The Tattoo Process: What to Expect During Your Appointment

So, it’s your first tattoo appointment, and you’re not sure what to expect during the process. First off, there’s no need for apprehension.

Understandably, you may feel the fear of the unknown giving you cold feet. Plus, the idea that the process will hurt probably scares you. Then again, you may be concerned about how the tattoo will turn out and if it’ll look as good as imagined.

Knowing what to expect during your tattoo appointment is the best way to avoid this apprehension. Here we’ll explain the important bits of a tattoo appointment and how to prepare for it. Let’s begin by examining what you should do before the procedure.

Checklist for Getting a Tattoo

You must put a few things in place before meeting up with a tattoo artist for the first time. Your preparation is key to getting the body art you’ll always be proud of.

Choose Your Preferred Design and Where You Want It

Many people don’t think things through before stepping into a tattoo parlour. Don’t be like that; before you waltz into a tattoo studio in Ontario, know exactly what you want and where you want it.

In addition, don’t let others choose your tattoo for you. Unless you’re getting the tattoo as a kind of ritual or proof of affiliation, make your body art decisions by and for yourself.

Deciding for yourself may require you to think long and hard about it, but that’s fine as long as you get what you want.

Prepare Your Mind and Body

Many thoughts will go through your mind as you anticipate getting your first tattoo. Primarily, you’ll consider many choices when trying to find the perfect design and the best place to put it. That’s all great, but you should prepare for the nerves too.

For a first-timer, you’ll most likely get nervy as the appointment gets closer. You must not let the nerves psyche you out. Steel your mind and take breathing exercises. These are necessary to keep yourself calm during the procedure.

Also, eat well and get your body in good shape before going for the appointment. Moisturize your skin in advance, drink a lot of water to stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep.

It’s inadvisable to get a tattoo when you’re on your period or ill. Your skin is extra sensitive and you’re most likely extremely irritable at the time. Instead, wait for when you’re in the best physical condition.

What to Expect During a Tattoo Appointment?

A tattoo procedure is pretty straightforward. Primarily, the tattoo artist does all the work and all you have to do is relax and trust them. The calmer you are, the easier you’ll make the work for the artist.

Speaking of keeping calm, we’ll admit that you may find that difficult as the tattooing process is often uncomfortable. That’s why you must be in your best shape before going under the needle. That said, below is a walk-through of the procedure.

Waivers and Liability

Before starting the procedure, the tattoo artist will make you sign a waiver that outlines the risks of the process. Primarily, they need you to acknowledge that you’re aware of possible mishaps and accept them.

The waiver doesn’t mean you’ve chosen a shady shop. It only protects the artist if something goes wrong that’s not their fault. For example, if your tattoo gets infected due to your failure to follow proper aftercare instructions, the tattoo artist won’t be liable for that.

Nevertheless, ensure to read the waiver’s content before signing. It’s good practice to know what you’re acknowledging before doing it.

Anesthetic Application

After you settle the paperwork and all initial agreements, the next step commences with the application of topical anesthetics on the spot where you want the tattoo. The anesthetics help numb the spot and make the procedure less painful for you.

Most tattoo artists use numbing gels which they’ll apply on the surface and wait while it takes effect. Others may use numbing sprays; it all depends on the artist’s preferences.

That said, avoid using painkillers or alcohol before getting a tattoo. These substances thin your blood which will cause you to bleed more when pierced. More bleeding makes the procedure messy. Plus, the thinner your blood is, the slower you heal.

Stencils and Tattoo Placement

After you’ve prepared the spot for the tattoo, the artist will put your chosen design on a stencil. If you’ve selected your design before the appointment, the artist will have the stencil ready earlier, and this process won’t take long.

A stencil is a temporary tattoo that artists use to show you what the result will look like before they begin work. Once you confirm that you’re okay with the design, placement, and size, the artist will begin work.

Getting Tattooed

Once you give the artist the affirmation, you’re past the point of no return. The artist will draw out the design on your body. Depending on how complex the design is, the procedure may take hours or days to complete.

If you’re still thinking of what to expect during the tattoo appointment, expect this part of it to be a bit uncomfortable. Tattoo is fundamentally a scarring process, it’s like cutting tiny wounds in your skin. It’ll be painful, but the anesthetic provides much-needed relief throughout the process.

What Happens During a Tattoo Session?

If you’re skeptical about what to expect, know nothing complex happens during a tattoo appointment. If you’ve scheduled a session with a reputable tattoo studio, you have nothing to fear.

Instead of getting anxious, prepare yourself mentally, check out a few first tattoo tips and get your body in good shape.

Ready to get new ink on your body? Our specialists at Piranha Tattoo will put you at ease, go over intended designs, and answer all your questions about what to expect during your tattoo. Contact us today to discuss your next tattoo.