Advice on first tattoo

[RhubarbCrumbled]

It's happening today and I'm so excited! I'm having it done on my ribs so ready for it to be a bit scratchy.
Any advice on how to deal with the scratching and any after care tips please!

[Meow75]

Bepanthen is your friend. Slather it on to the tattoo at least 2-3 times a day, but in reality as often as you can and DO NOT pick at the scabs.
And good luck. It is painful but not unbearable. I have 4 and I'm a wuss.

[Indecisivejo]

Ooooh great I am a big tattoo lover! You are very brave going for ribs as a first tattoo though as that's one of most painful areas I think u need to be aware that a bit scratchy is a big understatement! Is it a big design?

[User543212345]

I'm not sure about "scratchy" - I'd be prepared for it to hurt. Not a lot but enough that you won't be able to really concentrate on anything else. Make sure you eat a few hours before you go and take some snacks with you just in case you feel a bit wobbly during. Don't be afraid to ask for breaks if it gets unbearable or if you feel woozy.

As for aftercare - do what your artist tells you! I wet healed my most recent one, having dry healed before and can't say it made much of a difference but the trick is to keep it moisturised, don't scratch or pick at it and don't have clothing rubbing on it.

How long is your sitting and what are you having done?

Expect to be planning your next one before the week is up

[Indecisivejo]

And yes agree with bepanthen u need a big tube! Slather it on in morn and cover with cling film then wash in eve cream it and cover again! Do this for a week then after then u can stop covering it and apply a thinner layer of bepanthen as often as u can through day for next few days. Time consuming and annoying yes but is best way

[WelcomeToTheBungle]

Bepanthen is amazing stuff. Put it on after showering in the morning and before bed, and then whenever else you feel it needs it.

Ribs is a very brave choice but can look stunning. Can I ask what design you've gone for? Oh and if you can, try to relax and enjoy it. Let the endorphins do their job.

I'm v jealous - 22 weeks pregnant and so want a new tattoo

[RhubarbCrumbled]

It's quite a small design of two feathers. Black line and very lovely! I'm in for a two hour appointment but the artist thinks it will be more like 1.5hours. I wanted this one somewhere more hidden which is why it's on my ribs but I'm already planning one for my wrist!
I'm slightly more nervous now you've said I'm brave. I'm not at all. Is it worth taking pain killers before? I have co-codemol to hand and will go and buy bepanthan and snacks. It's an excuse for chocolate!

[AccordingToOurRecords]

I would follow your tattooist aftercare instructions, to the letter. If any problems occur and you haven't done as suggested it won't be his/her problem to deal with.

Good luck and as people have already said, eat and drink before you have your sitting. You are brave having your ribs done especially if you are a skinny minny, if you are a bit chunkier it won't be so bad, but still Ouch!

[RhubarbCrumbled]

Oh, and how soon after can I go swimming?

[AccordingToOurRecords]

Painkillers can increase bleeding so are not recommended. No alcohol either. Deep breaths, stay relaxed, once you are in the ' zone' you will be fine. I've had four 4 hour sittings and always fell asleep. ( still not finished????)

[AccordingToOurRecords]

2-4 weeks.

[nuttybananas]

i was also told to avoid direct sun for long time, but I think that might have been to do with the colour and to keep it 'crisp'.

[poppym12]

take some sweets or lollies to suck. your 'scratchy' on the ribs? ouchfeeling may make you feel a bit light headed at times so keep your blood sugar level up.

[RhubarbCrumbled]

I've had a word with my BIL who is tattooed head to toe and he's said it'll hurt but not as much as a knee cap. That makes me feel better ????
I have chocolate, bepanthan, sucky sweets and 6music to get me through. And knowing how amazing it's going to be at the end!
And of course I'll share when it's done!

[notthestereotype]

Oooo no advice, but looking forward to seeing it when it's done! Love the sound of it Good luck!

[maybemyrtle]

I would take a few paracetamol beforehand if you're nervous, I've done this with no adverse effects. Def not aspirin or ibuprofen as they can affect the blood but I think paracetamol is fine. If not I'm sure someone will be able to correct me before it's too late :)

[MyFriendsCallMeOh]

Had mine done in Asia where advice is different, I was told not to touch my tattoo for 4 weeks, no crams, lotions, covering etc., it healed well. Just goes to show how it all varies but do follow what your artist tells you re aftercare....

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

I was advised to wash mine twice a day and use a thin layer of bepanthen but not to cover it. It was covered when I left the studio but once that was off don't cover it again.

[User543212345]

Have you had it done yet, Rhubarb ? I'm living vicariously through you (I have an appointment booked for October to extend a current piece but am umming and aahing as to whether to extend or have an entirely separate piece).

[Indecisivejo]

I am eagerly waiting for pic lol

[RhubarbCrumbled]

Here it is! The advice from the artist was to unwrap and wash as soon as I got home. Keep it as dry as I can and apply a very thin layer of bepanthan 3-4 times a day. Should be healed in about a week as it's mainly shading and I can swim as soon as it's healed.
As for pain, it really was just a little bit scratchy! It only started to get sore after about an hour but that's as long as it took.
And I love it! And I'm already planning the next!

[Indecisivejo]

That is absolutely lovely it has been done very well u must be very pleased
I am close to booking my next one and can't wait!

[RhubarbCrumbled]

Now it's not so red and I've seen it really close up it's beautiful. They're shaded in black, grey and white so will be amazing when it all heals.
I can definitely recommend Jay at Stainless Steve's in maidstone.