Wondering what you should expect the very first time that you go under the tattoo gun and are subjected to the workings of the precision tattoo needles that such tattoo guns house. A lot of people are curious as to what they should anticipate when they are preparing to get a tattoo for the very first time. Fortunately for you, this article can help you better understand what you should expect, and has been written by an author who has experienced a fair amount of tattoos.
Tattoos Generally Hurt a Bit
Plain and simple, anyone who tells you that tattoos do not hurt is not really being honest with you. Bravado and ego aside, common sense spells the real answer here. Tattoos are administered by injecting ink deep into the dermal folds to create a permanent staining effect from the injection of ink pigments after the intentional wound created by the tattoo needles heals. If you don’t think that tattoos will hurt, try jabbing yourself with a needle. Did that hurt? Now imagine that with ink on it and about 60 times per second into your skin, and you will have your answer here.
What to Expect During Your Tattoo
During your tattoo, the process is rather straightforward:
- The station will be cleansed and prepped for your tattoo.
- Fresh tubing and tattoo needles will be affixed to the tattoo gun.
- The artist will don gloves and set up ink holders.
- Your tattoo design will be applied to your skin.
- The artist will tattoo your skin using tattoo needles.
The First Three Days After
The first three days after you get a tattoo are critical to the healing process. Use these tips to help your tattoo heal the best.
- Don’t pick or scratch at your tattoo or peel off the scabbing.
- Apply vitamin A and D ointment generously several times per day.
- Avoid direct contact with sunlight.
- Move to lotions after three days and intermittently use ointment as needed.
- Do not exfoliate your tattoo in the shower.
Two Weeks After
Continue applying lotion as needed to finalize the healing process of your tattoo after two weeks of healing. Avoid direct contact with sunlight. Always wear a potent SPF 50 or higher sunscreen when going outside in the sun, regardless of the time of the year; this will prevent your tattoo from fading.
Touchups
Certainly, your tattoo will require a few touch-ups here and there for places where the ink did not take. These are generally simple and fast, and help to make your tattoo look more even. Most artists offer free touchups, and they won’t charge you for any tattoo needles that they use during the touchups. Ensure you get the touchups you need to fully complete your tattoo and enjoy that refined and finished, full look. Believe it or not, touchups generally hurt more than the original tattoo because the nerves are more responsive in the skin. So be prepared for a bit of agony during your touchups. And don’t forget the primary rule at hand: no pain, no gain!