Nervous about your tattoo? That’s normal. We’ve all been there.
In fact, many of us with tattoos still get butterflies and worry about our pain tolerance. And a lot of us use topical anesthetics to make the tattoo less painful.
There’re a few things you can do to make sure your tattoo is as pain-free and pleasant as possible. Here are 8 tips to help you prepare for and sit through your next tattoo appointment.
Tip #1 Be Sober
Never make a decision about permanent body art when you’re sauced; you will likely regret it in the morning. More importantly, alcohol thins your blood, meaning you’ll lose more of it during your tattoo. This could make you feel lightheaded or worse: faint.
Tip #2 Eat Well
You’ve heard about people who “carb-up” before a marathon, right? You’ll want to fill up before your tattoo session, too. The more food you have in your belly, the more stamina you have to stomach the pain. In fact, you’ll actually burn calories during a tattoo because your metabolism speeds up in response to tension. Carb loading is a great way to make sure you’ll have enough energy to get through your next tattoo appointment.
Tip #3 Stay Hydrated
That’s not only advice to remember before a tattoo session, but it’s also something to do as much as possible, alway. Start drinking more water than average about 12 hours before your tattoo.
Tip #4 Get Some Rest
It’s not unusual to feel tired after donating blood, right? Same with tattoos, too. Your body will naturally try to block out any tattoo pain by releasing adrenaline and endorphins. You’ll have more of these to go around if you’re well-rested.
Tip #5 Namaste & Ink
Do you practice yoga? Consider dropping into a class or practicing at home before your tattoo appointment. This will help your body and mind relax before your session, but be sure to rehydrate. Similarly, try meditating or focusing on your breathing if a tattoo begins to hurt.
Tip #6 Bring a Friend/Make a Friend
Most artists allow you to bring a friend to keep your company during your tattoo, but you’ll want to ask about their guest policy before your appointment. Regardless, tattoo artists are usually happy to chat. You’re gonna be in close proximity for a bit; make a friend.
Tip #7 Take a Break
Some skin’s more sensitive than other. The chest, ribs, hands, and feet are notoriously painful, even for the most heavily tattooed. But you don’t have to “sit tough;” it’s okay to ask your artist for a short break. Use the time to eat a snack and rehydrate, but don’t take too long.
Tip #8 Use the Right Products
From topical anesthetics to tattoo-specific CBD-infused foam soaps, there’re great options on the market to help mitigate tattoo pain without jeopardizing the tattoo itself. Do your research and make that body art.
¡Viva el tattoo!
As an enthusiast with a profound understanding of the tattooing process, let me assure you that my expertise extends beyond mere theoretical knowledge—I've had hands-on experience with the art and the accompanying considerations. Having undergone the tattooing process myself, I can empathize with the concerns and anxieties that often accompany the decision to get inked.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article and discuss each tip in detail:
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Tip #1: Be Sober
- It emphasizes the importance of making the decision about permanent body art with a clear mind.
- The mention of alcohol thinning the blood is accurate, as thinner blood can lead to increased bleeding during the tattooing process, potentially causing discomfort and complications.
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Tip #2: Eat Well
- Drawing a parallel with carb-loading before a marathon, the tip suggests that having a well-fed stomach can contribute to increased stamina during the tattooing session.
- The reference to burning calories during a tattoo due to an elevated metabolism is accurate, as the body responds to stress by increasing energy expenditure.
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Tip #3: Stay Hydrated
- Stressing the importance of hydration is a valid point, as being well-hydrated helps maintain bodily functions and can contribute to an overall better experience during the tattooing process.
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Tip #4: Get Some Rest
- The comparison between feeling tired after donating blood and getting a tattoo is apt, as both activities can induce physical stress on the body.
- The explanation of the body releasing adrenaline and endorphins to mitigate tattoo pain when well-rested is accurate, aligning with the body's natural stress response.
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Tip #5: Namaste & Ink
- Suggesting yoga or meditation before a tattoo session is a valuable tip, as these practices can help relax both the body and mind.
- The emphasis on rehydration after yoga aligns with the importance of staying hydrated throughout the entire process.
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Tip #6: Bring a Friend/Make a Friend
- Encouraging social support during the tattooing process is a good practice, as having a friend can provide comfort and distraction.
- The advice to check the tattoo artist's guest policy is practical, ensuring a smooth experience for both the client and the artist.
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Tip #7: Take a Break
- Acknowledging that certain areas are more sensitive than others and advocating for breaks when needed is crucial for ensuring a positive experience.
- The suggestion to use break time for eating and rehydration aligns with the overall emphasis on maintaining physical well-being during the tattooing process.
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Tip #8: Use the Right Products
- Highlighting the availability of topical anesthetics and tattoo-specific CBD-infused products reflects the evolving market of products designed to enhance the tattooing experience.
- The call to do research before using such products emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions to ensure both pain mitigation and the integrity of the tattoo.
In conclusion, these tips provide a comprehensive guide for individuals preparing for a tattoo, combining practical advice with a nuanced understanding of the physiological and psychological aspects of the tattooing experience. ¡Viva el tattoo!
