The first tattoo: 7 things you should know

Experienced tattoo fans know what to expect at their next studio visit. However, for those who put themselves under the needle for the first time, the appointment is usually associated with many questions and uncertainties. Is the motif really right for me? Will it hurt? What costs should I expect? We show you which points you should pay attention to before the first pricking and give answers to the most frequently asked questions on the subject.

Which motif should I choose?

If you are toying with the idea of getting a tattoo, you usually already have a motif in mind that you would like to immortalize on your skin. If you have exact ideas, you can discuss these in the tattoo studio with your tattoo artist. In consultations, the appropriate size and style for your first tattoo will also be clarified and initial drawings made. It is important that you are aware that the chosen motif will accompany you for the rest of your life, but at least for a few years. So you should be sure that you still like it in five or ten years.

Which part of the body is best suited?

Once the motif is chosen, the question remains on which part of the body the tattoo should be created. The body part also decides on the size of the tattoo. For small, delicate motifs are more suitable knuckles or fingers. Large tattoo wishes can be realized on the back, shoulders or arms. You should also consider how visible the tattoo should be. Those who work in a bank, for example, should opt for tattoos that are not visible in everyday work. Generally, tattoo newbies are recommended to start with a smaller tattoo first to find out how the skin reacts to the tattoo. For the XXL tattoo is still enough time afterwards.

3. how much will it hurt?

If you believe experienced tattoo artists, then the most frequently asked question before the first tattoo, is the pain. To answer this, is not so easy. On the one hand, each person has a different pain threshold. On the other hand, the pain factor also depends on the selected location and the size of the motif. It hurts especially on the fingers, knuckles, face, elbows and neck. In other words, everywhere where the skin is very thin and many nerves run. In more robust places you will not notice more than a slight tugging in the best case. If you get a tattoo with color, you should be a little tougher, because color pigments are larger than in black paint and therefore a little more painful when stinging.

4. what costs should I expect?

How do I find the right studio?

Especially in big cities, the mass of tattoo studios is enormous. With the variety of artists and offers to find the overview and especially the right tattoo artist, is not so easy. Recommendations and comparisons can help with a first selection. Decisive, however, is the consultation, in which you can get to know your tattoo artist and his way of stinging, and quickly notice whether you feel comfortable with him. Most shops also show their art on social media. So it's often worth taking a look at the homepage or social media channels to get a feel for the tattoo artist's style.

What will I have to do on the day of my tattoo appointment?

You know what motif it should be, have found your dream studio and agreed on the appearance and cost of the tattoo? Then nothing stands in the way of the final tattoo appointment. Before it goes for you under the needle, you should pay attention to some things. It is important that you come to the appointment well rested and fit. In addition, the chosen body part should be well creamed and possibly shaved. The tattoo artist will then explain the procedure again, clean the area, disinfect and then begin with the tattoo. With the tattoo machine and the disposable needle, the outlines of the tattoo are first drawn and then cleaned again. Then the motif is shaded with a thicker needle and added color depending on the motif. Just like a real work of art.

7. how do I care for my tattoo?

The tattoo care is then up to you again. Some tattoo artists provide you after the sting with a special cream for the spot. Otherwise, it does but also a wound and healing ointment from the pharmacy, which can be applied after a few hours on the wound. Immediately after the stinging the freshly stung tattoo is anyway cleaned by the tattoo artist, creamed and wrapped in foil. This should be removed after three hours at the earliest. After that, the wound can be cleaned with lukewarm water and creamed with the wound ointment. During the first 14 days it is recommended to avoid direct sunlight, swimming pool and sauna visits. Especially in summer, the sun acts like a laser on the skin, which impairs the healing process and incidentally also causes the color of the tattoo to fade. Until the tattoo wound is completely healed, it can take several weeks or even months. By the way: If you are not completely satisfied with your tattoo after the appointment, you should make a follow-up appointment in time. Small corrections are usually even free of charge.