Have you ever thought about just getting up and going to get a tattoo after seeing a cool concept on Pinterest? Don’t. Getting your first tattoo is a big decision that requires true thought and commitment because it is essentially a permanent piece of art on your body that will remain with you forever. As someone who has recently gone through this entire process and had to talk to many artists, I’m here to share with you some advice to help clear up any confusion and save you a little time. It is very important to know as much as possible about your first tattoo before you get it including the artist, design, process, aftercare, and risks.

Preparing for a tattoo

The very first thing you should do is think about what tattoo you want. Give it some proper thought and make sure it has no hidden meaning. The art is permanent and the only way to cover it up is with another tattoo or to get it removed which can cost thousands of dollars. This is also why you should pick a part of your body that is more discrete such as your forearms or legs rather than the face or neck. Try to keep it simple if possible, because you don’t know the amount of pain you will have to endure and having an incomplete tattoo is not ideal.

The next thing you should do before you get a tattoo is find a proper artist. Find a tattoo shop that looks safe and clean, as well as an artist whose work looks appealing to you. They should be a legal tattoo artist with an official license. The last step before you get the tattoo is to schedule it. The day you pick is very important, as it should not be a day when you have no energy like after a long school or work day. On the day you get your tattoo, you should eat something healthy and avoid eating too much to ensure you don’t feel sick while going through the process. After all of this preparation, you should be able to get a well thought out tattoo safely without any major problems, but what about the actual process of getting it?

The process

One of the most intimidating moments is when you first walk through the doors of a tattoo shop and see multiple people with tattoos, piercings, or even more extreme body modifications like split tongues and tattooed eyes. However, these traits do not define people, and they are regular humans like everyone else. After you sit down to get your tattoo, it is best to get comfortable and remain calm. Not only will this make it easier for your artist to focus on the tattoo, but it will also help reduce pain. There are many ways to take your mind off the pain such as listening to music, reading a book online, or watching a show or movie. People deal with pain differently which is why there is no direct answer to “how much does it hurt?” There are also other factors that affect the amount of pain you’ll feel such as the size, placement, detail, and artist. 

Aftercare and risks

After your tattoo is done, it is important to take care of it to prevent fading or infection. To legally get a tattoo in Illinois you must be 18 years of age, regardless of parent permission. You may be tempted to get your tattoo illegally before 18, but I would advise against it. Sure it’s illegal, but that’s not the biggest problem.

It is more likely something wrong happens when getting a tattoo done illegally as the artist does not have a license and could be doing it wrong. Professionals also understand the importance of keeping tattoo equipment clean as it can prevent the transmission of blood related illness such as Hepatitis or HIV.

According to Stephen I. Feller, a managing editor for infectious diseases, “tattoo infections have risen 77% since the 2000s… the number of infections is likely higher.” It is much safer and easier to wait until you’re 18 and get it done by a professional.

As for after care, you should leave on the wrap your artist puts on for 1-2 days, then wash with antibacterial soap at least 3 times a day. Eventually the tattoo will dry up and start peeling off which is when you should start using alcohol-free unscented lotion such as Aquaphor to make sure it stays moisturized. 

Overall, getting your first tattoo is an unforgettable experience, and it is important to fully commit to it throughout the whole process from start to finish. Tattooing is an art and can help us express who we are so make sure to carefully plan out your first tattoo or you may end up with a permanent mess up or worse.