What to know about your tattoo session?
So you have searched far and wide for your perfect idea , book marked and screen shot until you’re finally ready to take the step towards booking your first or fiftieth tattoo. But not sure what happens next? Well this section I’ll hopefully cover the basics and make you feel more confident !
To prepare you for your new piece , I’ve tried to cover some of the most common questions and try to assist you in each step.
The beginning…
First thing’s first, selecting your artist. Find someone you actually get along with and trust, so you can enjoy the process. More often than not I believe that atmosphere is just as important as the artwork it’s self. This being said look at the artwork they have done tattoo and otherwise to see if that style fits your wants and needs. This means you shall pick an artist that will love your piece you’ll have a laugh with and you’ll walk away with a beautiful tattoo and a beautiful memory!
Contact your artist…
Be as specific as you can , including colour or black and grey . Bright and bold or simple . Have references ready if you have them and anything else you’d think could assist the artist achieve/ understand your vision. Instead of saying you’d like a tattoo small medium or large try and use cams or inches or in the very least an object for reference ( the size of a digestive biscuit for example) but definitely something universal in size . This doesn’t have to be perfect it is just to get an idea on size and can always be adjusted later on ! When discussing availability it’s tempting to say something like .. when are you free ? But actually it’s a lot smoother to say when you’re definitely available or definitely not available and we can give suggestions of our diary from there. I’d also recommend mentioning any concerns with skin type weather that’s tone or a skin condition, a cover up or scar from the very beginning to also assist the artist in planning your design accordingly and setting the right amount of time to you .
Tattoo prep time !
Depending on the design you have in mind I personally think it’s best to set up a consultation one to one with the artist in advance. This give you an opportunity to go over any last minute questions and the artist can plan for the body part , this mean the tattoo can flow and become one with you . After the booking is taken a deposit is placed and the wait time begins ! Also it’s important to note try not to get sun burn ,cuts or bruises on the aria your looking to get tattooed . This could mean setting your appointment back , if this dose happen you have to let your artist know asap !
The day before is when your prep as a client begins , just like a medical procedure. Be sure to get plenty of sleep. Drink plenty of water , avoid alcohol for 24hrs before and have a good meal . The morning of keep hydrating, eat a good breakfast around the 2 hour mark before the appointment (you can also bring snacks to the appointment to nibble and drink !)
Tattoo placement and design
After you fill out a consent form , the artist will show you your design. Any changes or adjustments can be made at this point. Don’t ever be afraid to ask or hesitate until it’s too late we all just wanna make you smile ! It is your body and there forever . However you selected this artist and you have to trust they know what they are doing and in your best interest. Be polite and communicate with out insulting is key and that goes for the artist as well. Now stencil time , this step is rather exciting and can be moved and placed in more than one place if you’d like to see at minimal effort so again don’t hesitate to ask . Once placed move around in a mirror so you can see how it bens and stretches with your body. It can be surprising how different it looks but is completely normal and should flow with you .
"Dose it hurt?”
Firstly any tattoo hurts regardless of pain tolerance, but as your body adjusts you;l find it’s not as intense and you can relax in to the music good conversation or even a good book you bought with you . The time shall fly by . Everyone has a thing they use to keep there mind off the tattoo some like to watch others zone out , what ever your choice we are happy ! Of course it’s important however to sit as still as possible, if your uncomfortable and need a wiggle let us know and if you feel lightheaded or nauseous ask for a brake and tell the artist asap . It can pass with a short brake and a sugar rush !
I hope this helps with those first steps into your first tattoo. I’ve generalised as I’m not here just for me this is to help anyone . If you choose to come to me it’s a privilege and I’m more than happy to elaborate on any of the above or any other questions you may have ! Thank you and best of luck !
Aftercare !
Covering your tattoo.
Once your tattoo is complete, your artist shall wrap it with either clingfilm and medical tape or placing a clear medical grade bandage such as second skin /saniderm. As a general rule each artist has a time frame for each .and shall give you an aftercare sheet for you to refer back to at any time .
Cling film I’d say personally an hour or so or until you get home before removing it and washing it gently with war, water. The clear bandages (second skin etc.) follow the artist guidelines again . Some suggest removing it after the first 24-48 hours where as others suggest up to 5 days before removing.
I’d recommend 4 days maximum but if it starts to peel,or anyway the tattoo becomes exposed remove with warm water gently and make sure your hands etc are clean.
When you remove the covering.
regardless of what covering you have gone for. Aftercare is typically the same, your tattoo shall still be healing , wash your tattoo with a mild /natural antibacterial wash, lukewarm water and let it air dry if possible otherwise pat dry with clean paper towels to reduce any chance of infection. Moisturising is recommended after the first 24hrs of bandage removal, use a very thin layer or what ever ointment you have selected once a day but more if you feel it’s needed. Your tattoo shall be pretty much healed at the two week mark but I’d recommend still applying cream once a day for 4-6 weeks . And always apply sun cream if your in direct sunlight to help your tattoo stand the test if time !
Your tattoo is healing, what to expect?
While healing, don’t pick or scratch your tattoo, even when it’s flaking . Don’t submerge your tattoo in a bath pool hot tub or ice bath for a minimum of two weeks .
If you have anything you have a concern about , or any other questions as always just communicate with your artist . We want you and your tattoo to be happy and amazing…and just a little bad ass ! So no questions are silly.
I hope this helps !