First Tattoo Tips And Advice
When you are ready for your first tattoo, it can be an exciting experience. You already know that the process might involve a little pain. However, before sitting down for a session, you want to follow a little advice to help you prepare for the process. Here are some of the top tips you should know before getting your first tattoo.
Make Sure To Hydrate Your Skin
Hydration is key to a healthy tattoo. About a week before your session, you will want to moisturize your skin. All of that extra hydration can help to make your skin healthier. Remember that healthy skin is more resilient to the needle. All that moisturizing helps with recovery and makes the ink application easier for your tattoo artist.
Avoid The Sun
You need to be mindful of the sun before and after your tattoo session. Always cover up before you take a trip outside in the sun. You will want to use sunscreen and extra layers to keep your skin protected from those harmful rays.
If you have sunburn on your skin, it might be a good idea to cancel your appointment. A professional artist will never work on severely damaged or irritated skin. They want a healthy canvas for their work. You don’t want to get a tattoo on these burned spots. A sunburn brings extra blood to the surface, causing the ink to dilute.
Use A Razor
If you have a hairy arm or leg, you might want to take a razor and shave that area. Always be careful and don’t cut yourself. Any injuries to your skin could lead to a canceled appointment. Think about using wax to remove some of those thick hairs. With that, you don’t have to stress about nicks or cuts. Just make sure to do that several days before the appointment to avoid bumps on the skin.
Many people don’t worry about shaving. The tattoo artist will shave the area before a session. Remember that can slow down the process, especially if you have a lot of hair. Shave a few days before the tattoo session if you want to save time.
Get Plenty Of Rest
For the best result, get plenty of rest before your inking session. First-timers are always a little scared before their appointment. If you are fidgety, that movement can distract the artist, leading to faint lines on your skin. Plus, you want to be in a good mood. You will not feel relaxed with a lack of sleep. This experience should be enjoyable for you. A good night of sleep can help make it a more comfortable session.
Eat A Good Meal And Drink Water
You might be tempted to drink a shot of liquor, but that is the worst thing you can do. Alcohol can thin out the blood. Along with that, reputable Philadelphia tattoo shops will cancel your
appointment if you are drunk. It is unethical to tattoo someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol. With that, stay away from drinks until after your session.
If you want to relax, think about eating a healthy meal and drinking plenty of water. An empty stomach can lead to an increased chance of nausea. You could faint from low sugar at the tattoo parlor when you don’t eat. Whether you eat a full breakfast or take a snack, you need the energy to get through the process. When the muscles start to get tense, they will tire out faster than normal.
While you may feel nervous, it is important to put something in your stomach. You might want to bring snacks and water if you plan on getting a large tattoo. These sessions can take a few hours to complete.
Before your tattoo session, avoid coffee, over-the-counter pain medication, and energy drinks. These substances can thin your blood, leading to more bleeding during the process. If you are stressed, these beverages and medications can make you feel more anxious during the session.
Wear Old Clothing
If you have a favorite shirt or pants, you might want to keep them at home. You should wear clothes that you can easily remove. Think about wearing items that will not get in the artist’s way. It is important to wear comfortable clothes because you will be sitting in a chair for several hours. Along with that, there is always a possibility that the ink will get on the clothes. For that reason, you should wear something that you will not mind getting dirty or ruined.
Bring A Little Entertainment
You probably already know it, but you can expect to be at the tattoo parlor for several hours. While you could chat up your artist, it is a great idea to keep yourself occupied during that time. Some artists don’t like to talk as they work with a client. Many of these professionals want to concentrate on their work. Make sure that your phone is fully charged so you can play games, surf the web, or email friends. Whatever you do, don’t engage in activities where you will be bouncing around or fidgeting in the chair. Bring something that can calmly entertain you.
Preparing For Your First Tattoo
If you need a few more tips or advice, always reach out to your tattoo artist. They will be happy to let you know what you should do and avoid before the big day. In addition to that, they can give you a few tips to help speed up the recovery process. You should never be afraid to ask questions or express your concerns. A professional tattoo artist will always be happy to walk you through this first-time process.
Find A High-Quality Tattoo Shop
Are you searching for local tattoo shops near me? Oracle Tattoo Gallery is one of the best shops in Philadelphia. Our renowned artists are ready to help create a beautiful piece of art for your body. We are here to answer all of those first-timers’ questions as well. If you are ready to book your next inking session, make sure to call 215-638-1601.
