Your First Tattoo: A No-Bullshit Checklist

Your first tattoo is the one you’ll be asked about for the rest of your life. It’s worth 10 minutes of prep.

Before you book

1. Pick the artist first, the design second. Browse portfolios for 2+ weeks before you commit. Save their work on Instagram, note the style. A mediocre artist will execute a great design poorly; a great artist will elevate a mediocre design.
2. Book the consultation. Most good artists want to meet you, sketch, and place the stencil before they tattoo.
3. Budget for the right artist, not the cheapest quote. A bad tattoo costs the same as a good one: laser removal is $3–6k per piece.
4. Eat a real meal 1–2 hours before. Blood sugar crashes during long sessions. Don’t show up hungover.
5. Sleep. A tired body processes pain worse.

Day of

• Wear loose clothing that exposes the area.
• Bring a snack and water. Most shops have both but you’ll be more comfortable with your own.
• Don’t bring an entourage. One friend max, and only if your artist is cool with it.
• Don’t drink beforehand. Alcohol thins your blood. Your artist may refuse to tattoo you.
• Put your phone on silent. Your artist’s focus is worth more than your Instagram story.

Tipping

Cash. 20% minimum. Good tattoos earn 25–30%. This is not optional — it’s how tattoo artists actually make money given shop cuts.

During the session

• The first 10 minutes hurt the most because you’re not adjusted. Breathe.
• If you need a break, ask. Any good artist will give you five minutes.
• If you’re getting lightheaded, say so before you pass out.

Right after

Your artist will bandage the tattoo — follow their specific instructions, which override anything on the internet (including this guide). Most will:

1. Apply a second-skin bandage (leave on 3–5 days) or
2. Apply plastic wrap (remove in 2–4 hours, then wash)

From there, follow our aftercare guide.

Red flags at the shop

Walk out if:

• The shop won’t show you their autoclave or sterilization setup
• The artist opens needles from a non-sealed package in front of you
• The shop is visibly dirty (blood on surfaces, cluttered workstations)
• You’re asked to sign a release that waives the shop’s liability for bloodborne pathogens (a standard release will cover you getting tattooed, not their hygiene)

Any one of these and you leave — a tattoo is a medical procedure.

After-session supplies

• A second-skin bandage (Saniderm) if your artist uses them
• A quality balm (Mad Rabbit or Hustle Butter)
• Fragrance-free soap (Dr. Bronner’s)
• Mineral sunscreen for weeks 4+ (Blue Lizard)

That’s it. Don’t overcomplicate it. The best thing you can do for a healing tattoo is leave it alone.