First Tattoo Tips: What to Expect When Getting Inked

Tattoos are cool. They’re so cool that almost a quarter of Americans have at least one. But, deciding to get your first tattoo is a big decision, and it can be intimidating for a lot of people.

If it’s your first time getting a tattoo, then we’ve got you covered. These first tattoo tips will help to ensure that your first experience getting inked is a positive one. So let’s take a look at everything you should know before you get your first tattoo.

Do Tattoos Hurt?

Yes, tattoos hurt. How much they will hurt depends a lot on the size and location of the tattoo as well as your pain tolerance. Most tattoo parlors will have a pain guide that shows you how much you can expect a tattoo to hurt depending on where it will be on your body.

Don’t be too ambitious when it comes to your first tattoo. There is no point spending months designing a full back-piece, and then finding out that you simply can’t tolerate the pain.

You can use numbing creams to reduce the pain. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for them if you’re feeling too uncomfortable. No one is judging you on how much pain you can take!

How Long Do Tattoos Take?

It’s important to have a realistic idea of how long you’re going to be getting inked for. There is no one size fits all answer to this, but we can give you a rough idea. The more detail in the tattoo, the longer it will take. A full sleeve will take around 10 hours to finish and a tattoo the size of your hand will take around 5 hours.

One thing that is important to remember is that your pain threshold is going to decrease over time. If you’re planning on getting your first tattoo, don’t think you’ll be able to sit still for 5 hours non-stop. Speak with your tattoo artist if you want a bigger piece and they’ll be able to decide how you can break the sessions down so that you’re as comfortable as possible.

Research Different Styles

Before you get your first tattoo, it’s worth spending some time researching everything you can about different tattoos. Take a look at some different tattoo styles and even look into the different types of tattoo ink. You might decide you want a UV tattoo!

Find artists whose work you admire and put together some ideas of what you want your first tattoo to be like before you go and speak to a potential artist. The more information you can provide them with, the easier it will be for them to design and ink your perfect tattoo.

Follow These First Tattoo Tips for a Better Tattoo Experience

If you’re still wondering “should I get my first tattoo?” then it’s a good sign that you should wait a little longer. A tattoo is for life, so taking the time to find the perfect design and being sure that you’re ready is not a bad idea.

Once you’re sure, go and visit your local tattoo parlor and have a chat with the resident artists. Find someone with a good portfolio who makes you feel comfortable. They’re going to be stabbing you repeatedly for an hour or so!

Follow these first tattoo tips and you’ll be able to sit back and relax while you get your first tattoo.

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