First tattoo next week! Any tips?

[MysticMary]

I've heard I should avoid caffeine beforehand and drink plenty of water. Is there anything else I should know? Also, is it customary to tip the artist in this country or is that just something I've seen the Americans do? 😄

Have a really good meal before. Take sugary food and drinks with you. And don’t be afraid to ask the artist for a break if you need to.
Make sure they explain aftercare to you too. And start saving for the next one, I was halfway through my first and already planning the second 🤣

Don’t do it is my tip.

Second a sugary drink, I take Lucazade! Make sure you communicate how you’re feeling and enjoy! I love the experience!

@Mum1976Mum with respect, they didn’t ask your opinion…

To be fair, "Don't do it." is a useful tip.

Oh I'm jealous!

What you getting?

Take a chocolate bar and a drink. I took Co-codamol last time and almost feel asleep. It's a weirdly satisfying kind of sore.

Actually the itching in the following days is the worst part...

I also think don’t do it is a useful tip, I’ve regretted mine my whole life.

But if you’re adamant, yes to a sugary drink. My brother swears by this.

Don’t! That’s my tip.

If you're having text make sure they can spell

Take a chocolate bar and a sugary drink. Pat, don’t scratch after!

It is painful (and I’ve got quite a few) so prepare yourself.

Eat a good meal before you go. Try some mindfulness to help you cope or, do what I do and take some AirPods and listen to music. Most tattoo artists are very good at chatting to distract you too.

Have a good breakfast.
Take a full sugar coke or lucozade with you.
Take snacks.
Don't be hungover or caffeinated.
Stock up on some decent aftercare like hustle butter or butterluxe, it makes all the difference.
Ignore the people saying don't do it, because they're rude and that wasn't your question.

I'm getting my sleeve finished next week!

Ha, my first thought also was don't do it! And I have two. 😬

Bephanthen nappy cream from boots for after care so buy it beforehand.
Be prepared to feel a bit groggy afterwards if it's a long session.
I take a travel pillow and blanket but I'm there a few hours
As others say eat beforehand and lots of water afterwards.Take some pain killers beforehand to take the edge of if you have some.
Walk around with a sharpie version of your chosen tattoo before having it done to see if you really want to live with it

My 1st boyfriend had a (terrible) tattoo done which was misspelt so yes...check and triple check!

Don't do it....run for the hills. What will it look like in 30 years time?

Thanks all, some helpful advice here!

Those who are saying "don't do it" - it's to cover some surgical scarring which is very ugly, and I want to look at the area and see something pretty instead. I know tattoos aren't for everyone, but this is a very special thing for me and I know it's the right choice.

I'm having a little row of trees, a woodland scene. I'm very excited

Tip: don't do it 🤗

A good tattoo that is looked after properly and professionally done will still look good in 30 years.

Mine do. And I'm still being tattooed 30 years after my first.

p.s I'm also neither a chav, a convict, or a sailor. I work for one of the UK top 5 in a highly specialised role. Having tattoos is no longer taboo.

@ProvisionsOnTheDock

You're clearly a person who does not like tattoos. The OPs question was not about whether other people like tattoos.

Why come on a thread if you just want to shit on people who like different things to you? It's extremely rude and classless.

Ignore the ones who say don't get it. I've got 10 and don't regret any of them.

Unless it's in a place where you're going to gain/lose a lot of weight, or wrinkle considerably, it won't look any different.

Moisturiser afterwards and be prepared for itching afterwards as the skin heals

Where abouts are you getting it?

Agree with sugary drink or a few sweets if you need a sugar hit.

Ask the artist what they recommend for after care. Bepanthem isn't recommended anymore. I was recommended Shea Cocoa Butter lotion last time. Or they have tattoo goo

Eat beforehand ( even something small like a sandwich ) , Take a sugary drink and something like jelly babies, that’s what me and dh do when we’ve had ours in the past. Remember if you feel you need a little break any decent artist will accommodate this any time. I hope your tattoo turns out lovely OP.

All the don’t do it comments. It’s 2023, and still tattoos get this reaction why? It is honestly so weird.

Then we have the well I regret mine, well Sarah you might regret your tramp stamp you go in Ibiza in 1980 but my floral design of my dead child’s name is tastefully done by a brilliant artist that cost £££ me.

Then my absolute favourite what will it look like in 30 years?…..well I might be dead in 30 years and If I’m not unless I gain a huge amount of weight and my skin stretches beyond belief it will look the same as it was done by a fantastic artist and I look after my skin.

The the job argument, still in 2023. My own sister is a paramedic with neck and hand tattoos, funny enough the tattoos didn’t make her degree in paramedic science turn to dust!