1. GET A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Getting a tattoo is hard on your body. You're putting your body under stress and you might even find yourself feeling exhausted when you're done. Of course, it depends on how long you're under the needle and the size of the tattoo you're getting.
Don't go out and get drunk, even though it may seem to help your nerves. You sleep worse with alcohol in your bloodstream and alcohol is a blood thinner. This means you may bleed more, which can ultimately lead to poorer results as you bleed more of the ink out.
So make sure you get a good night's sleep!
2. AVOID PAINKILLERS
Painkillers can also act as blood thinners, which can lead to excessive bleeding.
If you can avoid it, you should also avoid taking painkillers altogether in the days afterwards until your tattoo has stopped bleeding.
3. DON'T GET A TATTOO IF YOU'RE SICK
If you're sick, it can take longer for your new tattoo to heal. In addition, getting a tattoo is stressful for your body. So the chances of you feeling unwell or worse while getting tattooed are higher.
4. MAKE SURE YOU DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
Making sure you drink plenty of water before your appointment can help prevent feeling sick while you have the needle in your skin. If you're dehydrated, as well as being scratched with a lot of needles, it's just extra stress on your body, so eliminate that stress!
Plus, it's easier for your tattoo artist to work with your skin if you drink plenty of water.
5. MAKE SURE YOU EAT WELL ON THE DAY
Make sure your body has plenty of energy to work with before you get tattooed. This again has to do with the stress you put your body under when you get tattooed.
If you don't have any food in your stomach and your blood sugar is low, you can get really sick. So remember to eat a good breakfast or lunch before your appointment and bring food and a soft drink in case you get sick.
6. STAY AWAY FROM ALCOHOL
While it can help if you're nervous, it's a very bad idea. It can lead to extra bleeding and make you feel sick.
Not everyone wants to tattoo people who are under the influence either!
7. WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHES
You'll potentially be sitting in the chair for many hours. By wearing something comfortable and loose-fitting, you'll make the whole experience more comfortable.
It will also help you afterwards; as you won't be wearing tight-fitting clothes that rub up against your new tattoo.
8. BRING SOMETHING TO DISTRACT YOU
It hurts and can be boring. That's why we recommend bringing your phone or a book to distract you.
- Aftercare
- HERE'S HOW YOU CAN TREAT YOUR TATTOO:
- It typically takes three to four weeks for the tattoo to heal. You should therefore expect to treat your tattoo during this period. Caring for your tattoo is very important to avoid inflammation, wound and scarring and other infections:
- Once you have been tattooed, the tattoo is usually covered with plastic film. Some tattoo artists recommend leaving the film on for 3-4 hours, while others recommend leaving it on for up to 24 hours.
- Wash your hands in warm water and soap and carefully remove the film. Rinse the tattoo gently in warm water with soap to wash away any excess ink and blood. Allow the tattoo to air dry or dab it with a clean tea towel.
- For the first week, rinse the wound 2-3 times a day. The flakes should fall off on their own, so remember to be careful.
- Once the skin begins to heal, the tattoo can be dabbed with wound ointment to prevent drying out.
- Avoid clothing that is too tight on a new tattoo, such as bra straps, panty lines and trouser hems that rub on the skin. The less that bothers your tattoo, the better the healing process will be.
- For the first two weeks after a tattoo, avoid swimming, sunlight and movements that stretch the skin.
- After that, you should always use sunscreen on your tattoo, as sunlight can degrade the color.
IS IT NORMAL FOR A TATTOO TO ITCH?
Yes, the tattoo will itch as it heals. This is normal. Unfortunately, some people also experience itching when the tattoo is exposed to sunlight. You can also risk the tattoo itching permanently.
HOW LONG DOES THE COLOR OF A TATTOO LAST?
A tattoo can last for many years, but the sun can bleach it. Therefore, always remember to use sunscreen on tattoos.
CAN I HAVE MY TATTOO REDRAWN?
Yes, you can touch up your tattoo if it has faded or lost its color.