Preparing to get a tattoo

[Ennui.]

If all goes well I should be getting my very first tattoo soon! I have an appointment set up so the only thing they will stop me from getting it is if I end up having to work that day. But then I'd reschedule obviously.

What are some things I should do to prepare for the tattoo, and what should I do day of before and during the tattoo?

And any aftercare suggestions?

[TheAtomicBlade]

Well, I dont have a tat yet (because my parents are saying no, and I have no cash :P ), but I've done a ton of reading about it.
Eat a meal about 2 hours before the tat. Also, dont have any booze or drugs (including medication), for 2 hours before the tat.
Reach the parlor early, because it puts the artist in a good mood, and hey, if you're as paranoid as me about health, you can watch the artist clean his equipment.
Do not bring an entourage. One friend is OK, but even that friend may not be allowed to watch the tat process.
Make sure you've got the cash for the tip etc.
Also, wear clothing that makes it easy to reach the tat area.
FInally, listen to what the artist tells you about aftercare.
Hope I helped

[Ennui.]

How would two people be? Is that overdoing it? My mom is bringing me but she randomly asked my sister if she wanted to go too.

I'm putting my tip and everything on my debit card since they take them so that's not a problem.

I was thinking of wearing a skirt that I can pull up since it's a long skirt. I can pull it up though.

[TheAtomicBlade]

Two people should be fine. They may not be allowed to watch though.
depending on where on your leg it is, you want to rethink it. Like, if its your upper thigh, shorts or a short skirt probably are better, because even if you can pull it up, the artist will have to tape it in place and thats meh.
And if you can post pics of the tat that wold be great. Who's your artist btw?

[Destroyprophecy]

Yes make sure to eat and get plenty of sleep and make sure you have the stuff you need for the aftercare non scented soap and lotion. They dont need much preparing im about to get my second one in 2 days

[Destroyprophecy]

Oh and for after care your shop should give you a paper telling you what to do but no soaking the tattoo so no baths or swimming. You will wash it 2 to 3 times a day with nonscented soap then apply the non scented lotion or ointment after. Do not scratch or pick at your tattoo because it will get very itchy during healing and falke just pat it. It may even scab but refrain from all picking or it could get ruined!

[TheAtomicBlade]

Hey Destroyprophecy, who was your artist?

[Sophrosyne]

When my cousin and mum got a tattoo, they got told to put pawpaw ointment on it which apparently seemed to work really well for them. So that's an idea of a cream for you.

[Destroyprophecy]

my artist was named Oscar i went to a tiny shop near my town. the artist was still fairly new had only been tattooing for 2 years and was new to the shop.

Others have covered the information pretty well. In addition to eating a meal beforehand and avoiding substances I would also suggest drinking lots of water that day. Aftercare for the tattoo is simple. Different artists will tell you different things, but in my experience it's okay to leave the bandage/saran wrap on for two or three hours, then take it off. You may want to wear clothes you don't mind ink bleeding on because the first day it may bleed a little. The first day you'll want to gently wash it with antibacterial soap and warm water. After that apply non-scented lotion twice daily to the tattoo for about ten days. At that point the scab should have flaked all the way off. Don't swim or take a bath following getting a tattoo for at least two weeks.

Good luck! I hope this helps. If you're comfortable sharing I'd love to see pictures, too.

[Ennui.]

Of course I'm sharing pictures.
I'm either having razor burn or a mild case of eczema. I'm probably not going to shave again after today to prevent razor burn from being an issue with the tattoo but what about eczema? Will that impact anything?

When I got my tattoos I didn't have to per-paired at all I just had to make sure I ate 4 hours before.

[Ennui.]

Got my tattoo so I'm closing this. Will post a picture tomorrow!