Getting your first tattoo is exciting, and a little preparation makes it a lot more enjoyable. This first tattoo checklist takes you through everything from choosing an artist to the first few days afterwards, so you can walk in feeling calm, ready and looking forward to it.
Work through it at your own pace. Most of it is simple, and it all helps. You don’t have to tick off every item, but the more you’ve got sorted, the more relaxed you’ll feel on the day.
Your first tattoo checklist: before you book
The decisions you make now shape the whole experience.
Find the right artist. Look through portfolios for work in the style you like, and read the studio’s reviews. Check that the studio is licensed by your local council, and see how clean and professional it looks. A consultation is a great way to get a feel for a place.
Decide on your design. Take your time here. Bring references, and be open to your artist’s suggestions, as they’ll know what will age well on skin.
Choose your placement. Think about how visible you’d like it to be, how it’ll fit your body, and how much it might hurt. The tattoo pain chart is a handy guide, and the outer arm, thigh and calf are popular first spots.
Be realistic about size. A smaller first piece lets you learn how you respond, and there’s always room for more later on.
Book a consultation. Many artists offer a short chat before you commit. It’s a great chance to ask questions and see whether you feel comfortable there.
Ask about the session. Find out how long it should take, how much it’ll cost, what deposit is needed and how they’d like you to prepare.
Decide how you’ll handle pain
Everybody worries about this, and it’s worth having a plan.
Most of the helpful stuff is free: sleep, food, water, a good playlist and regular breaks. The guide to making a tattoo hurt less goes through them all.
You might also want to consider a numbing product. Many nervous first-timers like having that option, particularly for sensitive placements. If you think you might, take these steps early:
- Ask your artist first. Some have a preference, and some would rather work without it. The guide on whether artists mind numbing cream includes a message you can copy.
- Read up on it. Know what it can and can’t do. See does tattoo numbing cream work? and is it worth it?
- Order in good time. That way, you can read the directions on the pack at your leisure.
- Read the complete guide. The complete UK guide covers what to read before you use anything.
The week before
A few small habits now will pay off on the day.
- Look after your skin. Moisturise regularly, and avoid sunburn on the area.
- Confirm your appointment. Double-check the time, location and any final details.
- Sort out payment. Check how the studio prefers to be paid, and whether a tip is customary.
- Plan your transport. It’s nice not to have to rush, and you might be tired afterwards.
- Check your diary. Avoid swimming holidays, beach trips and heavy gym sessions for a little while after your appointment, as a fresh tattoo needs time to heal.
The night before and on the day
This is where a first tattoo checklist really earns its keep.
The night before: Get a good night’s sleep, drink plenty of water and skip the alcohol. Lay out loose, comfortable clothes that make the area easy to reach, and choose something you don’t mind getting a little ink on.
On the morning: Eat a proper meal, even if you’re feeling too nervous to be hungry, as low blood sugar can make you feel light-headed. Shower, and leave the area free of lotions unless your artist has said otherwise.
In your bag:
- ID, as UK studios need to confirm you’re over 18
- Water and a sugary snack
- Headphones and a charged phone
- Your payment
- Any product you’ve agreed with your artist, in its original pack
In the chair
You’ve made it, and this is the fun part of the day. Your artist will clean the area, apply the stencil and check the placement with you. Have a proper look, and speak up if you want anything moved. It’s much easier to change now.
Once they’ve started, breathe slowly and try to keep still without tensing up. Ask for a break when you need one. Good artists expect it, and feeling a bit light-headed is common with first-timers, so tell them right away if you do. Then settle in and enjoy watching it come together.
After your session
Your artist will give you aftercare instructions, so follow those above anything else. Most advice follows a similar pattern:
- Keep it clean. Wash it gently with clean hands, using a mild soap.
- Keep it moisturised. Use a thin layer of the product your artist recommends.
- Leave it alone. Don’t pick or scratch any flakes, however tempting it might be.
- Avoid soaking it. Showers are usually fine, but steer clear of baths and swimming until it’s healed.
- Keep it out of the sun. Once it’s healed, use a high-factor sunscreen to keep it looking fresh.
Expect it to feel sore and warm at first, much like sunburn. If anything worries you as it heals, contact your artist or a GP.
Ticking off your first tattoo checklist
The people who enjoy their first tattoo most tend to be the ones who’ve prepared well. You don’t need to do everything perfectly. Choose a good artist, look after yourself, ask questions and speak up on the day. Keep this first tattoo checklist to hand, and you’ll be well prepared for a great experience, and quite possibly for your second.
This article is general information, not medical advice.