Q&A for How to Prepare for a Tattoo

Everyone is different, so what might be painful to some might not be for others. In general, though, the ribs, sternum, and stomach are all sensitive areas. Just keep in mind that in exchange for that small amount of time being uncomfortable, you'll get a lifetime of rocking that cool tattoo.

You don't have to. Your artist will shave the area regardless of whether you shaved before or not.

Believe it or not, getting a good night's sleep and having a nice meal before you get tattooed will both really help.

You should refrain from swimming for 2-3 weeks after getting your new tattoo.

The skin on the wrist is very thin, so this is one of the more painful areas, but many people get them with no problems. It all depends on your pain tolerance.

Try using a stress ball while getting the tattoo. It also helps to avoid watching. Look elsewhere and concentrate on your stress ball, or on talking to the artist or anyone you've brought with you.

The pain varies from person to person - it depends on how high your pain tolerance is. Keep in mind that even if it's done with a needle, it usually hurts less than a shot or taking blood, however it also depends on the place you are getting tattooed. The thinner the skin is, the closer to the bone, and the more it'll hurt.

Wear what you feel comfortable in, but if you want to show off your tattoo, I suggest halter tops/halter dresses, crop tops, and stuff like that. If you're asking what you should wear when you actually go to the tattoo parlor, it doesn't really matter. The tattoo artist will just pull your shirt up or ask you to remove it.

You must be at least 18 in many jurisdictions. Check your local laws. They're in place to protect minors.

Yes, it is okay to smoke before getting a tattoo, but be aware that if you smell strongly of smoke, some tattoo artists don't like that. Also if you're high when you come in for your tattoo, most tattoo artists will refuse to tattoo you.

It's totally up to you to decide what tattoos to get, but most people tend to not get a tattoo on the same exact place on their wrist. I suggest if you have a tattoo on your inner wrist, considering getting the other tattoo on the side of your wrist (lay your hand down on the table palm down, then go to the side of that).

Tattoo pain levels are different for everyone. I don't consider the arm a particularly painful place to get a tattoo because it's not going to be right on top of the bone. The biggest thing you can do is take deep breaths and remember to drink plenty of water before your appointment. It also doesn't hurt to let your artist know about your pain threshold so they can give you plenty of breaks if need be.

You can hand the tip money straight to them. Sometimes if you're paying with a credit card, there will also be an option to tip on the device.

The forearm tends to hurt less than other areas. On a scale of 1-10, I would personally rate it around a 3. The best season to get a tattoo would be the fall or winter, as you can cover up to protect the tattoo from the sun without worrying about getting too warm.

It depends on the size of the tattoo, whether or not it's in color, where it's going to be put, etc. The best way to learn the price of a tattoo is to consult an artist.

In the inner forearm, it will not hurt too bad and is a good choice for a first time tattoo. The side neck is an okay option but i wouldn't do that on your first tattoo as you may not have felt what it feels like. It is not too painful as there aren't as many nerve endings at the front but it is quite painful for most.

No, mainly because places on the body with more flesh tend to have higher pain tolerance, so it would hurt more on your wrist than your calf, for example.

Shoulder blade tattoos don't hurt as much as other areas, but are still fairly painful.

Yes. But it varies depending on the person, in most cases, thighs are more sensitive than the lower back.

Go for a temporary tattoo first and let's see how its feels. Then if your friend is fine, go for permanent one. Tattoos are painful regardless of weight, so bear that in mind.