There are a few things you can do to make the experience much more bearable—and even enjoyable! Just remember to use numbing cream before starting your session; take breaks throughout; choose smaller tattoos over large ones; avoid sensitive areas; and use ice both during and after your session!
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.
“The most common answer is that it feels like a cat scratch on a really bad sunburn,” Olivia says. And for Trinity: “Getting a tattoo feels like when you pet a cat's belly, and the cat grabs your hands and kicks, scratching you with its claws,” she says. “It's not aggressive. But it does hurt, at least a little.”
Try to avoid drinking alcohol or taking any mind-altering substances, and make sure you keep your body hydrated in the days before and after your appointment. Hydrated skin is easier to tattoo and has much better ink retention than dry skin.
Tiny tattoos are a popular first choice as well. Whether it's hearts, stars, or zodiac symbols, fine line techniques are ideal for a first tattoo because of their delicate design and barely-there size. Another memorable first tattoo choice is a word or mantra that defines who you are.
In the immediate aftermath, and for the next few days, the site of a new tattoo can feel stingy and sore, maybe a bit like sunburn or a light graze. Slight inflammation and soreness is normal for skin that has been broken and needs to heal.
Yes, it's okay to use numbing cream for your next tattoo - it won't affect your new ink. Just make sure to consult with your artist & dermatologist and apply at least 60-90 minutes before your session. It won't affect the color, design, or the healing process of your tattoo.
You must always ask your artist first before using a numbing solution. Some artists advise against using numbing creams because it can affect the tattoo process. It is possible that the cream or gel can temporarily alter your skin texture, making the artist's job much harder.
Take a smaller element of a larger design and make that your tattoo. The simpler your tattoo design – especially your first design – the better. That's especially true for smaller tattoos, but it's a good rule for tattoos of any size.
A closer look at the US data shows that 39% got their first tattoo between 15 and 19, and one in four went under the needle after they turned 30. A survey from Remember a Charity also found that 5% got their first tattoo after turning 60.
If you have a medical problem such as heart disease, allergies, diabetes, skin problems like eczema or psoriasis, a weak immune system, or a bleeding problem, talk to your doctor before getting a tattoo. Also, if you get keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue) you probably should not get a tattoo.
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.
Therefore, you should not drink alcohol, take drugs and avoid blood-thinning medication for at least 24 hours before your tattoo. Of course, it's even better to take care of your diet and live a healthy lifestyle a few days before your tattoo.
Contrary to what you might expect, many people report that the shading hurts significantly less than the outlining of the tattoo. If you've already made it through your line work, pat yourself on the back. You've likely conquered the most painful part already.
This means you'll need to deal with the pain of a tattoo naturally or use a non-blood thinning OTC painkiller like Tylenol. Velvet also recommends getting plenty of rest and eating an adequate meal before your tattoo appointment, explaining that the body needs extra energy and nutrients to withstand the process.
About 1/16th of an inch into the skin. Not so scary, right? The tattoo machine's needle aims to deposit the ink in a region of 1.5 millimeters to 2 millimeters below the surface of the skin.
On top of that, it can also thin the ink, which could lead to an unpleasant and unwanted final result. It's best to avoid drinking the day before, so there isn't anything lingering in the body. With that said, don't take painkillers before getting a tattoo either.
Expect about half an hour to an hour for a simple, small tattoo. Keep in mind, however, a small tattoo with lots of color, line work, details, or a tricky placement could take several hours.