Part Three: What To Expect
OK, so you’ve found an accomplished tattoo artist and you have a great idea for a tattoo. Congratulations! You’re probably super excited, but also maybe a little nervous. Will it hurt? Of course it will. Someone will be poking you with a needle. There will be blood! But everyone has a different tolerance level for pain. What feels like a little scratch to you may cause your friend to fall out of the chair. So be prepared: get a good night’s sleep and don’t show up on an empty stomach. Also, do not drink alcohol or ingest any substances that will interfere with your body’s ability to adapt to the pain. (Not to mention, if you show up drunk they probably won’t tattoo you.)
Don’t stress about the pain though. It really isn’t that bad and it doesn’t last – your tattoo should not hurt afterward. Keep it clean and moisturized, and it will heal itself in about two weeks. Speaking of cleanliness… this is probably obvious to our readers (god I hope!), but for the sake of common courtesy please take a shower the day of your appointment. Someone will be sitting very close to you and touching you…. think about it. You’d be surprised how many people do not. Gross.
If you are happy with your tattoo, give the artist a tip. I am often asked about this – YES, tipping is appreciated. Most tattoo artists, unless they own their own shop, are paying a percentage of their earnings to the owner, so it can make a big difference. Like a hairdresser, tips are a part of their income. It’s not necessary to tip 20% every time; an extra $10 or $20 is sufficient.
That’s it! Have any questions or need any advice? Send me an email at diana@omfgstyle.com. Oh yeah… a gift certificate to your favorite tattoo shop is a great gift idea. Happy Holidays!
