Your First Tattoo: Everything You Need to Know Before You Sit in the Chair

chloeamccarthy98
3 days ago
3 min read

Getting your first tattoo is exciting. It’s personal, memorable, and for a lot of people, something they’ve thought about for months—or even years. But if you’ve never been tattooed before, it’s completely normal to have questions.

Will it hurt? What should you wear? How do you prepare? What happens afterward?

If you’re getting ready for your first appointment, here’s everything you need to know before you sit in the chair.

Start With the Right Design (Not Just the Trend)

Your first tattoo doesn’t have to carry some huge, life-changing meaning—but it should feel like you.

Take time to think about:

Placement
Size
Style
Longevity

Save inspiration photos, but remember: reference images should inspire the final piece, not be copied exactly. A good artist will help create something that fits both your vision and your body.

And don’t stress over making it “perfect.” Your first tattoo is part of your story.

Choose an Artist You Trust

Finding the right artist matters just as much as choosing the tattoo itself.

Before booking:

Look through healed work, not just fresh tattoos
Pay attention to line quality and consistency
Make sure their style matches what you want
Read reviews and ask questions

The best appointments feel collaborative. You should feel comfortable speaking up and confident in your artist’s process. You can find the portfolios for all of our artists here.

Eat Before Your Appointment

One of the biggest first-timer mistakes? Showing up hungry.

Eat a solid meal beforehand and stay hydrated. Tattooing can be physically draining, especially for longer sessions.

Bring:

Water
A snack for longer appointments
Headphones if music helps you relax
A phone charger if needed

Your body will thank you.

Wear Comfortable Clothing

Your artist needs easy access to the area being tattooed, so plan your outfit accordingly.

Examples:

Arm tattoo → short sleeves or tank
Leg tattoo → shorts or loose pants
Back tattoo → clothing with easy access

Wear something comfortable that you don’t mind getting a little ink on.

Let’s Talk About the Pain

The question everyone asks: Does getting a tattoo hurt?

Short answer: yes—but usually not in the way people expect.

Most people describe it as:

Constant scratching
Heat or vibration
Mild burning in certain areas

Pain depends on placement, size, and your own tolerance. Areas with more muscle and padding tend to feel easier, while spots closer to bone are often more sensitive.

The good news? Most first-timers leave saying it wasn’t nearly as bad as they imagined.