Settle the idea and the placement
Start with what you want and where it will live. Live with the idea for a while: if you still want it after a few months, that is a good sign. Think about whether you want to show it or hide it at work, and how it will look as your body changes over the years.
Placement also changes how much it hurts. Healthline's pain chart notes that areas with more fat, fewer nerve endings and thicker skin, like the outer arm, forearm, outer thigh and calf, tend to hurt less, while bony areas like the ribs, spine, ankles and feet tend to hurt more. A smaller piece on a gentler spot makes for an easier first session.
Choosing an artist
Look for an artist whose portfolio is full of the style you want, not just one who is nearby. Look especially for photos of healed tattoos, which show how their work holds up after the shine of a fresh tattoo has gone. Most artists post their work on social media and their shop's website.
Check the shop too. Medical News Today advises making sure the artist is licensed and the shop is clean, and since licensing rules vary by state and city, check what your local health department requires. The FDA warns that unsterile equipment and needles can spread infections such as hepatitis, so expect fresh needles, gloves and covered surfaces every time.
- A portfolio full of the style you want
- Healed photos, not only fresh ones
- A license displayed or available to see
- Single-use needles opened in front of you
- Gloves, clean surfaces and covered equipment
The consultation and the deposit
Many artists start with a short consultation, in person or by message. Bring reference images, the size you have in mind and the placement. A design from our generator is a good starting point, but expect your artist to redraw it. That is a good thing: they know how lines spread in skin and how a design should sit on the body.
Most shops ask for a deposit to book the appointment, and it is often non-refundable if you cancel late or do not show up. Ask how much it is, whether it comes off the final price, and what the policy is if you need to reschedule. Ask for a rough price for the whole tattoo while you are there.
How to prepare the day before
Treat it like any long appointment where you need to sit still. Healthline's pain guide says staying hydrated, limiting caffeine and avoiding alcohol before your appointment can make a difference. Get a good night's sleep and eat a proper meal beforehand, since an empty stomach makes some people lightheaded.
If you are thinking about numbing cream, talk to your artist first. Medical News Today notes that some people react to these products and suggests testing a small patch of skin a day before the session. Some artists do not like working on numbed skin, so ask before you buy anything.
- Sleep well and eat a proper meal before you go
- Drink water and skip alcohol
- Go easy on caffeine
- Wear loose, comfortable clothes that expose the area
- Bring snacks, water, headphones and a charger for long sessions
- Ask your artist before using numbing cream
What happens in the chair
Your artist will clean and sometimes shave the area, then place a stencil of the design on your skin. Look at it in a mirror, move around and check the size and position. This is the moment to ask for changes; once the needle starts, it is too late.
Then the tattooing begins, usually with the outline and then the shading or color. Medical News Today describes the feeling as burning or stinging, and some people find the outline sharper than the shading. Healthline says the body's stress hormones often dull the pain into a background ache. Breathe, keep still and ask for a break whenever you need one.
Paying and tipping
Pay the balance at the end, minus your deposit if the shop takes it off the final price. Many shops prefer cash or charge a fee for cards, so ask in advance. Tipping is common in the US but not required. Tattoo artists quoted by Yahoo Lifestyle put a good tip at 15 to 25 percent of the total, with about 20 percent typical in New York City.
The artists in that piece say to base the tip on the service rather than the size of the tattoo or the hours it took. If you are getting a large piece over several sessions, tipping at each session is a common way to spread it out.
Aftercare starts as you leave
Before you leave, your artist will cover the tattoo and explain how to look after it. Listen carefully and ask for it in writing if they have a sheet, because instructions vary from shop to shop. In general, you will wash it gently twice a day, keep it lightly moisturized and keep it out of the sun and water while it heals. Our tattoo aftercare guide walks through each step and the signs that mean you should see a doctor.