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Tattoo Overview
Tattoo Deciding
Tattoo Design
Tattoo Meaning
Finding Tattooist
Final Decision
Tattoo Science
Getting Inked
What Next
Tattoo Q&A Before
Tattoo Q&A After
Tattoo Safety
Becoming Tattooist

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Getting Inked

The worst thing about getting your first tattoo is not knowing what's going to happen. The uncertainty and the anticipation are far worse than the process itself. This section goes through the process of getting a tattoo step-by-step. It may be that not everything works out this way when you get to the tattoo shop but this section will give you a fair idea of what will happen and when.

Once you've decided on a tattooist, picked a design and discussed it to iron out any problems or concerns, the tattooist will give you a time to return. Don't drink or take painkillers before the big day; it will make you bleed more and hinder your ability to heal.

When you arrive at the tattoo shop, the tattooist will have made a stencil of your design. Some trace out the design by hand but many use a machine to create an instant transfer on special thermal paper. S/he'll show you the transfer to give you a last chance to change your mind. It's OK if you still have doubts; the tattooist will understand. Talk them out and, if you're really not sure, make your apologies and leave.

Many tattoo shops require payment up front; you can't get inked unless they're sure that you have the money to pay. Don't take that as an insult, it's just good business practice for them to be certain they'll get paid for their labour.

Many tattooists will ask for proof of age and contact details. In some places this is mandatory. Be honest; there's no point lying unless you're under age and then you shouldn't be getting a tattoo anyway. Parental consent will override age restrictions in some countries but the final say is still at the tattooist's discretion.

When the preliminaries are completed, you'll head for the tattoo chair. Usually this is in a private area, often a booth but sometimes a separate room. Many tattooists use a dentists chair -- not something guaranteed to put you at ease! -- but others might use a normal chair. You may be asked if you'll allow someone else to watch, just as you may have done earlier. Think carefully about that and don't be afraid to say no if you're really not comfortable with the idea.

The Preparation

Once you're sitting in the chair, the area where you're getting inked will be rubbed down with a cleaning solution (usually alcohol). If the area is particularly hairy, the tattooist will shave a patch of skin a little bigger than the size of the design. Make sure s/he uses a new, disposable razor. The area will then be cleaned again.

If you have sensitive skin and/or a tendency to get a shaving rash, say so beforehand. You might want to provide a razor that you know won't adversely affect you. Alternatively, ask the tattooist if the area will need to be shaved and, if so, shave earlier in the day with your preferred razor.

The tattooist will check with you about the exact placement of the tattoo before s/he applies the transfer. The skin is usually moistened to make a clean transfer. When the paper is pulled back, you'll have a bluish outline of your design. You'll probably get the chance to check in a mirror so that you can be 100% sure about size and placement before the tattoo machine is fired up. Take your time here and have a good look; this is your last chance to pull out if you're not sure.

The tattooist will take some time to prepare the machine and pour out the inks. Ink is poured from the main container in to small cups known as ink caps. This ensures that little or no ink is wasted after the tattoo is finished. The sterilised needles will be taken from their container and prepared. Other requirements, like distilled water and ointments, will be arranged as needed. The tattooist will pull on protective gloves and then you're ready to go.

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