Tattoos! AKA a one-way ticket to disappointing your parents! You want one! Let me walk you through it.
Step 1: Put some thought into this
Okay, you’ve probably heard this before, but I have to say it…getting a tattoo is a big decision. What the tattoo is of, the placement, and most importantly the longevity are all elements of the tattooing process you need to seriously consider before you book your appointment. It’s important to look at pain charts and reference photos before committing to a location, design, and size. It’s also worth noting that most reputable tattoo shops will refuse hand, face, or neck tattoos for anyone without a significant amount of ink. Finally, don’t get your significant other’s name. Please, just don’t.
Step 2: Find a shop and artist
For me, this was the most difficult part; I spent months looking for the right aesthetic for the design I wanted, but in the end it was worth every minute. There’s a lot to consider in this category, including budget, style, specialties, and online reviews. Also, you might want to check on their touch-up policy, as some tattoos don’t heal correctly or just seem a little uneven after healing. Most places will give you a free touch-up within a certain time period. Finally, check their payment options. You’d be surprised how many shops are cash-only, meaning you’ll most likely have to stop at a bank sometime before your appointment.
Step 3: Reach out and book your appointment
Many artists book up weeks or months in advance, so don’t call Tuesday night for a Wednesday appointment. Tell them what you want and where, the general size, the style, and if you want color or black ink. They’ll probably ask for reference photos, so make sure you have a couple. Most shops charge a deposit to secure your time with the artist, so make sure you have the means to pay that when you book. Usually, you’ll get a more accurate estimate on how much your tattoo will cost when you contact the shop with specifics. During the pandemic, tattoo shops have new rules that they should communicate to you before your appointment along with general advice.
Step 4: The big day
Before you jump in the car, make sure you have your payment and ID, as well as something to distract yourself from the pain (such as headphones to listen to music or a piece of chewing gum). Try to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your appointment so you can fill out the liability form without going into tattoo time. Depending on your pain tolerance and tattoo placement, when the needle hits your skin you could be in a little or a lot of pain. If it gets unbearable, don’t be afraid to ask for a break. If someone comes along with you, you can always claw their arm like I did (if they consent). Inflicting some of your pain onto others is very relieving. When it’s all done, take a few photos to commemorate the moment! Important: don’t forget to tip 20% and to thank your artist.
Step 5: Aftercare
You’re done with the pain! Now it’s time for the super fun part: aftercare. Your artist will give you a regimen to follow for keeping your tattoo from getting infected, and these regimens can vary from artist to artist. For me, I had to wash my tattoo with Dial antibacterial bar soap and slap on a thin layer of Aquaphor for five days, but every artist is different so follow the advice from yours. Keep up with the regimen and don’t slack off or else you’ll risk infection.
Optional Step 6: Touch-up
Let’s say that after all your aftercare, some lines look thinner or more faded than other parts of your tattoo. If your artist offers free touch-ups, schedule one. You’ll have to follow the aftercare routine again, but having your tattoo look its best for longer is worth it. I will warn you, this will hurt more than the first time. I asked my artist why my touch-up hurt so much more than when I got the tattoo, and she said it’s because we’re going over scar tissue and I probably don’t have the same adrenaline rush as the first time. But in the end, my tattoo looks so much fresher and nice than it did before the touch-up, so hang in there! Important: tip them and thank them again.
There you go! Practically everything you need to know about getting your first tattoo. Make sure you brag about it to all your friends when you get it done, because otherwise what’s the point ;)