Getting Your First Tattoo

Written by Vladimir Vishar — Professional tattoo artist
Published 29 May 2026 · Updated 12 July 2026

Booking your first tattoo should be exciting, not stressful. The nerves usually come from not knowing what to expect — how to choose a design, what happens in the studio, whether it will hurt, and how to look after it afterwards. This guide walks you through the whole process in plain English so you can turn up feeling prepared.

Before you book

Spend a little time on four things before you contact a studio: the design, the placement, the size and your budget. A clear idea of what you want — even a rough one, with a few reference images — makes it far easier for an artist to help. It helps to know roughly which tattoo style you are drawn to, and to think about where on your body the tattoo will go and whether you are happy for it to be visible day to day. Before choosing a spot, it can help to compare body areas visually; Tattoo Body Map gives a simple interactive view of pain and fading risk by area. Bear in mind that small, highly detailed designs do not always age well; giving a piece enough room keeps it readable for years. If you are dreaming bigger, even a full sleeve starts with these same basics. If you are unsure, a good artist will guide you on what will work.

Choosing the right artist

The single biggest factor in how your tattoo turns out is the artist you choose. Look for someone whose portfolio matches the style you want, rather than booking the first studio you find. Check that the studio looks clean, follows proper hygiene procedures, and is registered or licensed where required by the relevant local authority and nation. The schemes are not the same across the UK — England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each run their own — so rather than looking for one universal certificate, expect a reputable studio to be able to explain clearly how it is set up. Take your time comparing portfolios, and trust your instinct: if something feels off about a studio, it is perfectly fine to walk away. For more on this, see our guide on how to choose a tattoo artist.

Booking and deposits

Once you have found your artist, you will usually book through the studio by message, email or in person. Most artists take a deposit to hold your slot, which normally comes off the final price on the day. Deposits are often non-refundable if you cancel at short notice or do not show up, so check the studio’s policy before you pay. Be honest about your budget and timescale at this stage so there are no surprises. A consultation is the usual next step, and our tattoo prices guide explains how deposits and costs work.

What to do the day before

A little preparation makes the session more comfortable. Get a good night’s sleep, eat a proper meal beforehand and stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol the night before and on the day, as it thins your blood and can affect how the tattoo takes. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area being worked on — and that you do not mind getting a little ink on.

What happens on the day

When you arrive, your artist will usually go over the design with you and may make final tweaks. They will then make a stencil and place it on your skin so you can check the size and position before any work begins — this is your moment to speak up. Once you are happy, they will set up a sterile station and start. You can chat, listen to music, or simply sit quietly. Larger pieces are often split across sessions, and you can ask for a break whenever you need one.

Managing nerves and the pain

It is completely normal to feel nervous. Eating beforehand and slow, steady breathing help more than most people expect. Tattooing is uncomfortable rather than agonising for most first-timers, and the sensation usually becomes easier to handle as you settle in. Pain is very individual, so try not to compare yourself to anyone else’s experience. If you need to pause, just say so — a good artist would always rather you took a break than sat through something miserable. If you are thinking about a numbing cream, ask your artist first, as not all of them suit the process.

Aftercare basics

Your artist will give you specific aftercare advice, and you should follow theirs above anything you read online. In general: keep the area clean, do not pick or scratch as it heals, and keep it out of strong sun, swimming pools and the gym until it has settled. Healing usually takes a couple of weeks on the surface and longer underneath. This is general information, not medical advice — if you notice signs of infection such as spreading redness, heat, swelling or pus, or you feel unwell, speak to a pharmacist or contact your GP. For urgent advice out of hours, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or contact your GP’s out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland, which does not use 111. Our tattoo aftercare guide covers this in detail, and the healing stages guide shows what to expect week by week.

Common first-tattoo mistakes to avoid

A few mistakes come up again and again. Choosing an artist on price alone often leads to disappointment and, sometimes, the cost of a cover-up later. Copying someone else’s tattoo exactly rarely works as well on different skin or a different body. Going too small with a detailed design can leave it looking muddy within a few years. Other common slip-ups include drinking the night before, rushing the decision and ignoring aftercare. Take your time, do your research, and treat your first tattoo as the start of something you will wear for life.