What to Expect: Your First Tattoo Experience

Posted on Feb. 16th, 2025

Getting your first tattoo is a big deal—it’s exciting, nerve-wracking, and, let’s be real, a little intimidating. You’re making a permanent decision, and you want to be sure you know what you’re getting into. The good news? It’s not as scary as you think, especially when you go to an experienced artist who knows how to make the process smooth. Whether you’re wondering how much it’ll hurt, what to bring, or how to take care of it afterward, I’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know before sitting in the chair so you can walk in feeling confident and leave with a tattoo you’ll love for life.

Choosing the Right Tattoo and Placement

Before anything else, you need to figure out what you’re getting and where it’s going. If you already have a design in mind, that’s great! But if you’re unsure, take your time—scroll through inspiration, look at different tattoo styles, and think about what resonates with you. Your tattoo should mean something to you, whether it’s a deep personal connection or just something that looks badass. Placement is just as important since some areas hurt more than others, and tattoos in high-friction spots (like fingers or feet) tend to fade faster.

Where you put your tattoo also affects how it’ll look over time. Areas with softer skin or constant movement, like your hands, elbows, or ribs, may experience more fading or stretching. If you want something highly visible, think about whether it’ll affect work or personal situations. If you’re going for something more private, pick a spot that you can cover up easily. Your artist can help you figure out the best placement based on design size, detail, and longevity. At the end of the day, it’s your body—make sure you’re happy with both the art and where it’s going.

What to Do Before Your Appointment

Good tattoos start with good preparation. Before your session, make sure you’re hydrated, well-rested, and have eaten a solid meal—low blood sugar makes pain feel worse, and no one wants to be lightheaded while getting tattooed. Avoid alcohol the night before since it thins your blood and can make you bleed more during the process. Trust me, you’ll have a much better experience if your body is in good shape before sitting down for a few hours.

Wear comfortable clothes that allow easy access to the area getting tattooed. If you’re getting something on your arm, wear a tank top. If it’s your leg, shorts are a good move. You’ll also want to moisturize your skin leading up to your appointment, but skip any lotions or creams on the day of—your skin should be clean and dry when you arrive. Lastly, bring a water bottle and a small snack, especially if you’re getting a longer session. The more comfortable and prepared you are, the better the experience will be.

What Happens When You Get to the Shop

Walking into a tattoo shop for the first time can be a little intimidating, but don’t stress—this is where the magic happens. When you arrive at Los Primos Ink, I’ll go over your design with you, making sure everything looks just right. If you’re getting custom work, we’ll review the final draft and tweak anything if needed. Once everything’s locked in, I’ll prep the stencil, and you’ll get a chance to see exactly how it’ll sit on your body before we start. If you want to adjust the placement, now’s the time to do it!

After we get the stencil just right, I’ll set up my station with sterile, single-use needles and fresh ink, making sure everything is clean and ready to go. Hygiene is a top priority, so I always follow the highest standards to keep things safe. Once you’re in the chair, I’ll start outlining your tattoo, and we’ll go from there. The first few minutes might feel weird, but after a bit, your body adjusts, and you’ll settle into the process. Before you know it, you’ll be walking out with fresh ink.

Does It Hurt? What to Expect During the Tattoo

Pain is probably the number one thing people worry about before getting their first tattoo, and the truth is, it depends on where you’re getting it and your personal pain tolerance. Some areas, like the ribs, hands, and spine, tend to be more painful, while spots with more muscle or fat, like the upper arm or thigh, are usually easier to handle. Most people describe the feeling as a constant scratching or burning sensation—not unbearable, but definitely noticeable.

After the outline is done, shading and coloring might feel different, sometimes easier or sometimes more intense depending on your skin. If you need a break, just say so—it’s totally normal to pause for a minute, especially on longer sessions. Breathing steadily and staying relaxed will help a lot. The good news? Once it’s over, the pain is instantly gone, and you’re left with a fresh piece of art that makes it all worth it.

Tattoo Aftercare: Healing It Right

Taking care of your tattoo is just as important as getting it done right. When you leave the shop, your tattoo is basically an open wound, and how you treat it will determine how well it heals. I’ll wrap it up to protect it, and you’ll need to keep it covered for a few hours before gently washing it with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap. Avoid scrubbing—just pat it dry and let it breathe.

Over the next few weeks, your tattoo will go through a healing process, including some peeling, itching, and flaking—totally normal! Do not pick at it, scratch it, or expose it to direct sunlight. Keeping it moisturized with an unscented lotion will help speed up healing. Follow these steps, and your tattoo will heal properly, leaving you with vibrant, long-lasting ink that looks great for years to come.

Common First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid

One of the biggest mistakes people make is not doing enough research on their artist. A tattoo is forever, so don’t pick an artist just because they’re cheap or available last-minute. Look through their portfolio, check out their healed work, and make sure their style fits what you want. Another mistake? Not following aftercare instructions. Skipping aftercare can lead to fading, infection, or poor healing, all of which can mess up your ink.

Another common issue is rushing the design—if you’re unsure about something, take your time! You want to love your tattoo for life, not just the moment. Also, don’t show up drunk or hungover—alcohol thins your blood, making tattooing harder and healing worse. A little planning goes a long way in making sure your first tattoo experience is a good one.

When to Come Back for a Touch-Up

Most tattoos heal up just fine, but sometimes ink settles unevenly, and a touch-up might be needed. This is totally normal, especially for fine-line tattoos or areas that see a lot of movement. If you notice any spots where the ink looks lighter or patchy after healing, hit me up, and we’ll get it fixed.

A touch-up isn’t always necessary, but if you need one, it’s better to get it done early rather than waiting too long. Keeping your tattoo moisturized and protected from the sun helps maintain the ink’s vibrancy, but a little extra care from your artist can make sure it stays looking its best. If you ever have questions about your healing process, just ask—I’m here to make sure your tattoo looks as good as possible for as long as possible.

Ready for Your First Tattoo?

Getting your first tattoo is a memorable, exciting experience, and knowing what to expect makes it that much better. From choosing the right design to proper aftercare, being prepared ensures your tattoo heals beautifully and lasts a lifetime. If you’re ready to book your first piece, Los Primos Ink is the place to do it. Call or text (480) 781-8384 to set up an appointment or stop by the shop—let’s get you inked with something you’ll love forever!