We know what you’re wondering: yes, it will hurt. But it’ll be worth it, provided you do your due diligence and research.
Tattoos are a fantastic way to show off your style and artistically express yourself. Often, a tattoo has a backstory or meaning towards it, like an inside joke with close friends or a tribute to a near and dear loved one. Sometimes though, you may just admire the look of one.
The most important thing is that you’re satisfied with the artwork chiselled into your skin when you leave your session and that it’s a smooth process overall.
But there are steps you can take to ensure that you enjoy your new artwork and that it is safe and hygienic. Here’s everything you need to know about getting inked. Read on to find out more.
How Does It Feel?
Ah, the most common question of them all. According to Cosmopolitan, JoJo Roman, a tattoo artist, compares the sensation of getting a tattoo to a constant cat scratch. Others claim that getting a tattoo feels like someone is repeatedly dragging a hot needle across the skin, which is accurate (and precisely what it entails!).
Dealing With Tattoo Pain
A numbing agent may sound appealing, but experts don’t recommend it because it can alter skin texture and thus make it more challenging to ink the skin. It’s good to talk to your artist before using a numbing cream to make sure they’re okay with it and won’t interfere with the tattoo process.
The Aftercare
Cover It
The tattoo artist should apply antibiotic ointment and bandage or wrap the area, preventing skin bacteria. It prevents the tattoo from irritating your clothes. Your tattoo artist may recommend keeping the dressing on for a few hours. It absorbs tattoo fluid and excess ink.
Wash the Tattoo Gently
First, wash your hands. Wash with warm water and fragrance-free soap. Softly pat dry. Apply fragrance-free, alcohol-free moisturizer to the tattoo.
Give It Time to Heal
It will take time for your new artwork to get better. According to Healthline, during the healing process, you should:
Always wear sun-protective clothing when going outside, and if you notice any symptoms of infection or other problems, contact your tattoo artist or doctor.
Don’t do the following:
Though showers are fine, don’t go swimming or submerge your body in water with your tattoo covered in sunblock until the ink has completely healed.
What To Expect During the Process
According to Saved Tattoo, the tattooing process is as follows:
- Get comfortable in your chair, discuss what’s going on with your tattoo artist, and consider preparing music, a book, or a movie if it will be a long session.
- To ward off infection, you’ll be shaved and sterilized on the spot that your artist will be working on.
- Next, your tattoo will be stencilled and applied to your skin to see where it will go and look before starting to ink your skin.
- Now, your tattoo artist will have all the necessary equipment, including opening new needles and setting up the tattoo machine or gun.
- You may or may not have an ointment applied to aid ink transfer. As the needle touches your skin, we recommend taking slow, mindful breaths. Remember that the first few minutes are the most unpleasant and that you’ll grow accustomed to the sensation in no time at all.
- Linework will be completed first, followed by your artist switching needles and moving on to shading. Depending on your specific situation, this may take several sessions if it is an exceptionally detailed or colourful tattoo or if you need frequent breaks in between.
- Finally, the tattooed area is gently cleaned, and your tattoo artist may ask you if they can photograph it for their portfolio. Then you’ll get your tattoo bandaged and have an ointment applied to it.
No-No’s To Keep in Mind Before Getting a Tattoo
Avoid (Most) Pain Reducing Medication
Certain medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can thin the blood. It is critical to avoid taking such pills (typically over-the-counter anti-inflammatory tablets) at least 24 to 48 hours before getting a tattoo.
If you take a pill like this before getting a tattoo, you should expect a lot of bleeding during the procedure. Also, your tattoo artist is likely to smudge the tattoo due to the lack of visibility caused by the bleeding. Not to mention that your tattoo will take longer to heal because the blood is thinner and thus more difficult to clot.
Sun Exposure
Sun exposure damages and ‘burns’ the skin. This can result in excessive skin drying and peeling. The tattoo will look messed up, and it will also hurt much more than usual.
Also, damaged skin can contribute to tattoo infection and a slower tattoo healing process in the future. It is critical to avoid sunburned skin before and after getting a tattoo. Even after your tattoo has healed, you must continue to protect it from the sun to prevent fading and ageing of the tattooed skin.
Drinking Alcohol
Tattoo artists are not permitted by law to tattoo or provide services to customers who appear drunk or intoxicated.
Alcohol impairs judgment, so choosing a tattoo while drunk is a horrible idea. Because alcohol impairs judgement, you’ll regret your decision. You’ll approve a tattoo design, stencil, and placement. When you sober up from a drunken stupor, you’ll be shocked at your mistake.
Drunkenness changes your behaviour and reactions. You can’t control your movements; plus, you get super jittery. This increases the chances of the artist making a mistake and ruining the tattoo.
Skimping out and Choosing the Cheapest Place
It’s hard to ignore cheap rates and discounts. We all know their allure. But with tattoos, as with many other things, you get what you pay for.
Getting a tattoo is a huge decision that will permanently affect your life and appearance, so it would be best to allocate a considerable budget for it and try to splurge on the best. And the best don’t come cheap.
Investing in an experienced, knowledgeable, hygienic tattoo artist can make a big difference. What would you rather have: a crappy tattoo looking like it’s done in a smelly old basement with a so-called amateur ‘tattoo artist’ or a gorgeous, vibrant tattoo done hygienically with minimum pain and risk of infection by an expert with years of experience under their belt. It’s easy to pick the correct answer.
We hope you enjoyed this blog post, and please consider commenting below with your thoughts on tattoos. What kind of tattoo do you have?