If you've got a big or significant event coming up, it may be best to start with a small design for your first tattoo. Smaller tattoos are typically done much quicker (of course) and come with fewer complications. As a result the discomfort and aftercare is less disruptive.
Take a buddy. If you've got any nerves, don't go alone. If you can, bring a friend who's been tattooed before (and had a good experience!). Having someone to talk to, and someone you trust to walk you through the process as it's happening will work wonders.
Expect about half an hour to an hour for a simple, small tattoo. Keep in mind, however, a small tattoo with lots of color, line work, details, or a tricky placement could take several hours. Small tattoos are great for people who don't want to go through a lengthy tattoo process, but still want some cool ink.
Each tattoo artist will have their own opinion about what's considered a small tattoo (and how to price them), but there are some general guidelines when it comes to sizing. In most cases, a tattoo that measures under 2 inches is classed as tiny, 2-4 inches is small, 4-6 inches is medium, and over 6 inches is large.
Ink naturally spreads in the body over time, so a tattoo that's too small will likely blur together as the skin ages. Your artist should suggest the best size for the integrity of the tattoo.
A small, simple quarter-sized tattoo could take an hour, where a large back piece could take seven or 10. Size matters in this equation, and it's important to remember that time is also money. The longer it takes to finish, the more your piece will cost.
For those worried about pain, Lavriv says tattoo newbies should start small. "I always recommend getting a smaller piece — under an hour — as a first tattoo," she says. "Tattoo pain is a very subjective thing and while it can feel like not a big deal to some people, it can be excruciating for others.
Drink a lot of water during the week; avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting tattooed. Please do not shave the area; we will do it for you at your appointment. Avoid aspirin or blood thinning medication at least 24 hours before your tattoo; ibuprofen, acetaminophen, & other NSAID pain relievers are OK.
Getting a tattoo is often compared to a cat repeatedly scratching you. Though it's not the most intense pain ever, it might make you wanna hiss – especially if your artist uses multiple needles, like when shading. This also tends to happen away from bony or ultra-sensitive areas.
Inspire not knock off! Some people think mimicking is the greatest form of flattery but putting it bluntly, it's disrespectful to the original tattoo owner, original tattoo artist and the artist you ask to copy it. In fact, it's one of the most despised requests tattoo artists get.
If you have no underlying health conditions, fainting during a piercing or tattoo is usually caused by something called Vasovagal or 'reflex' Syncope. This is a reflex reaction to trauma, pain, or any other distress, and is responsible for over 50% of fainting episodes!
The most painful spots to get tattooed are those with the least fat, most nerve endings, and thinnest skin. Bony areas such as ribs or hips or chest usually hurt a lot. Tattoos on ribs are very popular especially among women, for example quotes, song lyrics or jewellery along the lower ribs.
Tattoo pain will vary depending on your age, sex, and pain threshold. The most painful spots to get a tattoo are your ribs, spine, fingers, and shins. The least painful spots to get a tattoo are your forearms, stomach, and outer thighs.
$50 tattoos are approximately one inch by one inch in black ink on arms or legs. Other areas of the body start at only $70.
We would suggest you to avoid going out in the sunlight in the first 24 - 72 hours. This is the time when your tattoo needs to rest and not come into contact with continuous heat or water.
A new tattoo depending on size, can take anywhere from 10 minutes to a few hours. Make sure you are able to remain calm & still as much as possible during the process.
There are no rules or regulations on how many tattoos you can get in a day, but we have our recommendations here at HUSH. One recommendation is that you don't do more than what is necessary and realistic. Multiple tattoos in a session can cause a whole lot of stress to your body.
Tattoos are generally accepted in the workplace as long as they're not offensive, unprofessional or distracting. In fact, nearly 3 out of 4 employers say they don't mind hiring tattooed workers.