How to Get Your First Tattoo

If you plan to get a tattoo, one important factor to remember is to get it done safely. While a tattoo may look cooler than a large scar, it's still essentially a wound. Similar to cuts, scratches, punctures, or any type of skin penetration, tattoos can also carry risks of infection and illness.

• Ensure that you've received all necessary vaccinations (especially for hepatitis and tetanus), and make a plan for seeking medical attention if the tattoo becomes infected (signs of infection include significant redness or pain around the tattoo, prolonged bleeding, pus, or changes in the skin's color around the tattoo).
• If you have any health conditions such as heart disease, allergies, diabetes, skin disorders, compromised immunity, or infections – or if you're pregnant – it's important to consult a doctor regarding any concerns or preventive measures you should take before getting inked. Additionally, if you're prone to keloid scarring (excessive scar tissue growth in the wound area), it's advisable to avoid tattoos altogether.

Think about the tattoo design you want. Make sure you feel confident showing it off and are comfortable having it on your body for the rest of your life.

Sketch the design for your tattoo. It doesn’t need to be perfect. Tattoo artists are skilled professionals, and if you provide them with your ideas, they will transform them into something even more amazing.

Choose the location on your body where you want the tattoo. Make sure it’s the right size—not too big, not too small.

Refine your design. Highlight the outlines, add basic colors, and adjust it so it fits perfectly with the location you’ve chosen.

Find a skilled tattoo artist. Getting recommendations from friends who’ve had tattoos can be really helpful. Look for a studio that excels in the style you want. Don’t hesitate to travel a bit; the extra time spent driving will be well worth it to ensure your tattoo is the best quality.

Choose a few potential studios and evaluate them. You need to ensure that the tattoo shop you pick is clean and safe, with all equipment being single-use (such as needles, gloves, face masks, etc.) and properly sterilized (for all other equipment). In some states, cities, and communities in the U.S., tattoo shops must follow specific regulations, while others don’t. You can contact your local health department to inquire about the rules in your area, get recommendations for licensed tattoo shops, or check for any complaints about a particular studio. Professional shops take pride in their cleanliness. Here are a few things to check for:

• Make sure the shop has an autoclave (a device that uses steam, pressure, and heat to sterilize equipment). You should be able to see the sterilization process in action.
• Check if the tattoo artist is licensed. If they are, they should be able to provide references.
• Ensure the tattoo shop adheres to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and General Safety Measures from the Health Department, which set procedures for handling bodily fluids (in this case, blood).

Nếu cửa hành xăm hình trông có vẻ không sạch sẽ, nếu mọi thứ trông bất bình thường, hoặc nếu bạn có cảm giác không thoải mái, bạn nên tìm nơi tốt hơn để xăm hình.

Sở hữu một chút kiến thức khái quát. Sau đây là ví dụ về điều đang chờ đợi bạn:

• Đầu tiên, thợ xăm sẽ rửa tay với xà phòng diệt khuẩn.
• Khu vực cần xăm trên cơ thể sẽ được làm sạch và khử trùng.
• Thợ xăm sẽ đeo găng tay mới, sạch sẽ (và có thể là một chiếc khẩu trang phẫu thuật).
• Thợ xăm sẽ giải thích thủ tục khử trùng cho bạn và mở niêm phong của thiết bị dùng một lần đã được tiệt trùng (như kim tiêm, v.v.).
• Sử dụng máy xăm hình (có kèm theo kim vô trùng, dùng một lần), nghệ nhân xăm mình sẽ bắt đầu vẽ phác thảo hình xăm trên da bạn.
• Đường nét phác thảo này sẽ được lau sạch với xà phòng và nước đã được khử trùng.
• Kim tiêm vô trùng, to hơn sẽ được gắn vào máy xăm hình, và thợ xăm sẽ bắt đầu xăm lên bản thiết kế. Sau khi làm sạch khu vực một lần nữa, màu sắc sẽ được tiêm vào. Mỗi khách hàng sẽ sử dụng một lọ mực mới.
• Máu sẽ được làm sạch bằng một mẩu vải hoặc chiếc khăn đã được tiệt trùng, dùng một lần.
• Khi hoàn tất, khu vực này, bây giờ đã có hình xăm hoàn chỉnh, sẽ được làm sạch một lần nữa và băng lại.

Lựa chọn thợ xăm mà bạn yêu thích tác phẩm của họ nhất và nói cho họ biết rằng bạn muốn xăm hình. Cho họ biết mọi thông tin về loại hình xăm, vị trí, kích cỡ, v.v.

Thương lượng giá cả. Bạn hãy hỏi thăm về giá cả của hình xăm; bằng cách này, bạn có thể chuẩn bị sẵn tiền vào ngày xăm hình, hoặc chuyển khoản vào tài khoản, bất kỳ phương pháp nào mà bạn muốn. Khi thảo luận về hình xăm, bạn thường sẽ được yêu cầu đóng tiền cọc (khoảng 1 triệu vnd, tùy cửa hàng và giá cả) và đặt lịch hẹn. Số tiền cọc sẽ được trừ vào tổng tiền bạn phải thanh toán cho hình xăm của mình, vì vậy, đừng lo lắng. Bạn nên để lại hình vẽ phác thảo của bạn với họ để họ có thể cải thiện dựa trên nó, và khiến nó trở nên độc đáo, chỉ dành riêng cho bạn.

Chú ý đến vị trí mà bạn sẽ xăm hình. Nghệ nhân xăm hình sẽ cạo lông tại vị trí bạn muốn xăm. Bạn không cần phải tự mình cạo lông khu vực này, vì bạn có thể gây tổn hại da. Hãy giao nó cho chuyên gia.

Once you arrive, make sure to review the adjusted design and ensure it looks right. Remember, this image will be permanently inked on your skin. If there’s anything – even the smallest detail – you don’t like, stop and let the tattoo artist know. There’s no need to get angry or panicked. Simply say, 'I’m not entirely happy with this part. I want it... more/less,' no matter what it is. The artist will not take it personally – after all, they're working to understand your vision, and if the tattoo isn’t perfect, they’re the professionals who can easily make adjustments. If they become stubborn, angry, or hostile about the changes you want to make, thank them and find another artist. This is a permanent image on your body, and if the tattoo artist isn’t willing to help make it your masterpiece, they’re not the right person for the job.

Relax. You may feel nervous, but try to stay as calm as possible. The tattoo artist will make sure it doesn’t hurt too much. As you sit down, you can sing a song in your head or chat with the artist. Follow all their instructions, like moving this way or sitting back.

Do a final check once the tattoo is done. Make sure they haven’t missed anything. They’ll be happy to make any touch-ups if necessary.

Care for your tattoo according to the instructions. Follow all aftercare guidelines provided by the studio to ensure proper healing. Also, contact your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of infection, such as pain, widespread redness, swelling, or pus. To ensure your tattoo heals well: (Additionally, you may refer to the article on New Tattoo Care.)

• Keep the tattoo covered for one to two hours.
• Avoid touching the tattoo and don’t pick at any scabs that may form.
• Clean the tattoo with antibacterial soap (don’t use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide – these will dry it out). Pat dry with a soft towel – gently blot, don’t rub.
• If you're not allergic to any antibiotic ointments, you can apply a small amount to the tattoo. Avoid using petroleum jelly – it can fade the tattoo.
• Apply an ice pack to the tattoo if you notice any redness or swelling.
• Avoid getting the tattoo wet until it has completely healed. Stay away from pools, hot tubs, or long baths in hot water.
• Don’t expose the tattoo to direct sunlight until it’s fully healed.

Even after it’s fully healed, your tattoo remains sensitive to the sun, so it’s best to always protect it from direct sunlight. If you spend a lot of time outdoors or at the beach, it’s a good idea to regularly apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 on your tattoo. This will not only protect your skin but also prevent the tattoo from fading.

• Many people are concerned about the pain involved in getting a tattoo, especially if it's your first time. While tattoos can be painful, the level of discomfort varies. The needle repeatedly punctures your skin, which might feel like multiple injections or bee stings. Some describe it as an "itching" sensation. Pain tolerance, the artist’s skill, and the tattoo's location on your body can all influence the experience. Remember, a little bleeding may occur.
• Bringing a friend who has experience with tattoos can be very helpful. They can ensure that you have the best experience possible and offer reassurance.
• It’s completely normal to feel anxious! Nervousness before getting a tattoo is natural. If you’re worried about how anxious you’ll feel, it might help to bring a friend with you.
• Make sure you choose a design that you’ll be happy to have permanently on your body. If you’re unsure, try placing the design somewhere visible for a while. For example, you could attach it to your notebook, laptop, or car dashboard (if you have one). After a few weeks, you might feel differently—either you’ll love it more, or you may reconsider. If it still feels right, you can confidently proceed with the tattoo.
• Shower beforehand. Staying clean is the best way to prepare for your tattoo appointment and to care for your new tattoo afterward. Cleanliness is the best defense against infection.
• Avoid taking painkillers before your session, as they thin the blood and may lead to excessive bleeding.
• Don’t consume alcohol before your tattoo. Alcohol also thins the blood and could lead to unnecessary bleeding.
• Be prepared financially! You won’t want to be caught short, so bring more money than what you were quoted for the tattoo.
• Be sure to communicate any concerns you may have to your tattoo artist.
• Always check the tattoo shop and artist carefully before your appointment.
• Consider trying a temporary tattoo first. Once you’ve selected your design and placement, getting a temporary tattoo can help you gauge how comfortable you are with the idea. If you feel awkward, you can try a different design or location. This step ensures you’re completely comfortable (and less anxious) before committing to a permanent tattoo.

• Remember—do not drink alcohol or take medication before your appointment! Even painkillers can be a problem as some thin the blood!
• Canceling your appointment will result in losing your deposit, and your tattoo artist may refuse to work with you again. If you cannot make it, be sure to call ahead and reschedule for a more convenient time.
• Keep in mind that tattoos are permanent. You cannot erase them. The only way to remove them is through costly laser surgery, or by covering them up with a new tattoo design.

• Design Template. You can either create your own design, choose from an online template, or use the ready-made designs available at the store. Tattoo shops typically display tattoo designs on the walls. However, keep in mind that copying someone else's tattoo can be considered rude.
• Cost. Tattoos are never free, unless it is a special free tattoo day at the shop.