Getting a Tattoo: Everything You Need to Know (And Do), According to Experts

woman with flower tattoo on arm

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If you are thinking about getting your first tattoo, but are unfamiliar with the process, it might give you pause. And with good reason. Getting a tattoo is a big decision and a "permanent" one at that. Whether you're concerned that it will hurt too much (tip: avoid getting tattooed on your period, as skin may be more sensitive) or you're worried that you wouldn't know if the artist was doing something wrong, we've got you covered.

The best thing you can do is educate yourself on the process of tattoo application; that way, you'll know what to expect when you're sitting in the artist's chair. To give you a behind-the-scenes look at how exactly getting a tattoo works and what you should look out for in terms of your appointment and afterwards, we went to dermatologists, Dr. Rebecca Marcus and Marie Leger. Read on for their top tips.

Meet the Expert

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Thoroughly Research a Tattoo Studio and Artist

Choosing the right shop and artist takes time, so don't rush the process. Each tattoo artist will interpret your design idea differently, so it's crucial that you find someone who gets your style. Many artists display their portfolios on social media, so take advantage of that and use it to discover new artists.

After you've found a studio or an artist that you would like to work with, pay the shop a visit and schedule a consultation to get a feel for its vibe. To ensure that the studio is safe and reputable, check online reviews, ask to see past work, and make sure the artist has completed the safety requirements necessary.

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Choose Your Tattoo Design and Style

Whether you choose the artist or the design first is totally up to you. However, if you have a very specific type of tattoo or look in mind, it could be helpful to narrow down which artists do that artwork best.

If you're dead set on going to one artist in particular and are more open to their input when it comes to the design and placement, then you can go the other route by bringing your inspiration to them and letting them do their thing.

If you don't know what you want tattooed, find an artist with an aesthetic that aligns with your own and you're sure to love what they come up with. You can (and should) also refer to artwork the artist has showcased on their Instagram or website for inspiration.

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Pick Your Tattoo Placement

The placement of your tattoo is entirely up to you, although for a first-timer, you might want to stick with an area of the body that may be less painful to tattoo. Somewhere like the forearm is a good idea. Maybe save the torso for when you're more aware of your own pain tolerance and know what to expect in terms of the sensation of being tattooed. You might also want to avoid placement on your hands and feet since tattoos on these areas tend to fade faster and require more touch-ups.

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Schedule Your Appointment

Once you know which tattoo you want, where you want it placed, and what artist you want to do it, it's time to book your appointment. Some studios and artists may require booking months in advance, so be prepared to wait should you choose someone that's in high demand.

They will likely ask for an idea of the design (whether it'll be in black or color), size, and placement you are looking for so that they can book an adequate amount of time for your session. Some artists like to get themselves acquainted with the design ahead of time, too, so it's nice to give them some sort of idea of what you're looking for before your appointment.

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Ensure Your Skin Is in Shape

"Prior to getting a tattoo, it may be helpful to gently exfoliate skin, shave, and make sure skin is well hydrated," says Dr. Marcus. "An intact skin barrier will make tattoo application easier, and will also make sure that the skin’s natural healing mechanisms are primed."

Dr. Leger adds that you should "wash your hands" before (and after) getting a tattoo, to ensure you don't introduce infection by accidentally touching the area with dirty hands.

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Complete Paperwork, Settle Payment and Tip

Once you arrive at your appointment (it's nice to arrive at least a few minutes early) you will be required to show valid identification for proof of age. You may also be asked for your address and phone number, so your artist can contact you in the future if need be.

In most studios, payment must be made before services are rendered. It is up to each studio to decide which methods of payment they accept. Whatever method you pay with, make sure they give you a receipt. It is also customary to tip the artist for their work– 20% is the norm, but you can use your discretion. Whether you choose to do that when you make the payment or you wait until after your tattoo is completed is up to you.

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Get Comfortable in the Tattoo Chair

After your paperwork is filled out, you will be seated in the tattoo chair. Sometimes this is in an open work area, and sometimes a private room, depending on the location of your tattoo. If you are shy and don't want others to watch, you can request a private room, but be sure you have done this in advance. A lot of studios use dentist-style chairs, some use regular table chairs, and some use benches. Know that there's a chance that you might be asked to sit or lay in an awkward way should your placement require it. But, your artist will do his or her best to make you comfortable for the tattoo you have chosen.

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Prep the Area

The area of your body you have chosen for your tattoo will be cleaned, usually with rubbing alcohol. Then, the artist will use a new disposable razor to shave the area. Even the finest of hairs can get in the way and cause problems, so this is a crucial step, even if the hair isn't visible to you. Then, the area will be cleaned again to make sure it is smooth and ready for the transfer.

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Approve the Placement for the Stencil Transfer

Most tattoo studios use a machine called a thermal imager to make their stencils. This saves hours of tracing time; they'll simply insert your tattoo design into the machine and it'll transfer onto a special thermal paper in seconds.

Once your stencil is ready, it's time to create the transfer onto your skin. Some artists will use soap or water to moisten the skin, and some will use stick deodorant. These aid in making the design transfer better and darker onto your skin. When the paper is pulled away from your skin, it will leave you with a purple-ish blue likeness of your future tattoo. Once you approve of how everything looks, you're ready to go.

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Be Patient While the Artist Prepares the Equipment

It is at this time that your artist will start preparing their tattoo machine. The inks will be placed in little tiny cups called ink caps, and the needles and tubes will be removed from their sterile pouches and placed in the machine. Clean, distilled water will be poured into a cup for cleaning the needles during the tattoo process and to change from one color to the next. You may see them setting up some A&D ointment or Vaseline, more on that in the next step.

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Hold Still for the Tracing and Linework

A little ointment will be placed over your transfer design for a few reasons. One is that it helps keep the transfer on longer without accidentally rubbing it off, and it also helps the needle to slide along the skin more smoothly. Bonus: this can make it more comfortable for you. After the ointment is applied, it is time for the first line.

If you're nervous, don't hold your breath. Take a nice, slow, deep breath and try to relax. The first minute or so will be the roughest. After that, your skin almost gets used to the feeling and the pain should begin to subside.

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Brace Yourself for the Shading and Coloring

Once all the linework is done, it's time to get creative with a little shading and possibly color. Depending on the size of your tattoo, your artist may switch to a different set of needles called magnums (or mags) which are designed for coloring and shading. They may even switch tattoo machines altogether. The shading and coloring can go along quite quickly, and before you know it, you've got a complete tattoo.

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Admire the Finished Tattoo

Your artist may like a picture of your tattoo for their portfolio. They'll clean it up and sometimes even apply a hot towel to it first. Then they'll take the picture; this is a good time for you to get a shot, too. Taking a photo after the protective ointment is applied causes a glare, so it is best to do it now. If for any reason you do not want the artist to take a photo, just say so. You are not under obligation to let them.

 Alison Czinkota/Byrdie

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Apply the Dressing and Bandaging

Now that your tattoo is finished and clean, it needs to be treated just like a wound. A protective layer of ointment will be applied to the tattoo to prevent infection by bacteria. Then a bandage will be applied, and it will be taped up to make sure it is secure. It is important that you keep this bandage on for the amount of time your artist instructs, which brings us to our last step: aftercare.

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Ask for Aftercare Instructions

Your artist will now give you aftercare instructions. These should be given both verbally, and on a piece of paper for you to take home with you. It is important that you listen and follow the instructions you are given. From this point on, it is your responsibility to make sure your tattoo is well taken care of. The artist cannot be blamed if you get an infection because you didn't follow directions.

In order to keep your skin healthy, Dr. Leger suggests cleansing "the area with a gentle soap."

Dr. Marcus offers the following advice for aftercare. "Immediately after the tattoo is applied, it should be covered with a protective ointment and dressing," she says. "Usually, the dressing is removed 24 hours later, at which point the area can be cleaned and moisturized. It’s important to moisturize two or three times per day during the healing process to prevent cracking and drying of the skin, which could make it more prone to infection." Dr. Marcus recommends applying Curél's Ultra Healing Lotion throughout the healing process.

Byrdie Tip

Prevent your tattoo from fading by wearing a daily sunscreen and avoiding prolonged sun exposure.

Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. Falcone D, Richters RJ, Uzunbajakava NE, Van Erp PE, Van De Kerkhof PC. Sensitive skin and the influence of female hormone fluctuations: results from a cross-sectional digital survey in the Dutch populationEur J Dermatol. 2017;27(1):42-48. doi:10.1684/ejd.2016.2913

  2. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Tattoos.

  3. Cleveland Clinic. What to expect when you get a tattoo. Updated October 2, 2020.

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