You’re ready to get your first tattoo, you say? Fantastic.
But, when you say ready, are you sure you’ve covered all the bases to make sure that you’re ready to be the best canvas?
There are some things you’ll need to do before you walk in the door for your first appointment that actually involves a needle and ink. There are also some things that you’ll need to avoid.
You’re about to launch out on an awesome journey, and your body art will be with you for years to come. You’ll want to be sure to get the best possible outcome, so here are the do’s and don’ts for getting your first tattoo.
Getting Your First Tattoo — the Do’s
This list should help you be prepared to have the best first-tattoo experience possible.
Shower — Please
Shower or bathe before coming to your appointment. Your tattoo artist will thank you.
It’s hard to work for a few hours on an upper arm sleeve, for example, when the person’s armpit hasn’t seen soap and water for a couple of days — you really don’t want your tattoo artist distracted.
The opposite is also true, meaning no heavy deodorants, aftershaves, body sprays, or cologne.
Eat First — Trust Me
You’re going to need plenty of energy. Your body’s about to go through a mild case of trauma. Pain comes with getting a tattoo, and the experience requires endurance.
Your body, mind, and your tattoo artist will thank you for fueling up before you sit down in the chair. Eat a meal a few hours before, and then have a high-protein snack, like peanut butter or yogurt. Protein provides sustained energy compared to carbohydrates.
Get Plenty of Sleep — You Need the Rest
The irritability and jittery feeling you get when nervous can be increased if you’re on less than optimal sleep. You’ve probably been as anxious as a little kid on Christmas Eve since the night before! This is your first tattoo and nervousness is to be expected — restlessness comes with low blood sugar and poor sleep.
Bring a Snack — Just in Case
Since this is your first tattoo, how you’ll react is unknown — everybody is different. It’s entirely likely that you’ll need some extra fuel during the session due to the nerves and fatigue.
That doesn’t mean you won’t be able to do this — you can. But, you may need to recharge part of the way through. It’s totally normal. We recommend bringing something simple, portable, and easy to eat quickly.
Hydrate — You’ll Be Happier
Start drinking more water several days before your session. Good hydration will help prepare your skin, and it will probably help you feel more alert and energetic.
(The last few tips are all aimed at reducing jittery and fidgety twitching, which can affect the final outcome. We don’t want you to regret that first tattoo!)
Bring an ID — We’ll Ask
You’ll need to prove you’re over 18. Just like buying cigarettes, voting, or other “adult” things, it’s the law. If you’re under 18 and have parental approval, talk to your artist and shop directly to see what that process requires, or if they’re even willing to do it.
Confirm Your Appointment — It Happens
When your artist isn’t tattooing, they aren’t making any money. They’ll want to fill their schedule, so some consideration with regards to the appointment time goes a long way.
Do yourself and your artist a favor by confirming your appointment in advance. Both parties value your respective time, so everyone wins when you arrive on the right day at the right time.
Your First Tattoo — The Don’ts
In preparing for that first tattoo session, there are some things you’ll really want to avoid so that you don’t negatively affect the final product.
No alcohol — Seriously
First off, it’s illegal to tattoo somebody who’s under the influence. It’s also unethical. We won’t do it.
Second, alcohol thins your blood. You’re going to bleed more if you have alcohol in your system, even if you consumed it on a long bender last night. Excessive bleeding can reduce the quality of the work or even make it difficult to finish the session.
Also, coming in hungover is a miserable experience.
As a rule of thumb, don’t drink in the 24-48 hours prior to coming in for that first tattoo.
Reduce Caffeine — You Want to Chill
Caffeine thins your blood in the same way that alcohol does.
Like being hungry and sleep deprived, it can also cause you to be jittery and irritable. I’ve already mentioned it, but fidgeting can affect the final process. You want to be as relaxed as possible.
Avoid the Sun Ahead of Time — You’ll Be Thankful You Did
Tattooing already damaged skin is another bad situation, so you don’t want to come in sunburned. Inflicting further damage will be more painful, but there’s another reason — blood pools to heal damaged areas. That can possibly result in ink dilution in the affected area.
The extra bleeding that results can also cause visibility issues for your artist.
Don’t Wear Your Favorite Outfit — Accidents Happen
We’re dealing with ink and, quite possibly, blood. Your best clothes or light fabrics probably could be stained or ruined during the session. Tattooing can be a messy art!
Your First Tattoo — Get Your Best Results
The bottom line is this: Help create the conditions that can make your first tattoo experience a real success that leaves you with the artwork you’re really happy with.
To summarize, be in your best physical condition, come prepared, and be punctual. The artist and the shop will take care of the rest!
If you’re looking for where to get your first tattoo, we have some great information on how to locate the best tattoo artists, too — click the link.