Getting your first tattoo is always an exciting time.  There’s so much to look forward to and so much to think about.  Here’s a quick guide on what to consider to ensure the best first tattoo experience.

1. Don’t drink alcohol before your appointment.

Alcohol might seem like a good nerve calming option before entering this new, unchartered territory. In reality, alcohol will thin your blood and will cause you to bleed more.  This will push the ink out along with your blood, resulting in a faded tattoo.  Also, people going into the tattoo shop while drunk usually end up with tattoos they regret.

2. Eat a good meal before you go for your appointment.

Eating a good meal before your appointment will keep your blood level up and help you feel more comfortable.  It is always easier to relax with a full stomach.

3. Get a good night’s sleep before your tattoo.

Lack of sleep will make you nervous and make your muscles tense up.  That can create quite an uncomfortable experience. A good night’s sleep will help ease and relax you.

4. Don’t overdo coffee before your appointment.

Coffee tends to make you nervous and increases your sensitivity to pain, so avoiding coffee, or at least reducing your intake prior to your appointment is a good idea.

5. Choose the area to get tattooed carefully.

This is especially true when it’s your first tattoo.  People have different levels of pain tolerance. It definitely is a good idea to ease in to your tattoo experience with areas that are not too painful.  Discuss with your tattoo artist to avoid the areas that might be more uncomfortable for your first time.

6. Bring a friend along for your appointment.

It will help you relax easier and having someone to share the experience will make it so much more memorable.  While that being said, it’s not a good idea to bring a group of friends with you.  It’s too chaotic and distracting for the artist. It’ll make it harder for you to relax altogether as well.

7. Avoid sunbathing prior to getting your tattoo.

Sunbathed skin will be more sensitive. It will make the tattoo more uncomfortable and could also affect the quality and the healing of the tattoo.

8. Do research beforehand.

Understand the health risks associated with getting a tattoo: the possibility of infection and diseases that could come with it, as well as the rare but possible allergic reaction to the ink.

This should be kept in mind while looking for the right shop.  The most important element of any tattoo studio should be hygiene.  Look for a studio that uses an autoclave to sterilize all their non-disposables and open their disposables from the packet in your presence.  Artists should be qualified and experienced to ensure both a good quality tattoo that’ll last a lifetime and a hygiene procedure that ensures your safety.

9. Follow the aftercare instructions.

After the tattoo has been put on you, a good artist will walk you through the proper aftercare instructions.  Putting a good quality tattoo on is only half the process.  Tattoo care is the other half, and that will ensure that a good tattoo lasts a lifetime.

Here’s the link to our aftercare recommendations

10. Tattoo artists are not medical doctors.

The artist will walk you through the aftercare instructions and will be able to help you with advice on how to take care of your tattoos.  However, they are not qualified medical professionals that will be able to help you if infection or other complications occur. Please consult a doctor for that.