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I want to get a tattoo. How do I prepare?
When we were collecting stories about failed tattoos, we found out that many of the mistakes our heroines regret now could have been avoided with more careful preparation.
How do you choose a tattoo place and find a reliable artist? How to behave during the session and take care of your skin afterwards? We ask tattoo artist Oleksandra Belyaeva-Kodatska.
How do you choose a tattoo place and find a reliable artist? How to behave during the session and take care of your skin afterwards? We ask tattoo artist Oleksandra Belyaeva-Kodatska.
I'm planning to get my first tattoo. Where to start?
If you have a chronic disease, you should consult a doctor: he or she will tell you whether interference with the skin can affect the course of the disease or cause a relapse.
Diabetes, psoriasis, and allergic dermatitis are contraindications for tattooing. It is also not recommended to get a tattoo during pregnancy and lactation.
If you have a chronic disease, you should consult a doctor: he or she will tell you whether interference with the skin can affect the course of the disease or cause a relapse.
Diabetes, psoriasis, and allergic dermatitis are contraindications for tattooing. It is also not recommended to get a tattoo during pregnancy and lactation.
Where to look for references?
I recommend looking at Pinterest for inspiration. Instagram and Facebook are also very convenient. No one has canceled the old friend Google.
But if that's not enough for you, check out art galleries and museums. Pay attention to nature, flora and fauna. Save, record, photograph, form your idea and write to the chosen artist.
I recommend looking at Pinterest for inspiration. Instagram and Facebook are also very convenient. No one has canceled the old friend Google.
But if that's not enough for you, check out art galleries and museums. Pay attention to nature, flora and fauna. Save, record, photograph, form your idea and write to the chosen artist.
How to choose a place?
The easiest way is to choose a place that you want to emphasize and decorate so that it gets more attention. Or vice versa, if you don't want to shine your tattoo every day, choose a place that you can cover with clothes. The first tattoo can be done on a place that will be less painful, such as the forearm.
You can also choose a place based on the image itself. That is, look at how it will look in a calm state, whether it will deform in movement. All this will be advised by the master.
I usually recommend the size, the best place, and dissuade the client from an initially unsuccessful idea. For example, it's better not to get a tattoo on the sole of the foot, fingers, tongue, genitals, or palms at all. Most professional artists won't even agree to do such work. But if the artist specializes in tattoos on the fingers, and you've seen well healed, not blurry tattoos, then why not.
The easiest way is to choose a place that you want to emphasize and decorate so that it gets more attention. Or vice versa, if you don't want to shine your tattoo every day, choose a place that you can cover with clothes. The first tattoo can be done on a place that will be less painful, such as the forearm.
You can also choose a place based on the image itself. That is, look at how it will look in a calm state, whether it will deform in movement. All this will be advised by the master.
I usually recommend the size, the best place, and dissuade the client from an initially unsuccessful idea. For example, it's better not to get a tattoo on the sole of the foot, fingers, tongue, genitals, or palms at all. Most professional artists won't even agree to do such work. But if the artist specializes in tattoos on the fingers, and you've seen well healed, not blurry tattoos, then why not.
How to choose a good nail technician?
You can search for artists on Instagram and other social networks. There you can look through a gallery of the artist's works, choose the ones you like in terms of style and technique, and pay attention to the details. Look for photos of healed tattoos, and if you don't see them, ask the artist in person.
I recommend contacting artists who create an individual design themselves. If you or your tattoo artist copy the work of another tattoo artist, it is theft of intellectual property. Stealing is not good. And the realization that you have a cheap fake rather than the original is a dubious pleasure.
Often, artists post photos of their workplace or videos or photos of the process. Pay attention to the assembly of the place. All tools and objects touched by the nail technician and the client should be wrapped in film or special barrier protection, needles should also be wrapped, and rubber gloves should be worn. The client should be present during the final preparation of the place for the session and unpacking of the needles.
An ideal tattoo artist is an honest one. If you ask a tattoo artist about disposable needles, and he answers something like: "Oh, you don't trust me," you should think about it. Why is he running away from the answer? He can and should simply demonstrate them to you.
It's also good if you choose an artist who impresses you as a person. Especially if it is a large-scale work. This will make you feel more relaxed and comfortable.
You can search for artists on Instagram and other social networks. There you can look through a gallery of the artist's works, choose the ones you like in terms of style and technique, and pay attention to the details. Look for photos of healed tattoos, and if you don't see them, ask the artist in person.
I recommend contacting artists who create an individual design themselves. If you or your tattoo artist copy the work of another tattoo artist, it is theft of intellectual property. Stealing is not good. And the realization that you have a cheap fake rather than the original is a dubious pleasure.
Often, artists post photos of their workplace or videos or photos of the process. Pay attention to the assembly of the place. All tools and objects touched by the nail technician and the client should be wrapped in film or special barrier protection, needles should also be wrapped, and rubber gloves should be worn. The client should be present during the final preparation of the place for the session and unpacking of the needles.
An ideal tattoo artist is an honest one. If you ask a tattoo artist about disposable needles, and he answers something like: "Oh, you don't trust me," you should think about it. Why is he running away from the answer? He can and should simply demonstrate them to you.
It's also good if you choose an artist who impresses you as a person. Especially if it is a large-scale work. This will make you feel more relaxed and comfortable.
What details should be discussed with the nail technician during the consultation?
Most often, the tattoo artist needs to describe the idea, the approximate size of the tattoo in centimeters, and the location. Sometimes I ask to send a personal photo of the body part where the client wants the tattoo. Then, taking into account the anatomy and skin tone, I create an individual design.
If you have any fears, please voice them. Most often, it's just panic in front of the unknown.
Most often, the tattoo artist needs to describe the idea, the approximate size of the tattoo in centimeters, and the location. Sometimes I ask to send a personal photo of the body part where the client wants the tattoo. Then, taking into account the anatomy and skin tone, I create an individual design.
If you have any fears, please voice them. Most often, it's just panic in front of the unknown.
How to prepare for the session?
It is important to get a good night's sleep the night before your session. This will allow your body to feel more relaxed.
Do not drink alcohol or take drugs the day before, and especially on the day of the session. Try not to take blood thinners on the day of the session. All this complicates the work.
It is good if you thoroughly clean and scrub the skin area where the tattoo will be placed the day before. You should apply a moisturizer at night, especially if your skin is prone to dryness.
I recommend eating well before the session. This will make you feel more comfortable. Bring a lunch or think about food delivery in advance.
Choose clothes that will give the artist easy access to the place of the future tattoo. As you understand, this is work with liquids and ink. It happens that the ink gets on your clothes, and these stains cannot always be washed off. Wear what you don't mind, and if you want, bring clothes for a nice photo at the end of the work.
Take a charger. Studios usually have them, but it's not a given that there will be enough for everyone.
Please note that most masters do not allow cheerleaders and pets in the studio.
Cancel the gym and pool for 7-10 days in advance.
Feeling unwell, fever, and other cold-like symptoms are a signal that it's better to stay home. In this state, you jeopardize the appearance of the future tattoo and endanger the artist, who does not want to be sick.
It is important to get a good night's sleep the night before your session. This will allow your body to feel more relaxed.
Do not drink alcohol or take drugs the day before, and especially on the day of the session. Try not to take blood thinners on the day of the session. All this complicates the work.
It is good if you thoroughly clean and scrub the skin area where the tattoo will be placed the day before. You should apply a moisturizer at night, especially if your skin is prone to dryness.
I recommend eating well before the session. This will make you feel more comfortable. Bring a lunch or think about food delivery in advance.
Choose clothes that will give the artist easy access to the place of the future tattoo. As you understand, this is work with liquids and ink. It happens that the ink gets on your clothes, and these stains cannot always be washed off. Wear what you don't mind, and if you want, bring clothes for a nice photo at the end of the work.
Take a charger. Studios usually have them, but it's not a given that there will be enough for everyone.
Please note that most masters do not allow cheerleaders and pets in the studio.
Cancel the gym and pool for 7-10 days in advance.
Feeling unwell, fever, and other cold-like symptoms are a signal that it's better to stay home. In this state, you jeopardize the appearance of the future tattoo and endanger the artist, who does not want to be sick.
Should I use painkillers?
I do not recommend using analgesics without consulting a doctor. Painkillers can change the properties of blood and make it thinner. This makes the work more difficult and sometimes impossible.
A tattoo artist is not allowed to use injectable painkillers and anesthesia in their work. This should be done by an anesthesiologist, who is not in the studio. If you are told that they will inject lidocaine, it is better to choose another studio. There is a risk of anaphylactic shock, and if you don't provide first aid in a timely manner, the results can be disastrous.
To work with permanent makeup and tattoos, special creams and gels are used to reduce sensitivity for a short period (10-40 minutes). I try not to use painkillers because they make the skin rough and needle penetration difficult. Because of this, after the tattoo heals, gaps and spots can sometimes appear, which will still have to be corrected. I believe that the risks of side effects and imperfect results are not worth the short-term decrease in sensitivity during work.
I do not recommend using analgesics without consulting a doctor. Painkillers can change the properties of blood and make it thinner. This makes the work more difficult and sometimes impossible.
A tattoo artist is not allowed to use injectable painkillers and anesthesia in their work. This should be done by an anesthesiologist, who is not in the studio. If you are told that they will inject lidocaine, it is better to choose another studio. There is a risk of anaphylactic shock, and if you don't provide first aid in a timely manner, the results can be disastrous.
To work with permanent makeup and tattoos, special creams and gels are used to reduce sensitivity for a short period (10-40 minutes). I try not to use painkillers because they make the skin rough and needle penetration difficult. Because of this, after the tattoo heals, gaps and spots can sometimes appear, which will still have to be corrected. I believe that the risks of side effects and imperfect results are not worth the short-term decrease in sensitivity during work.
How to behave during the session? Can I somehow distract myself from the pain?
It is best to be calm during the session. Sudden movements and loud noises will only spoil the mood of the nail technician and affect the quality of the work.
It will be easier for you if you have a good night's sleep before the session. Tattooing is stressful for the body; to cope with it, the body needs resources.
It can be painful if you've wound yourself up and set yourself up for pain. Or you drank alcohol in the evening. PMS in women also affects sensitivity. Menstruation is not a contraindication to getting a tattoo. But some women have higher sensitivity on these days, so it's better to choose the days after menstruation.
If your tattoo artist is open to dialog during the work, talk. It helps a lot. But not all artists (and not the whole session) like to talk, because a tattoo session requires a lot of brain activity and concentration.
You can distract yourself with a movie or TV series, listen to music, read a book, or play a game. In other words, you can do anything to shift your focus away from unpleasant feelings. But don't forget about headphones.
It is best to be calm during the session. Sudden movements and loud noises will only spoil the mood of the nail technician and affect the quality of the work.
It will be easier for you if you have a good night's sleep before the session. Tattooing is stressful for the body; to cope with it, the body needs resources.
It can be painful if you've wound yourself up and set yourself up for pain. Or you drank alcohol in the evening. PMS in women also affects sensitivity. Menstruation is not a contraindication to getting a tattoo. But some women have higher sensitivity on these days, so it's better to choose the days after menstruation.
If your tattoo artist is open to dialog during the work, talk. It helps a lot. But not all artists (and not the whole session) like to talk, because a tattoo session requires a lot of brain activity and concentration.
You can distract yourself with a movie or TV series, listen to music, read a book, or play a game. In other words, you can do anything to shift your focus away from unpleasant feelings. But don't forget about headphones.
How to take care of a tattoo after the session?
Each nail technician recommends care in his or her own way, depending on the technique and experience.
I recommend two ways. The first one is to use a special tattoo film if you have a small tattoo or only a contour or small correction.
The first days after the session, a little lymph will be released with the ink; this is normal in small amounts. The film should not be pierced or wrapped with cling film, it should "breathe". Try not to sweat, because sweat will collect under the film.
I recommend walking with cling film for 5-6 days. If it starts to peel off at the edges, you can stick it with a plaster.
To remove the film, you need to steam it in the shower and carefully peel it off. Then wash the area with antibacterial soap and apply a tattoo healing cream.
The cream should be applied in a thin layer for 14-35 days after the session until complete healing.
The second method is to use disposable diapers. In the jargon of tattoo artists, "the old fashioned way". For the first 3 days, at least three times a day, you need to wash the tattoo with soap and water with clean hands. After washing, it should be smeared with a tattoo healing cream, covered with a diaper, and secured with a plaster. After 3 days of such manipulations, the tattoo can be simply washed and covered with cream for another 2-3 weeks.
The tattoo should not be scratched, rubbed with alcohol, or peeled off. For 7-14 days after the session, you should not play sports, go to the bathhouse, sauna, swimming pool, or swim in water.
Before going out in the sun, apply sunscreen with SPF 50+ and reapply after each swim or, if you are in direct sunlight, every hour.
If you develop a rash, suspicious redness, or itching, send clear photos to your nail technician right away. Usually, this is how allergies manifest themselves, but only a doctor can provide treatment recommendations.
Each nail technician recommends care in his or her own way, depending on the technique and experience.
I recommend two ways. The first one is to use a special tattoo film if you have a small tattoo or only a contour or small correction.
The first days after the session, a little lymph will be released with the ink; this is normal in small amounts. The film should not be pierced or wrapped with cling film, it should "breathe". Try not to sweat, because sweat will collect under the film.
I recommend walking with cling film for 5-6 days. If it starts to peel off at the edges, you can stick it with a plaster.
To remove the film, you need to steam it in the shower and carefully peel it off. Then wash the area with antibacterial soap and apply a tattoo healing cream.
The cream should be applied in a thin layer for 14-35 days after the session until complete healing.
The second method is to use disposable diapers. In the jargon of tattoo artists, "the old fashioned way". For the first 3 days, at least three times a day, you need to wash the tattoo with soap and water with clean hands. After washing, it should be smeared with a tattoo healing cream, covered with a diaper, and secured with a plaster. After 3 days of such manipulations, the tattoo can be simply washed and covered with cream for another 2-3 weeks.
The tattoo should not be scratched, rubbed with alcohol, or peeled off. For 7-14 days after the session, you should not play sports, go to the bathhouse, sauna, swimming pool, or swim in water.
Before going out in the sun, apply sunscreen with SPF 50+ and reapply after each swim or, if you are in direct sunlight, every hour.
If you develop a rash, suspicious redness, or itching, send clear photos to your nail technician right away. Usually, this is how allergies manifest themselves, but only a doctor can provide treatment recommendations.
Under what circumstances may correction be necessary after healing?
If the tattoo artist is a professional, and the client has taken good care of the tattoo and generally monitors their health, the healed tattoo looks great right away. But correction is recommended in most cases, because the skin is not paper or canvas, but a living organism. Some nuances in the work may sag after healing, and the artist simply perfects his or her work of art, which you will admire for years to come.
If the tattoo artist is a professional, and the client has taken good care of the tattoo and generally monitors their health, the healed tattoo looks great right away. But correction is recommended in most cases, because the skin is not paper or canvas, but a living organism. Some nuances in the work may sag after healing, and the artist simply perfects his or her work of art, which you will admire for years to come.
