It's difficult to put into words how exactly it feels to get a tattoo because everyone's experience is different. Some people compare getting a tattoo to getting a flu shot or a vaccine injection. Tattoos, contrary to popular belief, are more painful than shots because the pain is continuous. 

Getting a tattoo could feel like a constant electric shock that could be relatively manageable to different people. Sometimes the level of pain could be attributed to bigger tattoo pieces, different body parts, and of course, different pain thresholds.

Thus, getting your first tattoo can be an excruciating experience if you have a low pain threshold. 

Getting a tattoo is a painful but one-of-a-kind experience because everyone responds differently to pain. 

The Tattoo Areas and Pain Levels

Every single body pain scale can tell you what you need to know. A body pain scale can help you prepare for your first or hundredth tattoo. 

Here, you might find that tattoos are most comfortable on the outer arm, butt cheeks, and calf. In general, tattooing fleshier, fatter areas of the body is less painful than tattooing thin skin near the bone. 

Each person's pain threshold varies naturally based on their size, skin tone, and pain threshold. As a result, I asked fifteen tattooed people about their tattooing experiences, and their responses were surprisingly varied. 

The Best Tips for Getting Your First Tattoo 

Do your Homework

Each tattoo parlor and artist is unique. If you have a specific tattoo style in mind, you should seek out an artist who specializes in that style. 

Before committing to lifelong body art, conduct research on local tattoo shops and read reviews and testimonials. 

Prepare Yourself

You've already started mentally preparing by reading this article! 

Drink plenty of water and eat a well-balanced diet before your tattoo appointment. Notify your artist if you feel dizzy when you are near needles. 

Furthermore, prior to getting a tattoo, you must have healthy skin. Prevent sunburn by moisturizing the affected area in the days leading up to your session. 

Avoid Taking Blood Thinners

Yes, your tattoo will be painful. Unfortunately, Aspirin and Ibuprofen thin the blood, which causes more bleeding during the tattoo procedure. 

Before your session, no alcoholic beverages! 

Be Generous with Giving Tips 

You should tip your tattoo artist at least 20% of the total cost of the tattoo, just like you would a hairstylist or makeup artist. 

The Aftercare

Follow your artist's immediate and long-term tattoo aftercare instructions for the best results. Your artist will give you specific aftercare instructions before you leave the shop. 

These are the aftercare fundamentals:

Clean with Mild Soap and Water 

A new tattoo, like an open wound, should be kept clean and washed with an unscented antibacterial soap to avoid infection. 

Preserve Moisture

For the first few days of healing, apply a thin layer of Aquaphor to the affected area to keep it moist. 

Avoid Scratching

Itching will occur as your skin peels and heals, but resist the urge to scratch. If the tattoo is itchy, keep moisturizing it and patting it rather than scratching it. 

Avoid Sun and Water Exposure

Beach bums, you should avoid water (ocean, lakes, pools, hot tubs, etc.) and direct sunlight for several weeks after your tattoo. This reduces the possibility of infection and premature fading.

Conclusion

A part of getting a tattoo is being responsible as you go about it. No matter how wild the act may seem, you have to be an adult about the situation. Now that you know what to expect before, during, and after your tattoo session, follow these steps in making sure nothing unpleasant occurs. Remember, no matter how talented your artist is, it’s in your hands to take care of your tattoo.

You can find the best tattoo artists in Denver through Certified Tattoo, a group of esteemed professionals that can give you your best tattoo while taking care of you. Call us today for an appointment!