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Original poster

Tell me what to expect re: first tattoo

157 replies

TheyreOnlyNoodlesMichael · 04/10/2022 14:58

I am booked to have a tattoo this Saturday. It's going to be on my inner forearm between elbow and wrist. I've wanted one for a really long time (I'm 41!) but firstly have been put off because I am an absolute wimp (and I can't emphasise this enough ) with pain, and secondly because I couldn't decide on something I liked enough to have it on my body all the time! Well I've liked this particular design that I've chosen for well over a year now so I fucked it and booked it. Tell me what to expect!

I keep waking up thinking nope, i'm not going, i'm cancelling. Will I be the person who faints whilst someone next to me is having their eyeballs tattooed <cries>

Grateful for all and any advice. Also PHOTOS of your amazing tattoos!

OP posts:

Thread gallery

Chdjdn · 04/10/2022 15:06

I really didn’t find it that bad (had my foot done for 2.5 hours); it’s not horrific; bit like having sandpaper rubbed over you by the end.
I’d plan for the recovery a bit though; get some decent tattoo cream and when it hurts take painkillers in the next few days

JayPritchet · 04/10/2022 15:08

It's not that bad OP, it just gets a bit sore. I have quite a lot now but it should be fine.

ellieeex · 04/10/2022 15:09

I have the lowest pain tolerance i'm adult with needles and anything like that! But i have 3 tattoos now and i find them really easy surprisingly! my first tattoo was my inner forearm and i was shocked at how easy it was! don't worry yourself it's not bad at all!

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ellieeex · 04/10/2022 15:10

ellieeex · 04/10/2022 15:09

Sorry meant to say i'm awful with needles lol

Yamaya · 04/10/2022 15:10

Once they begin your adrenaline kicks in and it's not that bad. It's not unbearable, don't watch them do it. Zone yourself out, go somewhere else in your head. Listen to music or listen to a podcast. You'll be glad you did it afterwards.

Original poster

TheyreOnlyNoodlesMichael · 04/10/2022 15:13

I’d plan for the recovery a bit though; get some decent tattoo cream and when it hurts take painkillers in the next few days

Recovery?! I don't like the sound of that <wibble> Is it bad enough to need pain relief?

OP posts:

CandyLeBonBon · 04/10/2022 15:15

Bloody hell my foot was excruciating lol! Shoulders are the easiest imo! Don't have one with a hangover and make sure you eat! The numbing cream doesn't work on me!

Soontobe60 · 04/10/2022 15:18

My advice - take a couple of paracetamol an hour beforehand and take a bottle of full fat Coke in case you feel faint. Take headphones and Netflix on your phone, the music they play might not be to your taste 😂
It feels odd rather than very painful, but I did have to stop him a couple of times. Here’s mine - had it done when I was 60.

dementedpixie · 04/10/2022 15:19

I have 4 tattoos and haven't needed pain relief afterwards. I have had intense itching as it was healing but not pain - i was abvised to use palmers coco butter for moisturising them. I quite like the sensation. A bit scratchy sometimes and a bit of vibration but I haven't found it outright painful.

My most recent tattoo was a thigh one.

Soontobe60 · 04/10/2022 15:19

My tattoo artist also doesn’t use numbing cream - he said it’s in advisable as it gives a false indication as to how deep he’s going!

ZiaMcnab · 04/10/2022 15:24

I'm also a massive wimp and only have 2 tattoos, one I had over 20 years ago, so can't even remember it really (which gives a good indication, I'd say!) but it's small-ish and on my stomach, so not comparable. My more recent one (about 8 years ago) is much bigger, so, although it's on my outside thigh, it definitely hurt a fair bit at times, but never for very long and oh my gosh I love it so much still, it was totally worth it! Pic attached, to give you an idea of the scale!

Original poster

TheyreOnlyNoodlesMichael · 04/10/2022 15:26

Oh wow I love all the photos.

Soontobe60 - so pretty - looks like a watercolour!

dementedpixie - I love the detail on yours, so intricate.

ZiaMcnab - wow you must be brave, that's big! I love it, it looks fab.

OP posts:

ZiaMcnab · 04/10/2022 15:29

Oh yeah, recovery is a bit of a bugger. No pain, but it itches and you have to be so careful not to scratch it, or get it soaking wet, or have anything rubbing against it. And yes, moisturise, moisturise! E45 cream worked well for me. Mine was fully healed in about 3 weeks, if that helps. And 100% yes to paracetamol before and coke or similar after, both those help alot! I had mine done in 2 sessions - outline first, which took about 4 hours, then the filling a few months later (cos the artist moved and it was an absolute arse to get to; I could have gone back after 4 or so if iirc!) which took about 2 hours and I found the outline easier to cope with. The only bit that was really painful was the top black thingy above, so I do think position makes a big different, but don't think inner forearm should be too bad, especially if you're not going too near the wrist.

dementedpixie · 04/10/2022 15:30

I slapped my thigh a lot when it was healing. Better than scratching but probably made me look a bit strange

Original poster

TheyreOnlyNoodlesMichael · 04/10/2022 15:32

dementedpixie · 04/10/2022 15:30

I slapped my thigh a lot when it was healing. Better than scratching but probably made me look a bit strange

My daughter has loads of tattoos and she keeps talking about needing to slap them afterwards

She's coming with me and apparently I have to take her for drinks afterwards as "payment".

OP posts:

gyarados · 04/10/2022 15:33

get them to do a tiny bit without ink in the needle to check you can tolerate the pain for the rest of it. Don't be afraid to take a break & take a mars bar with you to eat if you feel shaky or it starts to hurt too much

MarigoldMoonStone · 04/10/2022 15:35

I found the outline fine but shading really painful, depends how long it takes/how big it is tho I think as it’s bearable for a bit

Banjarine · 04/10/2022 15:39

My son is a tattoo artist and he always says first tattoos are the easiest as the adrenaline will get you through. He also doesn’t advise using numbing cream

Original poster

TheyreOnlyNoodlesMichael · 04/10/2022 15:41

You're all so helpful and reassuring

I actually have butterflies just from talking about it. Pathetic!!

OP posts:

OldTinHat · 04/10/2022 15:45

My forearm took a couple of hours and I then had a small one done on the other arm afterwards. I can honestly say it didn't hurt at all! I kept nodding off tbh. It's just a buzz, vibration and I found it ridiculously relaxing.

I also had complex ankle tattoos on each leg a few months later which are supposed to be very painful. I giggled so much, the artist almost had to hold me down! It was so ticklish!

Enjoy the experience OP! You'll be signing up for more afterwards!

Original poster

TheyreOnlyNoodlesMichael · 04/10/2022 15:45

I am having something similar to this. Not as detailed and not as large. Daughter reckons about an hour. What do you all think?

OP posts:

gamerchick · 04/10/2022 15:46

It doesn't hurt on your arms OP.

SoUpset1984 · 04/10/2022 15:46

Yes that placement shouldn't really hurt.

Theres actually a tattoo section on MN.

Original poster

TheyreOnlyNoodlesMichael · 04/10/2022 15:46

Oh that's so lovely OldTinHat. I love the colours. I think mine will be similar sized to yours.

OP posts:

gamerchick · 04/10/2022 15:47

They are addictive though. Once you start you may be planning your next one.

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