Getting your first-ever tattoo is intimidating, especially when your mom is after you to drop the idea. Moreover, you want to get the perfect design inked so you don’t regret it afterwards. That’s why it is important to give a good hard thought to why you want to get a tattoo and everything that goes with it. So, are you ready to get your first tattoo but don’t know where to start? Here are all the tips you should know before getting a tattoo.

1. Hold your impulse

Did you and your bestie decide to get a tattoo together just because YOLO? Make a U-turn on that thought and think before jumping into a well. Getting a tattoo is different from getting piercings done. There’s a lot you need to know first.

2. Choose your artist

You’re new to the tattoo journey; your artist shouldn’t be. Count on your Instagram research skills to find the perfect tattoo artist. Along with online research, you must book an in-person consultation to learn more about the artist’s personality. Getting a tattoo is painful, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be a memorable experience. If your artist is too uptight or rude in answering your queries, you should find a better one.

Pro tip: Fresh tattoos are different from healed ones as the colour slightly fades and lines become less defined. Ask your artist to show both images as a part of their portfolio so you know about their experience.

3. Pay the price

Your first thought shouldn’t be to look for a cheaper tattoo artist to get your first tattoo. Experience matters a lot, and it comes at a price. So, make up your mind about what’s in your budget, and then do your research. See your tattoo as an investment, and a cool one at that!

4. Don’t shy away

Keep your sharmeeli side at bay if you don’t want to regret getting a tattoo. Be open to your artist’s suggestions, but let them know about your choices too. You must be honest throughout the process because communication is key to getting the results you want.

5. It’s your skin, not paper

We all say “mujhe ditto aisa design chahiye“ whenever we show a reference image to any artist. I hate to break it to you, but we all have flawed skin with uneven textures and tones. This can lead to slightly varied tattoos than the ones seen in pictures.

6. Stay away from your…

Alcohol! Do you have your tattoo appointment tomorrow? Stay hydrated, not high. Alcohol intake will make your blood thin, which will lead to excessive bleeding while you’re getting tattooed. The blood will mix with the ink and spoil your design. So, stay hydrated and have a proper meal before your appointment. The same goes for the healing phase after getting the tattoo.

7. The perfect spot

There’s no way to escape the pain while getting permanently inked. However, there’s always a choice to minimise it. You can get tattoos anywhere on your body, but as a beginner, you should start with the mainstream; it’s safe. Your wrist, upper arm, outside of shoulders, and outside of any part of your body are highly recommended. You can also do a pinch test to know the pain intensity on each surface of your skin.

8. Have a break, have a KitKat

This is one of the important tips to know before getting a tattoo. You don’t have to get the entire design inked in one go. Take short and sweet breaks from the painful affair. You can also munch on something in the meantime or stretch a little if you feel your muscles tightening.

9. Be honest about your health

You might be completely ready and excited to get your first tattoo. But know this: clearly state your skin-related medical conditions to the artist before getting a tattoo. Do you have eczema, keratosis pilaris, urticaria herpes, or other skin issues? You must let the professionals know if it’s safe for you to get a tattoo in the first place.

10. Don’t play the doc

Are you in pain because of the itch? Very demure. Are you trying to scratch it? Not so mindful. Ask the artist if there’s an ointment that can soothe the itching. Don’t try to wash it repeatedly, as it will dry the skin and further increase the itchiness. Moreover, the tattoo will scab for the first 3–6 days, but don’t peel off the layers. It will inflame your skin, causing a terrible fungal infection.

Follow these tips, and you’re ready to get a flaunt-worthy tattoo!

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