water for the 24 hours before your tattoo and avoid dehydrating yourself.
- How much water you need to drink to be well hydrated will depend on your specific body. [1] While some experts recommend eight glasses a day, your body may need more than that amount. [2]
- Well hydrated skin will be in better condition for getting tattooed. This means that the surface of the skin will take the ink easier, making tattoo application easier than it would be on dehydrated skin.
2 Avoid thinning your blood. In order to limit your bleeding, you should avoid products that thin your blood for 24 hours before getting a tattoo. This means that you should avoid alcohol before getting a tattoo. [3]
- Also, avoid taking aspirin for the 24 hours before a tattoo. Aspirin is a blood thinner, so being on aspirin will make your tattoo bleed more.
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3 Wear comfortable clothes. Depending on the size of the tattoo, you may be at the tattoo shop for several hours. You might as well be in a comfortable outfit while you are dealing with the discomfort of the tattoo process. [4]
- In addition, comfortable, loose clothing may be required in order for your tattoo artist to access the area where you are getting tattooed. If you are getting a tattoo in an area of your body that is usually covered up by clothing, make sure that you wear something to your appointment that will give the tattoo artist easy access to the area.
- For example, if you are getting a tattoo on your leg, consider wearing shorts or a skirt, so that the tattooist can easily get to the area. Similarly, if you are getting a tattoo on your upper arm, wear a sleeveless shirt.
4 Eat before your appointment. It is important that you have enough food before your appointment so that you don’t get light headed while getting a tattoo. The pain of a tattoo is bad enough, you don’t want to add to it with lightheadedness or passing out into the mix. [5]
- Having low blood sugar can increase the physical reaction to a tattoo, making you more likely to pass out from the pain.
- Eating a solid meal before your appointment will give you the energy and stamina to withstand the pain of getting a tattoo. While it does not matter what you eat exactly, as long as it will give the sustenance you need to get through the appointment, eating a meal high in protein instead of sugar will sustain you longer. [6]
- If you are having an extremely long tattoo appointment, bring a quick snack, like a granola bar, with you. Your tattooist will be happy to take a quick break so that you can stay nourished.
5 Prepare your skin. You do not need to do a lot to your skin before a tattoo. Just moisturize with your normal moisturizer for a week beforehand if you have dry skin to make sure that it is in good shape. Also, avoid getting a sunburn on the area you are getting tattooed. This means wearing sunscreen whenever you leave the house.
- While the area you are getting tattooed will need to be shaved, most tattoo artists do not want you to do it ahead of time. Instead, they will do it right before the tattoo to assure that any irritation does not interfere with the tattoo process.

1 Think about a design. A tattoo design reflects a part of you and this part of you will be presented to the world every day. With this in mind, let your imagination go wild and think of a design that will be unique and will express to the world what you want it to. For example, this design could incorporate a symbol that has a special meaning to you, an animal that you have always loved, or it could use colors that signal an important period in your life.
- Have a design in mind before you make an appointment with a tattoo artist.
- When thinking about a design, you should also consider its size. For your first tattoo, you may want to get a small tattoo. This will allow you to understand the pain, and how you react to it over time, without the commitment of several hours in the tattoo chair. [7]
- Think of a design that you will be happy with in the future. While you can have a tattoo removed, it is a very, very painful process that can be expensive and time consuming. [8] Because of this, just think of them as permanent from the start and get a tattoo that you will be happy with in the future.
- You can either have your exact design planned out or you could rely on your tattoo artist to create a custom design for you. This is up to you.
2 Consult with a tattoo artist. With your design in mind, find a tattoo artist that you want to work with. You can find one via word of mouth, for instance if your friend worked with a tattoo artist that they loved, or you can look online for tattoo artists in your area. Once you identify a tattoo artist, look at online reviews and look at their tattoo portfolio, either online or in their shop. [9]
- Most artists will draw out your tattoo design for you so that you can approve it at the beginning of your actual tattoo appointment. If there is anything about the design that you don’t like, feel free to discuss it with the tattoo artist, to that they can make it exactly like you want it to be.
- Some tattoo artists are highly sought after and are not available for consultations in a timely manner. Instead, you will need to book an appointment with them months in advance. However, if you like a tattoo artist’s work well enough, the high quality work may be worth the wait.
3 Think about placement. While you can put a tattoo anywhere on the skin, there are some places that are more painful than others. For your first tattoo, consider getting it placed in a location that has more flesh and is not tender. This means an area that is not right on bone and that is not sensitive.
- For example, a tattoo on your foot may be more painful than a tattoo on your calf because a foot tattoo will be hitting bone more directly.
- Locations that are especially tender include the foot, the inside of the arms and thighs, and the ribs. In general, avoid areas where the bones are close to the skin and areas that get little exposure to the sun. Areas that are not exposed to the sun regularly tend to be more tender, and thus a tattoo placed there will hurt more. [10]
4 Consider the pain. It is best to understand what the pain should be like before you begin. This will help you to mentally prepare for the experience. Many people describe the pain as fingernails scratching on sunburned skin. The pain is mostly dull but can become acute when the needle hits a nerve, hits an area close to bone, or goes over the same area repeatedly.
- There are some topical anesthetics that some tattoo artists will apply to the skin to dull the pain if the pain is too great for you. However, the anesthetic can cause the color in the tattoo to be more dull and it can cause your tattoo to take more time to heal. Ask your tattoo artist about this but be aware that not all tattoo artists will be willing to use an anesthetic at all.
5 Prepare for aftercare. Plan to stay out of the water and keep your tattoo out of the sun for several weeks after it is applied. This means that you should plan when to get the tattoo so that you do not have to rearrange your schedule to accommodate the tattoo’s healing. For example, if you have a vacation coming up that will include a lot of swimming, you may not want to get a tattoo right before it. [11]
- Your tattoo artist will give you additional aftercare instructions. These may include when to remove any bandages, when to clean it, what to clean it with, and what to look for to make sure healing it progressing correctly. If you have any additional questions, feel free to as your tattoo artist while you still at the shop or call the shop if you have questions later.

Add New Question

Question Where is the most painful place to get a tattoo? Sasha Blue is a Professional Body Piercer and the Owner of 13 Bats Tattoo and Piercing Studio in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sasha has over 20 years of professional body piercing experience, starting with her apprenticeship in 1997. She is licensed with the County of San Francisco in California. Professional Body Piercer Expert Answer Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer. Everyone is different, so what might be painful to some might not be for others. In general, though, the ribs, sternum, and stomach are all sensitive areas. Just keep in mind that in exchange for that small amount of time being uncomfortable, you’ll get a lifetime of rocking that cool tattoo.
Question Should you shave before a tattoo? Sasha Blue is a Professional Body Piercer and the Owner of 13 Bats Tattoo and Piercing Studio in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sasha has over 20 years of professional body piercing experience, starting with her apprenticeship in 1997. She is licensed with the County of San Francisco in California. Professional Body Piercer Expert Answer
Question What can I do before getting a tattoo to ease the pain? Sasha Blue is a Professional Body Piercer and the Owner of 13 Bats Tattoo and Piercing Studio in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sasha has over 20 years of professional body piercing experience, starting with her apprenticeship in 1997. She is licensed with the County of San Francisco in California. Professional Body Piercer Expert Answer
Question How long do I have to wait to go swimming with my tattoo? I really want to get one soon, but I want to be able to swim on vacation. You should refrain from swimming for 2-3 weeks after getting your new tattoo.
Question I’m thinking of getting a tattoo on my wrist, how much do wrist tattoos hurt? The skin on the wrist is very thin, so this is one of the more painful areas, but many people get them with no problems. It all depends on your pain tolerance.
Question I’m scared of needles and I don’t like pain, but I want to get my first tattoo I already know the design and location where I want it. How do I better prepare myself for handling the pain and nerves? Try using a stress ball while getting the tattoo. It also helps to avoid watching. Look elsewhere and concentrate on your stress ball, or on talking to the artist or anyone you’ve brought with you.
Question How much will it hurt when I get a tattoo? The pain varies from person to person – it depends on how high your pain tolerance is. Keep in mind that even if it’s done with a needle, it usually hurts less than a shot or taking blood, however it also depends on the place you are getting tattooed. The thinner the skin is, the closer to the bone, and the more it’ll hurt.
Question I want a tattoo on my back and I’m a girl, so what should I wear when I get my tattoo? Wear what you feel comfortable in, but if you want to show off your tattoo, I suggest halter tops/halter dresses, crop tops, and stuff like that. If you’re asking what you should wear when you actually go to the tattoo parlor, it doesn’t really matter. The tattoo artist will just pull your shirt up or ask you to remove it.
Question How old do you have to be to get a tattoo done? You must be at least 18 in many jurisdictions. Check your local laws. They’re in place to protect minors.
Question Is it okay to smoke before getting a tattoo? Claire Compton Community Answer Yes, it is okay to smoke before getting a tattoo, but be aware that if you smell strongly of smoke, some tattoo artists don’t like that. Also if you’re high when you come in for your tattoo, most tattoo artists will refuse to tattoo you.

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What is the best thing to eat before a tattoo?

What Should You Eat and Drink Before a Tattoo Session – Remember that the tattoo session will cause minor damage to your skin. As a result, it is highly recommended to arrive prepared and avoid an empty stomach. Here are some essential food, vitamins, and minerals that you could consume more before getting a tattoo:

Vitamin C

The primary role of Vitamin C on our skin is to promote and enhance its brightness and radiance. That is why most skincare products contain such vitamins. Vitamin C is also dermatologically proven to aid in wound healing, which will benefit your tattoo and the skin itself in the long term. Vitamin C has exceptional antioxidant qualities, and it can also help in enhancing skin firmness.

Protein

Proteins are a type of body-building nutrients that helps your body develop and repair muscle and skin tissues. They are necessary for the formation and repair of all body parts, including the skin. Protein also helps raise the energy levels, making it a bit more beneficial for the trauma that your body system shall be going through. It will also assist your skin in recovering quickly from the stress caused by the tattoo needle; thus, it is highly recommended to eat protein-rich foods, such as beef, chicken, and seafood, before and after getting a tattoo.

Zinc

Zinc also aids in skin swelling and inflammation. It’s a plus before and after a tattoo session if you take Zinc supplements or eat beans, nuts, and whole-grain breakfast.

Water

If you are booking a tattoo session, water is your best friend. Keep your body’s fluid levels high to keep your skin hydrated. Not only will your skin benefit from drinking lots of fluids, but your tattoo artist too. It will be easier for the needle since your skin will be a lot firmer. You’re bound to have some blood during a tattoo session, but being well-hydrated can cause your skin to bleed less, making the overall process less stressful.

Before getting your tattoo, it is an excellent idea to consume Vitamin C-rich foods such as broccoli, kale, and citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons, or you may opt to take vitamin C pills;
Make sure to drink lots before, during, and after the tattoo session;

Keep yourself hydrated by drinking water, natural fruit juice, lemonade, or lime water. .

Will I pass out getting a tattoo?

My “virgin husband” finally determined he was ready to venture out and get his first tattoo. Having no time in our normal lives we decided the best time to get one would be on the last day of our Hawaii vacation on the big island of Hawaii. We chose Rockwood’s Big Island Tattoo.

Rockwood, who has been tattooing for 40 years, designed a gecko tribal armband for my husband and added some green pigment to the traditional tribal black;
It’s fabulous;
While my husband was getting his tattoo, I talked to Rockwood about the insurance issues we have had with fainting;

He advised situations where there could be problems: *People who drink alcohol in any amount prior to getting tattooed are at a higher risk of passing out. *People who have not eaten within a few hours of being tattooed are also at a higher risk. *Anyone overly excited about getting a tattoo is a higher risk.

Rockwood says he would do the following: *Keep the temperature of the shop low. Tattooing will naturally increase the client’s body heat, so after a few minutes the shop will seem plenty warm. Thus he likes to keep the temperature under 70 degrees to limit the possibility of a client fainting.

*If you think someone is heading in the direction of fainting (or they tell you they feel funny) get a wet paper towel to put on the back of the neck and SMALL amounts of water if they want any. If they get clammy and sweaty during the tattoo, there is an increased risk they could faint.

*If a client does pass out during the procedure the best thing to do is stop tattooing, hold onto the client as to not let them fall to the floor and talk to then constantly during their time out. Reassure them they are OK, as people tend to go to strange places in the mind.

Tell them where they are and remind them they are getting tattooed. This way they are less likely to wake up swinging, as they can be confused as to what is happening to them when they wake up. If there is an obvious physical issue as above or if the tattoo work goes over 1-2 hours, tell the client they must stay for 15 minutes after the tattoo to get their body processes back to where they normally are.

Tell them they are required to stay this amount of time in these instances;
If for some reason they don’t, the shop has gone on record with promoting this requirement;
If there is a friend or significant other with the newly tattooed person, it might be a good idea to tell them to be on the alert for the next few hours for light headedness especially if the tattoo took quite a bit of time or covered a lot of the body;

I know this for a fact. My brave husband patiently handled the 2 hour tattoo, without even a flinch and drove one hour back to our hotel. Three hours later he was in the bathroom combing his hair when I happened to walk and suggested we replace his bandage.

He turned the wrong way and started to faint. I reached out my arm to cushion his fall on the marble sink, luckily for him. People getting their first tattoo are often excited and stimulated by the experience and have an out-of-the-ordinary adrenaline rush.

By being aware of this, all parties can help the newly tattooed person avoid any possible injury. According to Rockwood, “Alan’s passing out afterwards is generally associated with the brain realizing the torture is over and basically shutting down to reboot, as it were.

Do tattoos hurt less if you’re fat?

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Tattoos are among the most common body decorations globally. According to a 2010 study , a whopping 38 percent of people 18 to 29 years old have been inked at least once in their lives.

A natural question to ask is, “Does getting a tattoo hurt?” While most people will say yes, in reality this is a complex question to answer. Tattooing involves repeatedly piercing your skin’s top layer with a sharp needle covered with pigment.

So getting a tattoo is generally always painful, though people may experience different levels of pain. People who are biologically male tend to experience and cope with pain differently from those who are biologically female. In addition, the various parts of the body experience different levels of pain when tattooed.

While there is no scientific evidence that says which areas of the body will feel the most and least pain when getting inked, we gathered anecdotal information from sites run by people in the tattoo industry.

Here’s the general consensus: The least painful places to get tattooed are those with the most fat, fewest nerve endings, and thickest skin. The most painful places to get tattooed are those with the least fat, most nerve endings, and thinnest skin. Bony areas usually hurt a lot.

Whats the most painful place to get a tattoo?

Tattoo pain will vary depending on your age, sex, and pain threshold.
The most painful spots to get a tattoo are your ribs, spine, fingers, and shins.
The least painful spots to get a tattoo are your forearms, stomach, and outer thighs.

Getting a tattoo involves an ink-filled needle repeatedly puncturing your skin. Consequently, it’s not unusual to wonder how much pain you should expect when considering a tattoo. As it turns out, pain is a highly subjective experience , and how much discomfort you feel while getting tattoed can depend on a couple of factors including your biological sex, pain tolerance, and most importantly – the area of your body getting tattooed.

What makes a tattoo hurt less?

Drink lots of water – Make sure that you are well-hydrated before, during and after the session. A well-hydrated skin is easier to work on and will hasten the process, cutting short the painful part of getting a tattoo.

Is it OK to put lotion on before getting a tattoo?

Leading Up To Your Tattoo Session You Should: – Get Hydrated Stay hydrated leading up to your tattoo session. While it’s generally advisable to stay hydrated at all times to maintain proper bodily function and good health, it’s especially important when you are getting a tattoo.

Staying well hydrated makes your skin more resilient, which will allow it to endure longer tattoo sessions, and help you heal faster following your tattoo session;
Moisturize Just as you should hydrate your skin from the inside by drinking water, so too should you hydrate your skin from the outside with moisturizer;

Lotion your skin once or twice a day for the week leading up to your tattoo session. Keeping your skin hydrated is one of the most critical measures to take because it makes it easier on you and the tattoo artist. Please don’t moisturize right before your session, however, as this could affect the tattoo machines function.

Shave Shave the area where you will be tattooed to create the smoothest possible surface to work on;
If you aren’t used to shaving, ask someone you know who shaves regularly for assistance;
A cut or perforation of the skin, no matter how minor, could make it impossible for you to get tattooed on schedule, so pay careful attention not to break the skin during a shave;

A small amount of light body hair or peach fuzz is acceptable, but for ideal results it’s best to have no trace of hair. If you opt for waxing, make sure you do it well in advance of the date you will get your tattoo, but not so far away that your hair will have time to grow back.

Your skin needs time to heal after a wax before you can get a tattoo. Remember, after you shave it’s important to moisturize the skin to keep it healthy and ready for a tattoo session. Avoid using alcohol-based aftershave to moisturize because it dries out your skin.

You should be shaving the area between one and three times a week in the weeks leading up to your tattoo session, especially if you have lots of body hair. Aside from making it easier for the tattoo artist to work, removing the hair will help moisturizing lotion get into your skin and get your skin ready for the tattoo.

If you experience razor burn, stop shaving and leave yourself at least a week to heal before going in for the tattoo session;
Exfoliate Removing impurities from the pores in your skin is another way of making the procedure more comfortable for you and easier for your tattoo artist;

Exfoliate gently without irritating the skin by using a loofah or an over-the-counter exfoliant. Exfoliating will help the moisturizer do it’s work. Rest Get a good night’s sleep before your tattoo session. Head to bed early and don’t imbibe any alcohol or drugs the night before.

You’ll want to be well rested before getting a piece of permanent body art. Eat Make sure to eat a healthy, balanced meal before heading to your tattoo session. It’s not uncommon for people to lose their appetite from nerves then pass out from fatigue in the tattoo chair.

Although it may seem as though your body just lays idle while you’re getting a tattoo, it actually exerts a great deal of energy during the tattoo process. Besides, when you are hungry, pain management becomes more difficult, making the tattoo process more unpleasant for everyone.

Be especially mindful to eat before a long tattoo session;
Bring Snacks (For Longer Sessions) If you are getting a larger piece done and have scheduled in a longer session, be sure to bring a light snack at the very least;

A snack comes in handy if you get hungry or want a way to distract yourself from an especially uncomfortable portion of the tattooing process. Choose a snack that isn’t messy and can be eaten with one hand. Depending on where you’re get your tattoo done, you may get a short break during longer tattoo sessions.

These breaks typically aren’t long enough to afford you the time to go out to eat. Regardless, you shouldn’t leave the parlour during a tattoo session to avoid contamination. Don’t Come if You’re Injured If you sustain any injury leading up to your scheduled tattoo session, call your tattoo shop immediately and alert your artist to the extent of your injury.

Your artist may recommend that you reschedule to give your body time to heal the existing injury before you put it under the tattoo machine.

What should I eat and drink before a tattoo?

Embrace the protein – If you’re wondering what to eat before you visit the tattoo studio, cook a meal that’s protein-rich with plenty of eggs, fish or red meat. Protein helps with recovery, so it’s a great way to prepare for the procedure ahead. If you want to snack during the tattooing process, consider packing some healthy foods such as nuts or fruit to fight any hunger pangs you might get while sitting in the chair. .

Should I moisturise before getting a tattoo?

Here are my tips to help prepare for your tattoo –

Drink plenty of water It’s important to stay hydrated during the process and you should drink plenty of water beforehand. Being well hydrated is always a good idea but in this particular case, it helps you last longer and heal quicker afterwards.
Keep your skin moisturized Obviously don’t slather yourself in moisturizer right before your tattoo but it’s definitely a good idea to moisturize your skin leading up to the day before you go. According to what I’ve read, it also helps the ink take a bit better.
Shave the area! I put an exclamation mark here because I showed up looking like a hairy monster as usual and it took two razors to get the hair off (it also wasted time and slowed down the tattoo process). Be careful not to cut yourself though as this could mean a cancellation of your appointment!
Sleep well the night before Don’t pull a Mike and go out for a concert and drinks the night before! Learn from my mistakes and get a good solid sleep the night before. Being well rested will make you less twitchy and you’ll end up with cleaner (and straighter!) lines.
Eat Well Make sure you eat a good hearty meal before your appointment. Your body is going to need the energy, especially when your instinct is going to be to tense up during the painful parts of the tattoo.
Wear the Right Clothing If you are getting a sleeve or full sleeve, wear a tshirt that you wouldn’t mind getting ruined before going. It may not necessarily happen but ink from the stencil can definitely end up on your tshirt and if you have to have it rolled up for the shoulder part of the tattoo… it can get stretched quite badly. Ideally, wear a muscle shirt for the session and bring along a sweater or something for overtop beforehand.
Take something to entertain yourself In my case, I spent most of the time talking to my tattoo artist but some prefer to remain focused and prefer if you bring entertainment. Thank goodness we all have mobile phones nowadays. bring your phone and a charger loaded up with Netflix or something to watch during the session to distract yourself.

What should I eat during a tattoo session?

Should I shower before a tattoo appointment?

So you’re considering your first tattoo. That’s cool—but don’t rush it. You need time to think about what you want needled into your skin, how badly you want it, and how to get it done safely (namely, by someone who knows what they’re doing). Since there are so many things to consider before you get a tattoo, we presented a few common ink-quiries to Tiffany Tattooz, owner and tattoo artist of Ink Gallery Tattoo Shop in Woodland Park, NJ, and mainstay of Black Ink Crew on VH1.

If you’re in the market for your first ink, read through her starter’s guide;
It’ll inform every decision you make about the emblem you’ll soon wear for (hopefully) the rest of your days;
What are the least (and most) painful body parts to tattoo? Everyone has a different type of pain tolerance when it comes to tattoos, but most seem to experience the least amount of pain in the arm and thigh areas;

These areas of the body have more fat tissue and less nerve density, which in turn causes less discomfort. The most painful will have to be the ribs, feet, and middle chest. There is less fat, the skin is very thin, and the bone is closer to the surface of the skin, allowing one to feel the sensitivity of the needle more.

What actually happens to the skin while receiving a tattoo? Basically, ink is being deposited and penetrated into the dermis layer of the skin;
The pigments are too big to be fought off by our white blood cells, so they just pretty much stay in the dermis layer of our skin forever;

How should someone prepare for a tattoo? It’s recommended that you wash the area of the skin or take a shower before coming in to get the tattoo, especially if you work with paint, construction materials, garbage, or sewage. Although it’s my job as an artist to make sure the area is cleaned, cleaning up beforehand does help reduce the risk of other unclean body parts contaminating the clean area.

On site, I always make sure to first clean the area being tattooed;
I’ll then shave the customer’s skin and then spray it with alcohol to make sure the skin is fully sterile;
How long do tattoos take to heal? Tattoos need about two weeks to heal, on average, although sometimes it can take more time, depending on the client’s skin and how long it took to complete the tattoo;

I tell my clients to keep the bandage on for 8-12 hours, because it allows plasma—our body’s natural way of healing itself—to regenerate skin tissue, thus allowing a quicker healing process and preventing scabbing. Once the wrap is taken off, I tell clients to use a fragrance-free antibacterial soap to wash the tattoo.

They should use lukewarm water—never hot water;
However, after completely washing the tattoo, they have to pour cold water on the skin to close up the pores;
How should someone care for their tattoo immediately after inking? Wash the tattoo twice a day for the first three or four days, since tattoos are pretty much an open wound at this point;

After washing the tattoo, pat it dry with a paper towel. (Don’t use a cloth towel, because cloth towels hold bacteria. ) Wait 15 minutes and then apply a light coat of moisturizing ointment with clean hands. Apply the ointment twice a day (morning and night) for two days.

Less is better: Using too much ointment will cause problems with healing and fade the tattoo, since thick ointment can clog the pores. After the second day, switch to a fragrance-free lotion and apply 3-5 times a day depending on the consistency, for up to two weeks.

Do not pick or scratch your tattoo during the healing process. Hands should always be cleaned when applying any ointment or lotion on skin. You will have to avoid being in the sun or pool for two weeks, and, most important, in order for the tattoo to stay vibrant for many years, you should always use sun block when outside.

How often do people typically need to get their tattoos touched up? It really all comes down to how they take care of their tattoos and if there were any scabs that have formed. If there were any issues during the healing process, then you will be able to tell within two weeks whether or not a tattoo needs to be touched up.

If there are no issues, then I would say a tattoo can hold up well for 10 years before seeing that it needs to be brand new again. As you get older, so does your ink. If one is always in the sun it will dull out the ink in your tattoo way sooner than someone who is never in the sun.

What’s your advice to someone who isn’t sure if they should get a tattoo? Don’t do it until you wake up one day and say, “I’m ready and I know what I want. ” I never recommend someone to get a tattoo if they’re unsure of their ideas or whether or not tattoos are for them.

It’s a permanent procedure—so you want to make sure that you’re confident having something etched on you for the rest your life. If you finally find yourself ready to get tattooed, then the next big step is to find an artist who “specializes” in the “style” you want.

Review their portfolio to see if you like his or her work, and then you can set an appointment;
How do you know if your tattoo artist is legit? You can tell by their recognition, their portfolio, how long their wait is, and their prices;

How do prices vary for tattoos? Some artists charge hourly, or some charge by the piece. For larger tattoos, however, some will charge by the day (half-day sessions might be $400-600, or full-day sessions around $1,000 or more). 10. Is it easy to remove a tattoo? Painful? Laser tattoo removal is a painful process and requires many sessions. How has tattoo technology progressed in recent years?

Ink: There are now quality ink brands that last longer on the skin throughout the years. Some black inks are so dark, I can’t even use them for shading in a realistic tattoo—I can only use them for solid black work like tribal tattoos.
Machinery: New tattoo machines called “rotaries” make no sound while tattooing and feel lightweight on the wrist and hand, which decreases the chances of tendinitis and carpal tunnel for the artist. It almost feels like you’re tattooing with a pencil.
Cost: I now even have a “wireless power supply” to run my tattoo machine—it actually keeps track of how long I’ve spent with the client, and how long I’ve been actually “tattooing” them. This never existed nine years ago. The power supply even shows me how much my clients should pay based off the time I spent on them.
Needles: Previous needles required different machines to use. Now, there are needle cartridges that you can attach and detach so it can all be done from one machine.
Resources: Even social media, YouTube, and online podcasts have made it much easier to learn and grow as an artist quickly. The resources are enormous.

For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!.

How painful is a tattoo?

How bad do tattoos hurt? – There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how much pain you’ll feel when getting tattooed. But if you’re wondering what type of pain to expect, Caranfa says the experience is comparable to the feeling of a cat scratch or a sunburn.

“Long periods of irritation and tenderness are what make you feel any discomfort,” Caranfa says. “The sensation of a tattoo needle is very dull compared to a syringe [and needle], it isn’t the needle that causes discomfort as much as it is prolonged tenderness of being tattooed.

” Importantly, different people will report varying experiences of pain based on their individual nervous systems and pain thresholds , says Channelle Charest , a California-based tattoo artist and Co-founder of tattoo scheduling platform Tatstat. Other factors that could affect pain during tattooing include:

Age: Studies suggest aging decreases your pain sensitivity , meaning elderly people might experience less pain when getting tattooed. Researchers have yet to determine why this happens but note that the size of parts of the brain that process pain decreases with age.
Sex: People who are biologically female are more likely to experience greater pain intensity, a lower pain threshold, and a lower tolerance for induced pain compared to people who are biologically male. However, research is still emerging.
Psychological expectations : If you go into a tattoo expecting it to be an excruciating experience, this might affect how much pain you actually feel. Studies suggest that people who feel anxious about and “catastrophize” pain before a procedure often experience higher levels of pain intensity and distress than people with “neutral” pain expectations.

Fortunately, most of the discomfort you feel while getting tattooed will end when your tattoo artist puts down the tattoo gun. “The sensation is only when the needle is in you,” Caranfa says, adding that while it’s typical to experience some soreness, swelling, and itchiness in the days after getting tattooed, it’s “not debilitating.

Can I shower before a tattoo?

Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Tattoo | Dos and Don’ts

If you’re in the market for your first ink, read through her starter’s guide;
It’ll inform every decision you make about the emblem you’ll soon wear for (hopefully) the rest of your days;
What are the least (and most) painful body parts to tattoo? Everyone has a different type of pain tolerance when it comes to tattoos, but most seem to experience the least amount of pain in the arm and thigh areas;

What actually happens to the skin while receiving a tattoo? Basically, ink is being deposited and penetrated into the dermis layer of the skin. The pigments are too big to be fought off by our white blood cells, so they just pretty much stay in the dermis layer of our skin forever.

On site, I always make sure to first clean the area being tattooed;
I’ll then shave the customer’s skin and then spray it with alcohol to make sure the skin is fully sterile;
How long do tattoos take to heal? Tattoos need about two weeks to heal, on average, although sometimes it can take more time, depending on the client’s skin and how long it took to complete the tattoo;

They should use lukewarm water—never hot water;
However, after completely washing the tattoo, they have to pour cold water on the skin to close up the pores;
How should someone care for their tattoo immediately after inking? Wash the tattoo twice a day for the first three or four days, since tattoos are pretty much an open wound at this point;

How often do people typically need to get their tattoos touched up? It really all comes down to how they take care of their tattoos and if there were any scabs that have formed. If there were any issues during the healing process, then you will be able to tell within two weeks whether or not a tattoo needs to be touched up.

Review their portfolio to see if you like his or her work, and then you can set an appointment. How do you know if your tattoo artist is legit? You can tell by their recognition, their portfolio, how long their wait is, and their prices.

Ink: There are now quality ink brands that last longer on the skin throughout the years. Some black inks are so dark, I can’t even use them for shading in a realistic tattoo—I can only use them for solid black work like tribal tattoos.
Machinery: New tattoo machines called “rotaries” make no sound while tattooing and feel lightweight on the wrist and hand, which decreases the chances of tendinitis and carpal tunnel for the artist. It almost feels like you’re tattooing with a pencil.
Cost: I now even have a “wireless power supply” to run my tattoo machine—it actually keeps track of how long I’ve spent with the client, and how long I’ve been actually “tattooing” them. This never existed nine years ago. The power supply even shows me how much my clients should pay based off the time I spent on them.
Needles: Previous needles required different machines to use. Now, there are needle cartridges that you can attach and detach so it can all be done from one machine.
Resources: Even social media, YouTube, and online podcasts have made it much easier to learn and grow as an artist quickly. The resources are enormous.

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Should you drink water before a tattoo?

But guzzle tons of water – Drink plenty of water. Your skin thins when you’re dehydrated, so chugging water, starting the day before your appointment, will make your body a better canvas for the tattoo. It will also keep your energy up, so bring a bottle or two to sip during your session.

When should you not get a tattoo?

Blood Disorders – There are several different types of blood related disorders or conditions. Some of them cause excessive bleeding or issues with clotting, which is not ideal for tattooing. Those with blood disorders may be turned away by shops due to the risks and issues posed by being tattooed. Blood disorders could lessen the artists visibility, extra wiping could cause the stencil to come off early compromising the design, and even dilute or push out some of the tattoo ink.

Can I drink alcohol before my tattoo?

Drinking before or after – That drink beforehand is not smart. Bruno Vincent/Getty Images If you’re thinking about downing some liquid courage before taking the plunge, think again. Drinking before and after getting a tattoo is a no-no. Alcohol thins your blood, which means excess bleeding. When you bleed more than normal, it can cause visibility issues for the artist, potentially compromising the quality of the design.

Excess bleeding can also thin the ink;
Of course, there’s also the fact that alcohol impairs judgment, and you don’t want to make permanent decisions while impaired;
And it’s not cute if you have to stop and puke in the middle of a four-hour tattoo session;

Furthermore, drinking after the fact can compromise the healing of the tattoo because of its effects on your blood, so take it easy for a bit.

Julia