Tattoo experience- What to expect/ Proper care

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Recently, I got a tattoo! I was and still am so excited about it. But, going into it, I wasn't sure what to expect or how to prepare for it. Now, I am by no means a tattoo expert, this is just my personal experience that I am sharing with anyone who is about to go through with getting a tattoo. Here are a few ways to help you understand what's coming, if you are planning on getting one, and how to care for your healing tattoo.

My sister and I had been planning on getting tattoos for over a year, so I knew what I wanted to get. Make sure you know exactly what you want and where you want it prior to going in. I decided to get mine on the back of my neck, because it is a spot that can be visible if I want it to be, but not all the time, so it is perfect for me. Pick a spot and size that you are most comfortable with, not what other people think. Go in with photos or drawings of what you want and a size picked out.

We made appointments at a place called Club Tattoo in Scottsdale, where my sister had gotten her first tattoo. I recommend calling ahead of time so that they can prepare for your visit. Do your research on the place before you decide to get it there. You want a place that is clean, with talented tattoo artists- look for good reviews and photos of their work.

When you go in, you must provide photo identification and the card you made your deposit with. Then you will need to fill out a small bit of paperwork. Next your tattoo artist will ask you what you want, this is when you provide pictures and any specific instructions about that you are looking for. This is a time to be completely honest, this isn't something that will eventually change, like a bad haircut. Explain exactly what you are looking for, you will never hurt the artists feelings because you don't like something.

Next, your artist will draw out what you want and print it. They will take the printed version and trace over it with a marker. Then they will shave the spot that you want it on, put oil on your skin, and then put the printed version on your skin so that the marker transfers over. This will act as a template for the artist. Next, they let you look at it to make sure it is exactly what you want, again, this is a time to be completely honest and make sure it is exactly what you had pictured. Finally, they start the process, the prep the needle and begin.

The process of getting a tattoo can feel different for each person, depending on your pain tolerance and the set you choose to get your tattoo. The spot where I got mine- the back of my neck- really wasn't painful. It felt uncomfortable but it wasn't unbearable. My sister got hers on her left side on her rib cage, which she said hurt more than her first tattoo, which is on her ankle. Again, it all depends on you and the spot you choose.

After my tattoo was finished, he placed a clear bandage over it and said I could remove it in 24 hours and wash with an antibacterial soap. For the first few days of healing, it is important to keep the tattoo clean, so that it doesn't get infected. Wash with warm water and an antibacterial hand soap, using only your hands, and then pat dry, never rub. Repeat three to four times a day, especially after sweating. It is also important to apply Vaseline or Aquaphor to it, to prevent it from turning into an itchy scab. After about three days of this, you can switch over to a consented lotion. You can apply either of these after washing.

I got a tiny bit of razor burn around my tattoo, which appeared about a day after I got the tattoo. If this happens to you, it is important not to pick at the razor burn, just let it go away on its own. If you experience a more serous rash, burning, or any unpleasant sensations, contact your doctor or tattoo artist.

Getting a tattoo is a very exciting time, be sure you know what you want and have fun with it!