Thinking of getting a tattoo? Know where it hurts most, what to ask your artist, and tattoo aftercare tips

Getting a tattoo is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. From designing and placing the tattoo to choosing the right artist, every step is crucial. While many tattoos hold special meaning or tell a story, it's not necessary to have a deep significance – what matters most is that you're happy with the final result. To ensure a positive experience, it's essential to take the right steps, from preparation to aftercare. By doing so, you can enjoy your new tattoo and appreciate the art etched into your skin.

Thinking about getting your first tattoo? Whether you’ve planned your ink for months or just started considering it, getting a tattoo is a big decision.


Tattoo prep guide: Style, font, colours for your skin tone and best placement tips
1. Style
Once you have decided what you want tattooed, you must figure out how you want it to look. There are various types of styles. Some of the popular styles include
American traditional
Traditional Japanese
Realism
Illustrative
Neo-traditional
Minimalism or geometric

2. Choosing the right font
If you're planning to include words or text in your tattoo design, selecting the right font is crucial. You can even test out your text in different fonts to visualize how it will look on your body. Once you've found a font you like, print out a few versions to bring to your tattoo artist as a reference. This will help them accurately replicate the font, even if it's not exactly available on their computer.

3. Tattoo colours and skin tone
When choosing tattoo colours, consider how they'll look on your skin tone over time. Your skin tone affects how colours hold, with lighter skin often showcasing white ink, reds, and purples well, while darker skin tones tend to hold deeper colours like crimson red and royal blue better.

4. Tattoo size and placement considerations
When getting a tattoo, consider the size and location carefully, as these factors impact how the design will age. Think about how visible you want your tattoo to be and choose a location that suits the design. Your artist can help you determine the ideal size and placement, set expectations for the process, and ensure you're happy with the final result.


What to check before letting a tattoo artist ink you
1. Verify licensing: Ensure the shop and the tattoo artist have a proper and authentic license, and also check your state’s regulations to confirm their certification.

2. Prioritise hygiene: A reputable shop will prioritise health and safety, giving you peace of mind for your tattoo experience. Look for a clean and well-maintained shop. Check if the artist uses single-use needles, ink, gloves, and other equipment to prevent cross-contamination.

3. Assessing shop courtesy and artist compatibility: Consider the artist’s professionalism and personality. It is important to feel comfortable and confident in their abilities. If you feel uneasy, it is okay to explore other options. A consultation can help you gauge the artist’s enthusiasm and seriousness towards his work.


Questions to ask your tattoo artist

1. Experience and qualifications: How long have you been tattooing, and what's your speciality?

2. Portfolio: Can I see your past work to gauge your style and range?

3. Guarantee and touch-ups: Do you offer free touch-ups for any issues during healing?

4. Pricing: What's your hourly rate or pricing structure?

5. Sanitation and Safety: How do you sanitize equipment, and do you use latex-free gloves?

6. Ink and materials: What brand of ink do you use, and can you accommodate any allergies?

7. Design placement: Where would you recommend placing the design for the best results?

8. Aftercare: What aftercare routine do you recommend for proper healing?

Asking these questions ensures you're working with a qualified artist who can deliver the results you want while prioritizing your safety and satisfaction.

How much does a tattoo hurt? It dependsGetting a tattoo is painful. But the amount of pain depends on the size of the tattoo, location, and your pain tolerance. A tattoo tends to hurt the most around sensitive areas, with nerves and less flesh, such as the forehead, neck, spine, ribs, hands or fingers, ankle, and the top of your feet. Getting a tattoo on your bicep or thigh is less painful.

Tattoo aftercare tips you can followTo ensure your tattoo heals well, follow these steps:

1. Keep the dressing on for a few hours, then wash your hands before removing it.

2. Clean the tattoo with a gentle, unscented soap or your artist's recommended cleanser.

3. Pat dry with a clean towel; avoid rubbing to prevent ink loss.

4. Apply ointment or lotion if skin feels dry or itchy, using fragrance-free products.

5. Follow your artist's aftercare instructions and avoid picking at flaking skin to prevent damage


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