How To: Prep For a Tattoo

Getting a tattoo is a huge decision. Whether you’re a tattoo first-timer, or covered in ink, ensuring proper preparation is key for the best outcome and experience. This article will go step-by-step and show you how to properly prepare yourself for your brand-new tattoo.!

Researching Your Tattoo

Before committing to a lifelong commitment such as a tattoo, make sure to take your time researching. Choosing a design that holds personal significance is key. You always want to make sure you’re completely satisfied with your choice. Additionally, it’s vitally important to research your artist as well. Make sure you check their portfolio to ensure their art style aligns with the design you’re looking to get. Never be afraid to reach out to an artist and ask questions, after all, the artist plays a pivotal role in bringing your design to life.

Hygenic & Qualified

The cleanliness of the studio is non-negotiable. In addition, you’ll always want to ensure that the shop is properly licensed. Verify that the studio adheres to all health and safety regulations as well. A clean tattoo environment will reduce the risk of complications, such as infections.

Consulting

After you’ve chosen your design, make sure to discuss it thoroughly with your artist. You’ll want to discuss the placement of the piece, as well as the overall size. Make sure to listen to their feedback, they will provide valuable input. Your artist is there to help ensure you make proper decisions that will affect the tattoos overall outcome.

Tattoo Placement

Make sure to consider where on your body you would like the tattoo. Different areas of the body have varying levels of pain. Each area requires different aftercare as well. Additionally, you’ll want to take your day-to-day life into account. Make sure to think about your lifestyle and consider areas that will be easier for you to leave alone whilst the tattoo heals.

Mental Prep

Tattoos are a significant form of self-expression, and sometimes they are related directly to strong feelings. Allowing yourself some time to mentally prepare for a tattoo will not only make the experience more enjoyable, but it will also help calm any nerves you may have. Remember, tattoos are forever, so insuring that you’re emotionally ready is a vital step in the tattoo process.

Sleep & Eat Well

In the days leading up to your appointment, ensure that you maintain an adequate amount of rest. Furthermore, you’ll want to stay on a healthy, balanced diet. Making sure you eat, and rest properly will help your body handle to stress of the tattooing process. Continuing these habits after the appointment as well will help the healing process along.

Hydrate

Arguably one of the most important steps would be hydration. Properly hydrating yourself before, during, and after the process will help make everything easier. Remaining hydrated is essential in keeping your skin in the best condition possible for the tattoo. Make sure to drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session!

Avoid These

In the days leading up to your session, take care to avoid a few things. The main things being alcohol and blood-thinning medications. These things can cause an increase of bleeding during the process. You’ll also want to avoid these for a few days after the appointment, to ensure the healing process starts off strong. You’ll also want to avoid obtaining any scratches, bites, bumps, or bruises on or around the area where the tattoo is going!

Clothing

Choose your outfit wisely the day of your appointment. Make sure to wear something that allows easy access to the area where the tattoo is meant to go. Additionally, you’ll want to wear something loose, and comfortable. Tattoo appointments can take a while, and the more comfortable you are, the better it is for not only you, but the artist as well. Wearing loose clothing during the healing process as well can be helpful! Try to avoid wearing anything too tight around the tattoo area.

Identification

Most tattoo studios will require a valid ID to verify your age, as you must be 18 or older to get tattooed. You will need to ensure you have proper, necessary identification with you before your appointment. The tattoo process will not begin before your ID is taken, and verified.

Tattoo Aftercare

After your appointment, listen closely to your artists aftercare instructions. If they do not provide them to you, make sure to ask. Use the recommended products, such as mild soaps, and unscented lotions. You can prepare these items ahead of time too, if necessary. Following these aftercare instructions is the best way to ensure that your tattoo heals correctly. Not following proper aftercare can result in infections, and scarring within the tattooed area.

Conclusion

In conclusion, preparing for a tattoo requires a lot of careful consideration and planning. By selecting the right tattoo, artist, and studio, you can guarantee an excellent tattoo experience. Maintaining good physical, and mental health leading up to your appointment will also benefit you! Remember, providing your artist with a well-prepped area will only result in a piece of permanent art you can proudly wear for a lifetime.

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