Getting Tattooed: What to Expect

In the tattooing world you’ll find about a hundred different opinions for, well, pretty much everything, but the actual tattoo experience can be almost universal. The majority of people will tell you that, yes, it does hurt, but that will also likely be followed up with about a dozen different descriptions of how the tattoo machine feels on your skin. Getting tattooed is a unique experience for everyone, so how it feels and how much it hurts can depend on your body’s tolerance for pain, your stress level and your imagination. Despite your expectations, if you’re prepared for the actual tattoo process and have some idea of what you can expect, your experience will be more comfortable (and much less daunting) to go through.

Preparation


You should first be confident that your body is physically healthy and prepared for the tattoo process. No matter how well you think you’ll react to the tattoo machine, it can be a physically exhausting experience for your body and you should be free of any colds or illnesses, mentally balanced, hydrated and fed. And, girls, even having your period could negatively affect the experience, often increasing your physical sensitivity. You should consult with your tattooist if you’re concerned about pain.

For the most successful tattoo, your skin should be in a natural state. That means no sunburn, rash or other skin irregularities, as well as unshaved and free of lotion, glitter and any other healing wounds (including piercings). Mike O’Neil, of the Longmont, Colorado studio Main Street Tattoo, put it best when he said, “Have good personal hygiene as if you were going to the doctor. Just take a shower and head to the tattoo shop.”

And don’t forget that the tattoo process can sometimes be messy, involving water, rubbing alcohol or other sanitation liquids, ink, blood and ointments. Don’t dress to impress or wear anything you’ll be sorry to stain.

Stencil Application

After you’ve checked in with your tattooist, you should take some final moments to look over and confirm your tattoo artwork. Make sure that it’s exactly what you want and, if you have words appearing in your tattoo, now is the last time to check the spelling. After your tattooist has put on rubber gloves and professionally prepared the area to be tattooed, generally by cleaning and shaving your skin, they’ll apply your design stencil. Generally made using a thermofax machine and carbon copy paper, the stencil leaves temporary lines as a “blueprint” for the artwork.

You may be impatient for the real ink, but it’s VERY important that you inspect the stencil now while it’s still temporary. Make sure that it’s perfectly positioned on your body and don’t be afraid to ask your tattooist to reapply the stencil until it’s exactly where you want it. Most reputable artists will be just as concerned with placement as you are and they’ll wash it off and re-apply it until they’re also pleased with it.

Body Positioning

After you and your tattooist are both happy with the stencil placement, you’ll need to find a comfortable position for both of you to stay in during the actual tattoo process. Depending on your design, the actual tattooing process may last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Longer sessions will very likely include breaks (you’ll both want and need them), but having to change positions too often will inconvenience both you and your tattooist.

You need to be comfortable, but so does your tattooist. The studio will likely have a variety of chairs (similar to those in salons or barber shops), stools, fold out and cushioned tables and other props that can be positioned to suit both of you. You may also need to remove or pull aside some of your clothing to keep it out of the way. Your tattooist will often put paper surgery towels around the area and either tape or tuck them into surrounding clothing to keep them in place and make an effort to keep your clothes clean in the process.

Line Work

The first part of your tattoo process is referred to as “line work.” This is generally a black outline of the tattoo design, which includes any solid lines that will exist in the finished tattoo. As your tattooist creates these lines by tracing the stencil, the tattoo machine will vibrate and buzz as they operate it with a foot pedal and they’ll stop intermittently to refill the needles with ink. As they work through your design, you’ll see they are constantly wiping to remove excess ink and fluids. Your design stencil will be wiped away in this process, as well.

Some people describe line work as feeling like you’re being cut or scratched, and the needles of the tattoo machine may seem like they’re moving fairly slowly over your skin. The area being tattooed could also begin to feel hot or numb and, as your body processes trauma it’s receiving, you might feel overheated or cold. It’s important to keep your breathing slow and consistent and to tell your tattooist if you begin feeling sick or faint.

Shading & Coloring

After the line work is completed, shading and coloring will begin. There are several needle setups commonly used for different purposes when shading or filling in solid areas of color. And, similar to line work, the tattooist will continue to replenish their ink and wipe off any excess fluids as they work through your tattoo.

Shading can feel significantly different from line work, with your tattooist moving the tattoo needles in little circles or other small movements, unlike the slow, more constant strokes of creating the tattoo outline. Moving in a concentrated area this way may feel abrasive, like a steel wool pad scrubbing a spot off a dish. As before, you should always focus on steadying your breath and trying to relax.

Bandaging

Once the tattoo is completed — and everyone breathes a sigh of relief — your tattooist will wipe down your tattoo with a light solution to remove excess ink and fluids. After you both examine the work, they’ll often apply a bandage to protect it and help prevent infection. It’s very important to carefully follow any healing instructions given by your tattooist, keeping it bandaged, cleaned and treated as they instruct.