First tattoo - what's the etiquette? And any helpful tips?

[MotherForkinShirtBalls]

I'm getting my first tattoo next week. I've worked with the artist to design the piece and I (and he) love it. It's going on my lower leg. So, what do I need to know as a total nube? I'll wear loose, cropped trousers which will be easy to move out of the way and have my legs shaved. I think I read it's good to eat first? I've a reasonable pain threshold but I'll take paracetamol an hour before too.

What's the story with tipping? Is it a thing with artists? I don't want to offend either way (if it's relevant, I'm getting a "mate's rates" price from the studio owner but the artist hasn't been involved in the price discussion).

Definitely eat first, I’d usually have something sugary to eat during as well. Couple of paracetamol and a couple of ibuprofen a bit after. I’ve never tipped. Have something to do while they’re working.

Thanks, that's a good idea to bring my kindle. He thinks it'll take 2ish hours so a book will be good! And I'll bring a snack.

Tipping isn't a thing in the UK, same applies to tattoo artists unless it's your own personal decision.

I wouldn't recommend taking paracetamol before, it thins your blood which makes you more likely to bleed (I've been there) and doesn't really make a difference to the pain I found.
The pain won't be as bad as you build it up to be, I've always found, always think it's going to be worse than it is, also usually goes numb for a while while they're doing it if it's a longer one so try to relax about that, feeling as relaxed as you can will definitely help!

Also agree with eating first and if you're there a while take a snack.

For tipping, I don't agree that it's not a thing in the uk, it's not a set thing like in America etc but personally I always tip and so does everyone I know whether it be for dinner, drinks, hairdressers, tattooists etc. I usually decide for myself how much to give, usually I'll just round it up so say the tattoo was £95 or something, I'd usually just round it to £100 and tell them to keep the change if that makes sense!

Good luck, once it's done it's so worth it!!😁

That interesting about paracetamol, I thought it was aspirin that thins blood so was planning to avoid that. I bruise like a peach so I don't want anything making it worse. I might bring my hypnibirthing cds to relax me

I'll bring some cash on the day and read the room around giving a tip when it's done.

Doctor here- paracetamol doesn't thin your blood. You're right about aspirin though OP!

I usually take a bottle of fat Coke or Lucozade with me. I very, very rarely drink sugary drinks but find that a fast acting sugar boost helps stop the muscle twitches from sitting in one position for too long.

My husband swears by taking his headphones and music, a couple of bottles of lucozade and a kit kat chunky. Sometimes you need to "zone out" and the music helps. Tattoo studios tend to be quite chatty friendly places anyway.

OK, sounds like a drink, snack, headphones and a book will be a good idea. I was afraid of looking antisocial by distracting myself too much.

I'm a tattoo artist and also heavily covered in tattoos. Pain killers imo don't work. It's not worth taking paracetamol. I've known people to take things like tramadol and it has no effect. Tried it myself as well. Don't take aspirin as it thins the blood.

The first tattoo is difficult because you don't know what to expect pain wise. Just take it a bit at a time, don't be afraid to ask to stop every now and then. Take some head phones and listen to your own music and concentrate on that if the pain is difficult.

Most tattooists are very understanding of people being in pain.

FYI, we all appreciate tips as we only get a percentage of the tattoo we charge for ;)

I am not sure kamikazeee would recommend, but EMLA numbing cream will help a bit. Especially for the line work and some of the colour if you are having it.
You can get it at the chemist, and needs to be on in a very thick layer about an hour before the tattoo.
I would speak to your tattoo artist before turning up with it though.
I have a good few big pieces and have used it with no effect, it can cause some scabbing. I also sit like a demented flea without it.

@AmphetamineGazelle Not in disagreement with emla cream. Just doesn't last very long, especially due to the amount we have to wipe the skin. It essentially just rubs off quicker. Some artists use numbing sprays that can only be used once the line work has been done as it only works on broken skin.

It's all colour, kamikazeee, so I'm in for a full whack of whatever pain is going, I think! I'm generally pretty good with pain though, so fingers crossed I'll manage OK. Probably better to get though one (which I maintain will be my only ) and see how I react to the process before trying things I've never used before. Good to know about the tips too.

I had the numbing spray on my side/rib tattoos and was very thankful for it! Thighs/arms/bum, no need but the ribs needed it! Are you going for back of lower leg or front shin? The pain difference between the two will be high.

And no the paracetamol doesn’t really help, but it’s more of a psychological thing. I’ve taken a small Valium for tattoos before too, just because I’m incredibly twitchy and it helps to stay still, but I wouldn’t recommend that unless you’re very familiar with how to respond to it.

@kamikazeee yes. Good stuff that. :)

Definitely something to drink, either water or full fat coke if you get sugar crashes. I don’t think painkillers make any difference so wouldn’t bother. I take music, but if the artist is chatty you won’t need it. I find watching to process fascinating so don’t take a book, but it depends on the tattoo placement whether you will be able to see.

Definitely not going to risk a first valium for this! Tattoo will be above my inner ankle bone, more towards my calf so plenty fleshy and on the lower pain side. I'm not all that concerned about the pain..it can't be as bad as a three day not-officially-labour with my first baby

Don't want to worry you and everybody experiences pain differently but my husband has two half sleeves, full chest piece, ribs and full leg sleeve and he said his calf was the worst of the lot.

I have had loads of work done in the past 2 years, tried various numbing creams.
This stuff is amazing and doesn’t effect tattoo at the time or the healing:

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Tbh, there's not much point worrying about the pain. I'll be whatever it is and until I get it done, I won't know. I'll take whatever advice the artist gives when I'm there. I was more worried about any etiquette I don't know about to make sure I don't make a muppet of myself!

Apparently i picked sore places for all my tattoos, i have ones on my inner ankle bones on both legs, and one at the top of my spine/bottom of my neck. Nothing was too unbearably sore, although on my back one, i accidently grabbed my tatto artist's knee thinking it was a part of the bed i was lying on that i could grip to deal with the pain... 😂

It will be fine, if you need a breather let them know, they will want to make it an enjoyable experience for you!

Benpanthen nappy rash cream is really good for tattoo healing

Yes, thanks, he has recommended bepanthen so I need to pick some up before Thursday.

I wouldnt use numbing cream,for me thats half the fun of the tattoo.Its on your calf,you will be fine.And dont forget post a pic,when you are finished

Wouldn't go so far as to say the pain was half the fun, dustarr, but I survived without the numbing cream! The artist was amazing, it's a reasonably big (imo anyway) full colour piece and she was really gentle so bruising is minimal and there was only the tiniest bit of blood. I'm absolutely delighted with it. I'm afraid I won't be posting a pic under this name as my children designed the picture so it's utterly identifiable. I might throw it on a show us your tats thread when it's healed .

Oh, and I gave her a tip afterwards and she was delighted so I'm very glad I did. And I emailed the studio owner to tell him she was great.