Guide 8 min read 1 June 2025

Getting Your First Tattoo: Complete Beginner's Guide

Getting your first tattoo is exciting — and a little nerve-wracking. The good news is that with the right preparation, the experience is far more manageable than most first-timers expect. This guide covers everything you need to know, from concept to healed result.

Step 1: Decide on the Design

Take your time with this step. A tattoo is permanent, so the design deserves genuine thought. Start by saving images of tattoos that appeal to you — after 20-30 saves, patterns will emerge in what you're drawn to. Consider placement early: some designs work better in specific locations. Start with something meaningful to you, but don't put pressure on your first tattoo to carry enormous symbolic weight — many people's first tattoos are simply things they find beautiful.

Step 2: Choose the Right Artist

The artist is more important than the studio. Find an artist who specialises in the style you want and whose portfolio shows consistent, high-quality work in that style. Check their healed work (not just fresh photos). Read their Google reviews. Follow them on Instagram to see their recent work. When in doubt, reach out for a consultation — a good artist will answer your questions professionally and make you feel at ease.

Step 3: Think About Placement

Placement affects both how the tattoo looks and how much it hurts. For a first tattoo, areas with more muscle and fat — outer arm, calf, shoulder, thigh — are generally less painful than bony areas like ribs, spine, shin, or hands. Consider also how visible you want the tattoo to be professionally and socially. You can always get more visible tattoos later — starting somewhere easy to cover gives you flexibility.

Step 4: Prepare for the Day

The night before: get a full night's sleep, eat a proper meal, and stay well hydrated. The day of: eat a substantial meal before your appointment (low blood sugar makes pain worse and can cause fainting), wear loose clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area, and avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours beforehand (alcohol thins the blood and affects healing). Bring a snack and water for longer sessions.

Step 5: What to Expect During the Session

Your artist will clean the area, apply a stencil, and let you approve the placement before starting. The sensation varies by placement — most people describe it as a scratching or burning feeling. The first 10-15 minutes are often the most intense as your body adjusts. After that, many people enter a flow state. Short breaks are normal in longer sessions. Speak up if you're feeling unwell — fainting is rare but happens.

Step 6: Aftercare is Non-Negotiable

How well you care for your tattoo in the first 2-3 weeks directly affects how it looks for the rest of your life. Keep it clean (wash gently with fragrance-free soap), keep it moisturised (fragrance-free lotion, applied sparingly), and keep it out of the sun. Don't pick or scratch as it peels. Avoid swimming, saunas, and direct sun exposure until fully healed. Your artist will give specific aftercare instructions — follow them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a first tattoo cost?

Most reputable studios have a minimum charge of €50-150 regardless of size. A small, simple design at a quality studio typically costs €80-200. Don't prioritise cheap — a badly executed cheap tattoo costs far more to fix or remove than getting it right the first time.

How much does it hurt?

Pain is subjective and placement-dependent. Outer arm, calf, and shoulder are generally the least painful placements. Ribs, spine, hands, and feet hurt significantly more. Most people find the reality much more manageable than they expected — the fear is often worse than the experience.

What size should my first tattoo be?

Bigger than you think. Very small tattoos can look great initially but lose definition as they age. A design that feels substantial — at least the size of a playing card — ages better and gives the artist room to work with proper technique.

Can I get a tattoo if I have sensitive skin?

Usually yes. Tell your artist about any skin conditions, allergies (particularly to latex or certain metals), or medications you're taking. A patch test is possible if you have specific concerns. Avoid tattooing over active eczema or psoriasis flare-ups.