Your first tattoo

How do you choose an idea and placement without rushing?

Give yourself time. A tattoo that has stayed in your mind for a while is usually a better sign than an impulse. If you only have a feeling or a rough picture, that is a good place to start.

For placement, think about how often you want to see the tattoo, who else will see it, and how the skin there moves and takes the sun. A smaller, simpler first tattoo in a place that is easy to look after is a gentle way to begin. We can talk this through, and you can change your mind at any point before the session.

How do you prepare, and does it hurt?

Most people describe the feeling as scratching, stinging or heat, which is usually easy to manage for small tattoos. How strong it feels depends on the area of the body, the size, how long the session lasts and how you are feeling that day. Tell your artist if you need a moment.

A few simple habits help, and they are common advice before any tattoo.

• —Keep your skin moisturised in the days before
• —Avoid sunburn on the area in the weeks before
• —Sleep well and eat a proper meal beforehand
• —Avoid alcohol before the session
• —Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• —Tell us about any health condition or medication, and speak to your doctor if you are unsure

What happens in the session, and afterwards?

In general, you can expect a clean workspace, single-use needles, gloves and sealed consumables from any professional studio, and you are welcome to ask us about our setup. The design and placement are checked with you before the tattoo begins.

Afterwards, you receive aftercare guidance. In broad terms, keep the tattoo clean, moisturise as instructed, avoid soaking and direct sun while it heals, which usually takes around two to four weeks depending on the person and the tattoo, and follow your artist's instructions. If you notice spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or fever, contact a doctor.