the inkster
Mar
06
10.25am

THE INKSTER // 7 Timeless Tattoo Tips: Part 2


Today is the day! You’re finally going to lose your ink virginity and become a real tattooed adult! Hopefully you followed the tips in my last article and are now psyching yourself up about your bad-ass piece of art.

I didn’t want to leave you guys to handle this experience for the first time on your own. It’s no surprise that tattoos hurt (I’m not going to lie and say it doesn’t, because it certainly does) but hopefully these few more tips will help make the experience a little less painful.

Don’t forget to check out 7 Timeless Tattoo Tips: Part 1 for all your pre-booking tips & tricks!

1. The Arrival

While most tattoo artists operate like doctors (meticulously but 99% of the time running behind) it’s always a good idea to show up a little early for your appointment. On the off chance your tattooist is running on time, or more likely are just starting for the day, they can spend those few extra minutes adjusting your stencil and making sure it looks as amazing as you’ve always imagined. And the more time you have at the end the better. No one likes feeling rushed and faster tattooing can hurt a lot!

2. The Meal Prep

I myself am a “prostitute’s breakfast” person who basically sustains themselves on coffee and cigarettes until midday. The only exception to this is when I’m about to get tattooed. If you try and sit through a couple of hours worth of tattooing on an empty stomach, there is a 99% chance you’ll puke your guts up or pass out right on the chair. Your adrenalin spikes and your blood sugar drops, meaning if you don’t have extra sugar in your body from food you’re gonna feel real sick real quick. Another good tip for when that happens is to have some sweets or a lollipop with you. I always have a lollipop in my mouth while I’m being tattooed and I’ve always found it makes me feel a lot better.

3. The Dress Code

It’s all well and good to want to look nice for such a momentous occasion, but make sure you’re dressing not just for you but for your soon-to-be tattoo. For example avoid white clothes or clothes you don’t want ruined. Although rare, tattoo ink does splatter around the place and it’s not uncommon to find a couple of drops here and there on your skin or clothing. Also make sure you’re not wearing a super tight leather skirt if you’re about to get a thigh piece. Remember that after your tat is done, the skin is going to be very sensitive, raw and wrapped in plastic. You don’t want restrictive clothing irritating the area anymore than it already is.

4. The Painkillers

Just before I got my first tattoo, my older sister told me to take a Panadol to help the pain. Now obviously a painkiller to help with pain seems like a perfectly natural and smart idea. But I’ll tell you right now, it does nothing. Potentially the only benefit of taking painkillers before getting tattooed is that it gives you the illusion it’s helping the pain, that whole mind over matter mentality. Other than that I’ve never noticed a difference. But if you are going to take painkillers, do not take Asprin! That shit will thin out your blood and make for one messy experience.



5. The Crew

It’s normal to want to bring your bestie with you for moral support. And it’s pretty handy to have a hand (ha! pun) to squeeze and someone to take your mind off the actual tattooing. But if this is what you’re planning to do, make sure you’re only bringing ONE or TWO people. Tattoo parlours are just like any other workspace. It needs to be clean, uncluttered, and artists need to concentrate. Having your whole squad rock up and squish themselves into a small waiting room not only makes it harder for your tattooist to concentrate over the back and forth, but it’s pretty unpleasant for all the other customers in the shop. It’s a consideration thing.

6. The Skin

Leading up to getting your tattoo, you have to make sure your skin is in prime condition! Not only is it going to hurt like hell if you’ve got sunburn, most tattooists probably won’t tattoo you at all. The same goes for rashes, eczema, cuts, grazes, etc. Don’t worry about scars, you can tattoo over them. However, be aware that raised scars will potentially change the texture and overall look of your piece. If you’re worried about a skin condition or rashes appearing when you go get tattooed, make sure your artists is aware of this before you book it in so you can both decide if you’re able (and happy) to move forward with the booking.

7. The Pain

Like I mentioned before, tattoos hurt. It’s pretty obvious really, someone is stabbing you with multiple needles at one time and then dragging them through your skin. Not the most pleasant way to think of it, but a fact nonetheless. But just because it hurts, it doesn’t mean you’re going to die from shock or blood loss. It’s important to prepare yourself for the pain, but don’t work yourself up about it. You don’t want to have to go home as the person who made themselves faint before the needle even touched their skin. That’s just embarrassing for everyone involved.


Check back next Tuesday for more tattoo tips from The Inkster!



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