Exciting! You have decided to get your first tattoo. This probably gives a mix of excitement and nervousness. Maybe you have been thinking about a specific design for years or it is a spontaneous idea. In any case, it is an important decision that needs to be well prepared. Here are a few points that will help you with getting your first tattoo!

Choose a reliable studio and tattoo artist
First do some research! Look for a tattoo studio and look at the artists who work there. What is a reliable studio? What style do I like?

Read the reviews of the tattoo shop and ask for recommendations from friends. Do you have a few options? Then pay attention to hygiene, style and experience. A good tattoo artist is not only technically skilled, but also offers a clean and safe working environment.

The design and placement
The next step is to choose the design that suits you and the placement. Save images for inspiration and look up what the design means. Also think about the visibility and size. Do you want everyone to see your first tattoo or are you going for a more subtle placement? A tattoo is permanent. It is very important to choose a design that you will be happy with for a long time. Do you want advice about your tattoo? Call the tattoo shop or schedule a consultation with an artist.

Preparation for getting your first tattoo
A good preparation will really help you with getting your first tattoo! Make sure you have eaten enough and are well hydrated. This helps your body to better cope with the stress of the procedure. Also wear comfortable clothing during the session.

During the tattoo appointment
First, the artist will print out various sizes for you and there is room to make adjustments to the design. This way you can determine which size you like best. The next step is to apply the stencil. The artist will follow this print of the design to get the tattoo. This is the last moment to make any adjustments.

The pain experienced when getting a tattoo varies greatly from person to person. Of course, it also depends on the placement of the tattoo. Some areas are simply more sensitive due to thinner skin and nearby bones. Try to relax and breathe in and out calmly. Most people describe it as a bearable pain with a tingling or scratchy feeling.

Aftercare and healing
After getting the tattoo, we will give you instructions for aftercare. Important steps for the recovery of your tattoo and to prevent infections. This includes keeping the tattoo clean, not sunbathing and using soap and cream. Healing takes a few weeks, during which it is completely normal for the skin to flake and itch.

At BlackBear Ink we regularly work with second skin. This is a layer that we stick over the skin. This allows the skin to breathe, but is protected against dirt. In addition, it is our experience that the tattoo itches less.

Long-term care
Care continues after the healing period. Do you want to keep your tattoo beautiful? Then it is important to hydrate the skin well and protect it from sunlight by applying sunscreen with a high factor.