Getting your first tattoo can sometimes be a little stressful. We’ve ( http://www.tattoogizmo.com/ )listed some things you can do to make your experience much easier.
1 ) Take time to visit the studio more than once. Hang out watch the artists work and ask questions. This way when you walk in the day of your appointment you feel familiar with your surroundings and the artists.
2 ) Talk with your artist, make sure you’ll be comfortable being tattooed by this person.
3 ) Take time in choosing a design. MAKE SURE it’s something you will love for a lifetime. A lot of people come in and want a tattoo and don’t know what they want. It should be the other way around, know what you want and then go get it.
4 ) Ask what position you’ll be in when tattooed. Make sure it’s something you can physically handle. (Example: If you’ve had an injury in the past and have painful joints or nerve damage - some positions for long periods of time may cause more pain or cause more damage to that area. )
5 ) Using lotion everyday for 1 week prior to getting your tattoo will better prepare that area to be tattooed. Dry or unhealthy skin is bad canvas. Do not use the lotion the day of your appointment.
6 ) Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds a least one week prior to being tattooed.
7 ) Avoid Alcohol the day prior to and of your appointment. Thin blood causes more bleeding, this can affect the time it takes to tattoo you and slow healing.
8 ) Avoid taking any medication that thins the blood. If you are, consult your doctor before being tattooed and ask if you can skip a day or two to be tattooed.
9 ) Make sure you allow healing time when you schedule your appointment. Don’t plan this a week before you plan to go away to a sunny beach for vacation.
10 ) If getting tattooed in an area where there is a lot of hair. Shave ahead of time - artist use disposable razors and this can be an unpleasant experience for some.
11 ) Get a good nights sleep prior to your appointment.
12 ) Eat a good meal before your appointment, an empty stomach raises the risk of passing out or feeling dizzy and sick if nervous. Take bottled water with you to stay hydrated.
13 ) Wear comfortable clothing (No new clothes or favorite outfits, there is a possibility of your clothes becoming stained with ink)
14 ) Ladies, avoid being tattooed the week prior to and of your period. You are more sensitive during this time.
15 ) Avoid being tattooed if your not feeling well or recovering from an illness. Your immune system has enough to deal with, you should not be tattooed.
16 ) If your worried about the pain, EXPECT THE WORST. Usually you’ll be anticipating much worse so it won’t seem so bad when you start.
17 ) If you’ll be sitting for a long session take a book or ipod to pass the time.
18 ) You can ask a friend to keep you company. Although, if they’re likely to poke and make fun the whole time - you may want to come alone. (These situations can sometimes make it harder on you and the artist)
19 ) Do not wear anything that will rub or irritate the tattooed area. (Examples: Shoes, socks, belts, waistbands, jewelry or bra, shoulder straps)
20 ) Don’t listen to your friends. Sometimes a couple tattoos will make them feel like they’ve experienced it all but, in truth - everyone’s experience is different and healing can be different. Follow your artist aftercare instructions, this can vary with some clients depending on the location of the tattoo, skin quality, age, and overall health.
BEST OF LUCK! if we’ve missed anything and you would like us to add an experience you had during your first tattoo please let us know at www.tattoogizmo.com
