Getting Your First Tattoo?
A guide made for people who have never been tattooed: what to expect before, during and after the appointment.
Before the Appointment
You do not need to do anything special, but it really helps if you sleep well the night before, eat something before coming, and avoid alcohol in the 24 hours beforehand, it thins the blood and complicates the tattoo. Come with the area clean and free of creams. If you have doubts about the design, it is better to sort them out over WhatsApp beforehand: that way we arrive with everything decided and use the appointment time to tattoo, not to negotiate the design.
Choosing the Design and Area
You do not need to know exactly what you want, but it helps to have an idea of the style and body area. If it is your first tattoo, I usually recommend areas with more stable skin and less exposure to daily friction, forearm, calf, shoulder, so healing is easier. Size and placement also affect the price, so the sooner we talk about it, the better quote I can give you. If you are still not sure which style you like, you can look at the portfolio for ideas.
The Day of the Appointment
I prepare the area, show you the design already traced onto your skin so you can see the size and position before we start, and we adjust anything needed. I only start tattooing once you are happy with it. You can bring someone with you, although in small guest chairs sometimes only one extra person can come in, I will confirm this depending on the studio that day. Check how to book if you have not set a date yet.
Pain: What is Real and What is Exaggerated
The pain is real but very exaggerated on social media. It mostly depends on the area: ribs, hands and feet hurt more; the arm, calf and thigh are much more manageable. It is a bearable discomfort, comparable to a continuous scratch, not sharp pain. Most people handle one or two hour sessions just fine.
First Aftercare Steps
When we finish I will explain how to care for the tattoo in those first few days, you will find the full guide on the tattoo aftercare page. The important thing for a first tattoo: do not worry if it itches or looks a bit dull the first few days, that is a normal part of the healing process.
First Tattoo FAQs
Is there a minimum age to get a tattoo?
Yes, in Spain the minimum age is 18, or 16 with authorisation from a parent or guardian. I will ask for it before the appointment.
Can I come alone to my first tattoo?
Of course, plenty of people come alone. If it makes you feel more at ease to bring someone, you can do that too, depending on the studio’s space that day.
How long does a first tattoo appointment take?
For small or medium pieces, between 30 minutes and two hours. I will give you a real estimate once we finalise the design.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes, let me know in advance over WhatsApp and we will find another date. I just ask that it is not the same day as the appointment, except in cases of force majeure.
What if I regret the design after booking?
We will talk it through before the appointment as many times as needed until you are 100% happy with the design. I do not start tattooing if you have doubts.
Ready to take the step?
Tell me your idea and we will sort out your doubts before booking.
