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Getting a tattoo is an exciting yet painful experience. To ensure a successful tattoo session and minimize discomfort, there are several steps you can take beforehand. Make sure you understand the process, prepare your body adequately, and are satisfied with the tattoo design before meeting the tattoo artist.
Steps
Ensure Your Body is Ready
Stay hydrated. Before getting a tattoo, it’s essential to keep your body well-hydrated. Drink plenty of water in the 24 hours leading up to your appointment and avoid dehydration.
- The amount of water you need to stay hydrated varies depending on your body. While some experts recommend drinking 8 glasses a day, your body might require more.
- Well-hydrated skin is in better condition for tattooing. This means the skin surface will absorb tattoo ink more easily, resulting in a cleaner and more precise tattoo compared to dehydrated skin.
Avoid blood thinners. To minimize bleeding, steer clear of blood-thinning products for 24 hours before your tattoo session. Refrain from consuming alcohol before getting inked.
- Additionally, avoid taking aspirin for pain relief 24 hours prior to your appointment. Aspirin thins the blood, which can lead to excessive bleeding during the process.
Wear comfortable clothing. Depending on the size of your tattoo, you might spend several hours at the tattoo studio. Opt for comfortable attire to ease any discomfort during the session.
- You may also be asked to wear loose-fitting clothes to allow the tattoo artist easy access to the area being tattooed. If the tattoo location is usually covered, choose clothing that provides easy access.
- For example, if you’re getting a leg tattoo, wear shorts or a skirt. Similarly, for an arm tattoo, a sleeveless top would be ideal.
Eat before your appointment. It’s crucial to have a proper meal before your tattoo session to avoid feeling lightheaded. Tattooing can be painful, so don’t make it worse by skipping meals or risking fainting.
- Low blood sugar can heighten your body’s reaction to the pain, increasing the risk of fainting.
- Eating well beforehand ensures you have the energy and stamina to endure the process. Focus on high-protein meals rather than sugary snacks for sustained energy.
- If the session is lengthy, bring snacks like oatmeal bars. Your tattoo artist will likely allow short breaks to help you stay energized.
Prepare your skin. While extensive skincare isn’t necessary, moisturize your skin with your usual lotion for a week before the session if it’s dry. Avoid sunburn on the tattoo area by applying sunscreen before heading out.
- Although the tattoo area will be shaved, most artists prefer to handle this themselves right before tattooing to prevent skin irritation that could affect the process.
Plan for the perfect tattoo
Think about your tattoo design. A tattoo reflects a part of who you are, and it’s a way to express yourself that others will see every day. With this in mind, let your imagination run wild and envision a unique design that conveys the message you want to share. For example, your tattoo could feature a symbol that holds special meaning, an animal you adore, or colors that represent a significant phase in your life.
- Plan your tattoo design before meeting the artist.
- Consider the size of your tattoo. For your first tattoo, opt for something small. This allows you to experience the pain and understand your tolerance without enduring hours of discomfort.
- Choose a design you’ll be happy with in the future. While tattoos can be removed, the process is painful, costly, and time-consuming. Think long-term and select a design you’ll love for years to come.
- You can bring a specific design or ask the artist to create a custom one. The choice is yours.
Find a tattoo artist. Once you have a design in mind, look for a skilled tattoo artist. You can find one through word of mouth, such as recommendations from friends, or by searching online for artists in your area. Once you’ve identified a potential artist, read reviews and check out their portfolio online or in person. If you like their style and reputation and believe they can bring your vision to life, book an appointment.
- Most artists will sketch the design for your approval beforehand. If there’s anything you’d like to change, discuss it openly to ensure the final result meets your expectations.
- Some highly sought-after artists may require booking months in advance. If you admire their work, the wait will be worth it for a masterpiece.
Consider the tattoo placement. While you can get a tattoo almost anywhere, some areas are more painful than others. For your first tattoo, choose a fleshy, less sensitive spot. Avoid areas close to bones or highly sensitive regions.
- For example, a tattoo on the foot will hurt more than one on the calf because the needle is closer to the bone.
- Highly sensitive areas include the feet, inner arms, thighs, and ribs. Generally, avoid bony areas and spots with less sun exposure, as they tend to be more sensitive.
Prepare for the pain. It’s best to understand what the pain will feel like before starting. Many describe it as similar to a sunburn being scratched by nails. The pain is usually bearable but can intensify when the needle hits a bony area or repeatedly targets the same spot.
- Some artists may apply numbing cream to ease the pain, but this can affect the tattoo’s color and healing process. Ask your artist about this option, though not all are willing to use it.
Plan for aftercare. Keep your tattoo away from water and sunlight for a few weeks after getting inked. Plan your tattoo session around your schedule to avoid disrupting the healing process. For example, if you have a beach vacation coming up, avoid getting a tattoo right before.
- Your artist will provide aftercare instructions, including when to remove the bandage, how to clean the tattoo, and what products to use. Don’t hesitate to ask questions during your appointment or follow up later if needed.
Expert Q&A
- What can I do before getting a tattoo to reduce pain?
Believe it or not, getting enough sleep and eating well before your tattoo session can make a big difference.
- Should I shave before getting a tattoo?
No need. The tattoo artist will shave the area regardless of whether you’ve done it beforehand.
- Which tattoo placement hurts the most?
Pain tolerance varies, so what’s painful for one person might not be for another. However, sensitive areas like the ribs, sternum, and stomach tend to be more painful. Remember, a little discomfort is worth it for a lifelong piece of art.
