Tips For Getting Tattooed
Last Updated on Monday, 20 June 2011 01:19
Written by Scott-e TwoSocks Sunday, 19 June 2011 10:06 |
So you want a tattoo? Whether it’s your first tattoo, or hundreth, properly peparing for, getting tattooed, and then caring for a tattoo can be tricky. Here are some helpful tips for before, during and after the tattoo.
Before
First and foremost, carfully pick the right tattoo facility and the right artist. Do not, under any circumstances get a tattoo anywhere other than a top notch, profesional tattoo parlor. Trust me on this one, you absolutely get what you pay for. Look for a shop that is well lit, clean and friendly. Artists should all have portfolios of work prominatly displayed. If you are looking for an off the shelf tattoo, look for a shop that has a lot of flash (books of pre-made tattoo stencils). If you are looking for a custom tattoo, which I always recomend, find a shop that specialises in that sort of thing. Many shops will only tattoo custom work, and they will have no flash at all. Once you have found a tattoo shop you like, talk to the artsists, and look though the porfolios. Find an artists you get along with, and that is comfortable with the type of design you want.
Once you have an artist selected, and a date set, start prepping your skin for the tattoo. Lotion the part of the body that is going to be tattooed for one to two weeks prior to getting the tattoo. Rubbing vitaimin E on the location twice a day would be even better. Anything you can do to get the skin into the best condition possible. Avoid any sun for a week or two befoere the tattoo, you do not want to tattoo sun burnt skin. Shower right before the tattoo, it is not only polite to the artist, it helps prepare the skin for the tattoo. If the area to be tattooed is particularly hairy, knock the hair down with for the tattoo artist. They are going to shave the area anyway, as the hair get’s caught in the tattooo machine.
The day off the tattoo, march into the parlor well rested, healthy and ready to go. Make sure to eat before the tattoo, and bring a small snack and a drink (water, sport drink, or juice). Tattooing causes blood loss and anything you can do to help maintain an even blood sugar level will make the experience more pleasant. Wear comfortable clothes that allow easy access to the area of the body being tattooed. Keep in mind becoming hot, and even sweating are typical and normal reactions to being tattooed.
During
The tattooing process causes discomfort to a greater or lesser level. Each person has different levels of sensitivity, and each part of the body is different. I’ve gotten tattoos that I could scarcely feel, some that hurt, but none that were unbearable. Preparing the skin before the tattoo goes a long way to making the tattoo go faster, and hurt less. Understand that the pain also triggers an endorfin release. The endorfins mute pain, but also can cause a sense of euphoria. Becoming light headed, dizzy, or hot are common responses to a tattoo. Let your artist know if you feel like you may pass out, or are particularly hot.
Expect and accept that there will be a level of discomfort, but don’t fear it. Enjoy the experience, as it will be over before you know it. Talk to your artist, look around the shop, listen to music. Anything you can do to not focus on the tattoo will help speed things along.
If you are sitting for several hours, your artist will most likely take a break or two, but if you need a moment, speak up. Tattoo artists understand the process and want to do everything they can to make it all go smoothly. Let them know if something hurts more or less. Also keep in mind the machines need adjustments, and sometimes the needles have minor flaws. I’ve had artists change tubes and needles five minutes into a tattoo because they weren’t “working right”. Every time this happens, the new combination of tube and needles will hurt less. Don’t be shy about asking questions, but also understand the artist may switch needles, tubes, whole machines, settings on the machines. They are not trying to drag their feet to draw the process out, they are genuinely making the changes with you best interest in mind.
Lastly, and most importantly, sit still.
After
Pay your tattoo artist, preferably in cash, and tip your artist accordingly (20-25% is fairly standard). Understand that a good portion of the price of a tattoo goes to the shop for rent, supplies, insurance etc. If your happy with the tattoo, let the artists know the best way possible, cold hard cash. Also, by paying cash, and tipping your artist, you will find yourself a part of the regulars club, and members of that club generally get a better price on their tattoos.
You may find yourself stooped in a euphoric haze, sore, or hungry. Make you way home, eat if you’re hungry and relax.Wait an hour or two, and take the hottest shower you can stand. The hot water breaks up the plasma, gets the extra ink off and results in a thinner scab. You’ll also feel better, and it will give you a chance to admire your new piece of art.
Avoid going out, drinking, drugs or alchohol, particularly for the first few days. Don’t fiddle with the tattoo. Keep in mind it is a large wound. The less you mess with it the better. Don’t confine the tattoo, but allow it to breathe while healing, but also keep it covered and avoid sun exposure.
Everyone has a preferred method of aftercare. Some use a&d ointment, or scent free alcohol free lotion, I don’t use anything at all. Everyone does agree, do keep the tattoo clean, no sun, or soaking in water. Above all, do not scratch the tattoo at all (you can slap it to alleviate itching).
Thanks again to the ladies down at Elemental Ink for the photos of tattoos. ChaChaChaCheck them out!
Elemental Ink
303 629 1800
1201 Santa Fe Drive, Unit A
Denver CO
TwoSocks
Wow, I had no idea about this whole process. Excellent tips. This will be my handbook if I ever decide to get a tattoo!!