What do I need to know about getting a tattoo? Is there an etiquette or something? What do I have to do to my skin before/after? What should I not do to my skin? Please tell me anything that you think I might need to know even if it’s silly.
ToriLok: soon. I have to wait until Saturday to call him and then I’ll make the appointment. My birthday is Dec 2 so ideally before then. I need to wait until after the 22nd or so though (that’s when my monthly money comes in). Maybe on thanksgiving! LOL Plus I gotta see if my friend will come with me for moral/creative support.
Hydrate before and after. Eat before your appt. Be prepared for it to be bigger than you expected. Tiny fine lines don’t age well. It’s really not a big deal. You’ll do fine.
You don't need to do anything special to your skin. When they first start it hurts a little, but then your nerves kind of give up. It's fun! I have several.
As Whiskey said hydrate before and after and no alcohol 24 hours before due to bleeding. They will go over all the aftercare. And just remember to breathe
Thanks everyone!! These are all good tips! I’m normally a big water drinker so that’s not an issue and I haven’t been drinking lately. Just not in the mood. I might be a bleeder, I dunno. I’m scared if it’s going to hurt. I’m terrified of needles. I want to get it just over my left boob. Kinda over my heart.
From what i know with hygiene the artists shops are generally regulated by the health dept. They also don't want a bad rep and will use clean needles etc.
10000% you tip. Of course it hurts. Yes it hurts. Anyone who tells you a tattoo doens't hurt is full of it. How tolerable is the pain? VERY. I find dental work hurts more
I'm positive he'll be fine, his work looks great. Be honest and say you are afraid of needles and he'll make sure you're good throughout if he's a good artist.
I got my tattoo for my 60th birthday on my right shoulder. Yes, it hurt especially when she was over bone, but it was tolerable. She gave me ointment to put on it and gave me instructions on how to care for it. One of the instructions was "don't listen to any other advice".
^^ this is so true. There is a ton of aftercare advice out there. The most important thing to do is pick a great artist and do what they say to prep and heal.
I am no expert but I do think doing your research about the artist is KEY. Make sure you are very sure about their portfolio and whether or not they are expert in the style of tattoo you want. Make sure they operate a clean shop and have satisfied customers.
Chestnut
: how much should I tip? Thanks for the pain comparison. I think that helps. I’m usually ok at the dentist. Plus I’m getting it over my boob in a very fleshy area so no bones to deal with. My massage gal today just said the big thing is no shower for two days. That’s great info for when I’m scheduling it!
You guys are all so helpful and supportive I really appreciate that! Plus my girlfriend said she’d go with me so now I’ve got moral and creative support by the hand!!!
I round up the tip; my skeleton in Sept was $300, I gave her $350. My grandchild's was $250 (faster and I paid for the design creation time as well) and I gave her $300.
My thinking about tipping in most things is this is a luxury. I do not have to eat in a restaurant. I don't not have to get a tattoo or piercing. I choose these things and a good tip is part of the cost, not optional. My approach only, no judgement for how others operate.
Chestnut
: oh yeah I’m the same when eating out. If I can’t afford a decent tip (even though I tip much less here - it’s cultural) then I can’t afford to eat out. Period.
Mine felt like little repeated stings for all three, so it wasn't bad. I echo no alcohol/drugs (good artists wouldn't do it anyway if they knew), and a nice distraction (music, etc). Let them know fears, and be ready with your ideas to work on.
Also, i don’t mean to be negative or give you anxiety, but i never, not once, never didnt feel every single poke. No ‘endorphins’ No numbness, and it hurt. But usually they will do a buzzzzbuzzzbuzzz for like 30 seconds, wipe, then buzzzzzzzz again. You’ll love for those wipes. Mind you, location and complexity makes all the diff. If yours is just black ink,
With me, i always said it feels like they were dragging a hot knife point across my skin. Breathe ❤️ I’ve always used tattoo time to try and stay calm, and it’s good for freeing demons from your mind.
isle
: that hot knife feeling is what I’m anticipating. This is just over my boob so a very fleshy area. Hopefully that helps plus my gf is coming with me for support and someone’s hand to squeeze. LOL Thanks so much for the input.
I talked to my pill shrink about it too and he was surprised. Very supportive too. I’m hoping I can get it done before my birthday. Then I can show it to him before my trip to Spain.
isle
: thank you! That’s what I’m figuring. I just sent him the email with pictures. I to,d him that I’d call him tomorrow. (The website says only call on Wednesday and Saturday between 12-6pm)
Thanks so much for the input.