A Guide to Your First Tattoo According to Pros

Last Updated on March 29, 2024 by Aiman Emaan

Before your first tattoo, there are several things you should know. First, a professional tattoo artist will set up their supplies, so they can show you how clean and new supplies are. A professional will tell you to lie and sit during the tattoo process. In addition, a professional will also tell you about safety hazards and aftercare.

Advice from a professional

Getting advice from a professional when getting your first tattoo is essential. While tattoos are fun, you must consider where they’ll be visible. While most employers don’t care if their employees have visible tattoos, they will likely discourage them if they have a large one. Colorado tattoo artists will help you choose the best spot for your new ink so it won’t stretch or distort.

Sun exposure is another danger. Although tattoos can be covered by clothing, you should be sure to protect them from direct sunlight. Sunlight is highly damaging to your skin, both today and years down the road. So use sunscreen, and moisturize your new tattoo after swimming or sweating. You’ll also want to stay hydrated. And remember to avoid the sun, which will quickly fade your tattoo color.

Colors

Before getting a tattoo, it’s essential to understand how pigments change over time. Certain pigments, such as red, may fade more quickly over time than others. Tattoo professionals recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects UVA and UVB rays. Ideally, the color of your first tattoo should be thoroughly saturated after four months. In some cases, this may require more than one session.

Tattoo pigment should be lighter or significantly darker than your skin tone. For example, if you have fair skin, you can choose a tattoo that contains red and violet pigments. White ink doesn’t show well on darker skin, so avoid this option unless you have ashen skin. Darker skin tones need a darker pigment. Bright or dark colors work best on medium to dark skin tones, and light shades don’t look as striking against darker skin.

Aftercare

Aftercare is a crucial part of your new tattoo. Your artist should be aware of your pain level and provide a break when necessary. Tattoo aftercare is essential to keep your new ink looking fresh and vibrant. The length of time your tattoo will last depends on the type of tattoo you get and how you treat it.

Coconut oil is an old-school aftercare product. While applying coconut oil directly to your tattoo may seem appealing, it has numerous side effects and can actually clog your new ink. Additionally, coconut oil is expensive, and you don’t want to spend more than you have to. Instead, use body oil or moisturizer made for tattoo aftercare. These ingredients are dermatologist-approved and will help keep your new tattoo from fading and leaving you with an ugly scar.

Consultations

When choosing a tattoo artist, booking an appointment ahead of time is best. This allows you to discuss your design and give the artist a more precise idea of your final vision. Some artists will require a deposit, so be sure to arrive a few minutes early to make the most of your consultation. During the consultation, make sure you arrive well-rested and eat a meal. Lastly, you should arrive at least half an hour early to avoid delays.

Once you’ve chosen a tattoo artist, bring a few pictures of designs you’ve already had tattooed. You may have a favorite artist or design, but the first one you see may not be what you want. Make sure to bring several images, and make it clear that the photo is intended to be an inspiration, not a copy. Discuss the design before the tattoo artist begins the final drawing.

Getting a tattoo by a reputable artist

Getting a tattoo from a reputable artist is excellent if you have a high pain tolerance. However, tattoos involve needles and blood. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the tattoo artist has a high-quality reputation. Depending on your tattoo, you may need to take a mid-process break or ask to speak to someone else in the studio.

Getting a tattoo from a reputable artist is an excellent idea if you plan to have it for years. A good artist will listen to what you’re looking for and create a tattoo design that matches your preferences and expectations. The artist will be able to create the tattoo you want while still keeping the overall aesthetics of your body. There are also many different styles of tattoos, and you should be comfortable with each one.

Read More: Botox After Care Tips: Everything You Need To Know