Everything You Need To Know Before Getting Your First Tattoo

You’ve thought about your first tattoo for months (years even), saved tons of pics from Pinterest, and Tumblr, and now the day is finally coming up. Fully prepare yourself with everything you need to know before getting your first tattoo.

1. Carefully choose your artist

This step is super super important, you are choosing the artist who is going to be putting permanent markings onto your body. An easy way is to get recommendations from friends, family or coworkers who have had positive tattoo experiences. If not, take your research to the internet, find an artist that comes highly recommenced and who has lots of experience in your desired art style.

2. Avoid alcohol and drugs

Make sure you are sober before getting your first tattoo. Not only do most reputable shops simply refuse to tattoo anyone under the influence, but drugs and alcohol actually thin out the blood and can cause easier (and more) bleeding during the tattoo process.

3. Stay clean

Make sure you are fully aware of the cleaning regimen that you need to follow after getting inked. Know the cleansing process, what products to use and general do’s and don’ts of caring for your new tattoo.

4. Choose your design

Your first tattoo is something that you will have for the remainder of your life so you want to make sure it’s a good one. Ask your artist to draw out your idea and have him place it on you, so you can exactly see where it will be and how it will look.

5. Good tattoos aren’t cheap, and cheap tattoos aren’t good

If you are looking for a great quality first tattoo, be prepared to pay for it. Top artists are in high demand for a reason, and their work usually speaks for itself.

6. Research the shop

Along with choosing a good artist for your first tattoo you also want a reputable shop. Get recommendations, read yelp reviews, and check out their website.

7. Pain and placement

Your first tattoo is going to hurt, and while everyone’s pain tolerance is different, you have to remember that you are having a needle dragged across your skin. (ouch!) Ribs, feet, and bony areas tend to be more painful.

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8. PROOF READ YOUR WORDS

This one is pretty simple, you don’t want your first tattoo to be misspelled. Check your spelling, check it again, and again, and again.

9. Fading

While everyone knows that a tattoo is permanent, there sometimes are exceptions. Depending on the placement you can experience fading, this usually happens on lip or finger tattoos.

10. Remember to relax and breathe

While the pain of your first tattoo may not be enjoyable, you are getting some beautiful; artwork added to your body. Relax and keep your breathing steady to help with the process.

Getting your first tattoo is a big decision, hopefully these tips will put you at ease before you go under the needle. Comment anything else you wish you knew before your first tattoo.