Tattoo Do's & Don'ts 🖤
This all comes from my UN-professional opinion. However I have been getting tattooed for 5 years now & decided to share some things I wish I knew sooner for anyone thinking about starting to collect tattoos. In total i have 10 tattoos and sat for 14 separate sessions; some experiences and artists having been better than others...
1) DONT be afraid to walk away. This is something i wish i had done with my cat tattoo. The artist was unprofessional, unprepared for my booked appointment, & over charged for a tiny 3 inch tattoo that took only 30 minutes. Do not feel like you have to stay and wait around for someone who doesn't value your time as the client. Had i gone to my current shop the quality, size, and artwork would have been 10x better imo.
2) DO Find artist(s) that tattoo in the style you want! If you want a fine line tattoo, make sure they specialize in the style as these can fade quickly when done wrong. I have several fine line tattoos, as it's my style of choice. My blue butterfly & surrounding flowers quickly diminished in quality from the first 2 sessions 3 years ago and have since needed to be entirely redone. I love this tattoo despite the shortcomings.
3) DO speak up! Ask your artist to adjust the placement or even tweak part of the design. If you know its bothering you now, its definitely going to bother you down the line.
4) please DONT get a couples tattoo. I mean really do what you want but most of these end up covered up in the long run! If you must, get it in red or extremely small. Future you will thank you.
5) DO Come prepared with an idea of what you want, placements you like, how big, any color, art style, and reference photos to all help your vision come to life. Also consider if you want a lot or some tattoos. This can all define the direction of an eventual finished sleeve. Also consider what your artisit may suggest. theyre going to know whats best in the end.
6) DONT FEAR. You can also just wing it and pick a pre drawn design from an artist's flash designs! This is a fun way to just pop into the shop, sit down if theres availablily and get a sick tattoo. Not all tattoos need a need meaningful thought behind them. Sometimes life and tattoos are about also being spontaneous!
7) DO BE AWARE! All tattoos hurt, especially the bigger and longer the session. A small tattoo probably wont be as painful. Know your pain tolerance and look up pain charts for tattoos. EAT a GOOD MEAL the day before and the day OF you appointment so your body isnt as overwhelmed by the trauma of your skin being blasted over with a needle!!!
All in all it's your body and your tattoo journey! This is a LIFESTYLE not a TREND! Goodluck baddie 🖤🌞
Beyond the initial planning and getting inked, the journey with your tattoos truly begins once you walk out of the shop. Based on my own experiences and navigating the world with my collection of tattoos, I’ve picked up some essential aftercare and long-term tips that I wish someone had shared with me sooner. Proper "tatoo care" is crucial for preserving your artwork and ensuring it looks vibrant for years to come. First off, let's talk about aftercare. The first few weeks are paramount. My routine typically involves gently washing the fresh tattoo with antibacterial, fragrance-free soap a couple of times a day, then patting it dry with a clean paper towel – never a cloth that could harbor bacteria! After that, a thin layer of a recommended tattoo balm or fragrance-free lotion helps keep it moisturized. Over-moisturizing can be just as bad as letting it dry out, so a little goes a long way. I’ve learned the hard way that picking at scabs or letting it dry out can lead to patchy healing and needing early touch-ups. Also, avoid soaking your new tattoo in baths, pools, or the ocean for at least 2-3 weeks. This was tough for me, especially wanting to swim in summer, but it's vital for preventing infection and ensuring crisp lines. Long-term, sun protection is non-negotiable if you want your tattoos to stay sharp. My fine-line blue butterfly and flowers, for instance, faded significantly over time before I started being diligent with sunscreen. Now, any time my tattoos are exposed, especially my larger pieces like the geometric dragonfly or the thigh tattoo with the skull and snake, they get a good layer of SPF 50+. UV rays are a tattoo’s worst enemy, causing colors to dull and lines to blur. Hydration also plays a role; keeping your skin healthy overall helps your ink look its best. Another point to emphasize, building on finding the right artist, is to shop around for quality, not just price. The OCR mentioned "DONT be SCAMMED shop around. make sure the price is reasonable compared to the quality & size of the artwork," and I couldn't agree more. My experience with the overpriced cat tattoo taught me this. Look at an artist's healed work, not just fresh photos. A great portfolio shows consistency and longevity. Don't be afraid to ask about their hygiene practices or if they use single-use needles. This will give you peace of mind and prevent potential issues later. When it comes to managing the pain – because yes, "DO BE AWARE TATTOOS HURT" is an absolute truth – there's more you can do than just eating a good meal. I've found focusing on my breathing, listening to music, or even chatting with the artist helps distract me. Ensuring you're well-rested and hydrated the day before helps immensely. Everyone's pain tolerance is different, but certain areas like ribs, spine, and feet tend to be more sensitive. Knowing this beforehand can help you prepare mentally. Finally, for those thinking about getting inked, remember the advice: "DONT hesitate to say NO its gonna be on your body forever; be absolutely in love w the design!" This isn't just about the initial design; it's about living with your ink for years to come. Tattoos become part of your story. Sometimes, despite best efforts, a tattoo might not age exactly as planned, or your tastes might change. Don't stress too much about a "dont care tattoo" meaning regret. Many artists offer touch-ups, and cover-ups are always an option if an old design, perhaps one of those couple tattoos from years ago, no longer resonates with you. It’s a journey, and your body is a canvas that evolves. Embrace it!
be hydrated when your appt starts and keep a water bottle handy. if it's a long session, take Gatorade. take Tylenol etc about 20 min before appt.