Not only that, your friends might think it sounds fun to be at the shop while you get tattooed, but it's not. Your friends will be bored. Don't bring extra people with you to be tattooed without asking the shop first. Most shops don't want your friends sleeping in the waiting area while you get tattooed.
Generally speaking, it's alright if you want to bring your significant other or your BFF for an important tattoo. Just remember that you're not Vincent Chase and you don't need your entourage with you at all times.
You may bring one guest for support, but no more than one. More than one guest causes too many distractions for the artists as well as other clients getting tattooed. If you do bring a guest, please keep in mind that you may be at the studio for many hours and your guest might get bored.
Moral Support. Even if you've made up your mind to get a tattoo, the thought of the experience can be nerve-wracking. You may be especially afraid if it's your first tattoo. A friend can offer moral support, divert your attention, and help you through the process.
Drink a lot of water during the week; avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting tattooed. Please do not shave the area; we will do it for you at your appointment. Avoid aspirin or blood thinning medication at least 24 hours before your tattoo; ibuprofen, acetaminophen, & other NSAID pain relievers are OK.
Not only that, your friends might think it sounds fun to be at the shop while you get tattooed, but it's not. Your friends will be bored. Don't bring extra people with you to be tattooed without asking the shop first. Most shops don't want your friends sleeping in the waiting area while you get tattooed.
And for at least the first couple of nights, you shouldn't cuddle with your significant other – it will increase the chance of friction and infection. The same goes for pets; keep them off the bed for at least the first 4-5 nights.
The smallest tattoos will take around an hour, while sleeve tattoos may require up to eight all-day sessions. The average tattoo session lasts around five hours but all-day sessions are usually longer (seven and more hours). They also have a different rate which you should check with the artist.
Normally, in respectable tattoo shops, payment is due when services are rendered. This means you pay when the session is finished, not before it has begun. Large tattoos are paid for session by session, so you only pay for the work that was performed that day.
Inspire not knock off! Some people think mimicking is the greatest form of flattery but putting it bluntly, it's disrespectful to the original tattoo owner, original tattoo artist and the artist you ask to copy it. In fact, it's one of the most despised requests tattoo artists get.
The artists provide pasties or stickers to put on top of your nipples. You would not want to wear a bra unless you have a loose-fitting piece or a bralette.
It isn't considered rude, though there should probably be a little consulting before asking that question. Figure out some ideas, get a game plan for exactly what you want to get done, then ask the question. Just walking into a parlor and ask “To how much a sleeve?” will definitely get you an eye roll.
One of the biggest questions is when can we go back to sleeping like normal. The average person who has followed their aftercare instructions can start sleeping on their tattoo between 4 to 7 days after getting it.
You can shower 3-4 hours after getting a tattoo, if you have a Saniderm bandage on, however, if you have a plastic wrap wait 24 hours to unwrap your tattoo and shower. In either case, shower in cold or lukewarm water and avoid prolonged soaking or submerging your tattoo in water for 3-4 weeks.
You'll want to keep the tattoo wrapped for at least the first night because it will take a while for it to settle down and stop leaking. You don't want an open wound like that touching your bed sheets, getting blood everywhere, or dirt and dust getting into the wound itself.
Although you can shave before your tattoo, it's not necessary. A tattoo artist will shave the area themselves if needed. If you're concerned about how hairy the area might be, you can always ask your tattooist if they need you to shave beforehand but generally, they'll do it themselves.
Sitting through even mild discomfort for significant lengths of time is draining, so don't be afraid to tell your artist you need a break — to just sit and breathe, eat a snack, or take a swig of water.
Sue suggests that you chew gum or eat candy right as you start getting the tattoo if you're feeling extra nervous. “That's going to cut your fight-or-flight response down, because your body doesn't feel like it's under attack when it's eating,” she says.
Many tattoo artists will be happy for you to wear headphones when listening to music or watching a movie. In fact, most will insist that you do. It's not seen as rude to wear headphones while getting a tattoo, as long as you communicate when needed.
"Spiritual tattoos — mandala, hamsa, chakra, tree of life, Budha, lotus, etc. — are common for battling anxiety. They symbolize the overcoming of struggle, protection, self care, rebirth, the circle of life, kindness, strength, new challenges, and new beginnings."