What To Expect At Your First Tattoo: A Friendly Guide For First Timers
Getting your first tattoo is a mix of excitement, nervous energy and “Is this going to be everything I wanted?”and that’s completely normal. Whether you’ve been thinking about it for years or woke up and finally said let’s do this, here’s exactly what to expect when you book your first tattoo at Black Hope Tattoo.
Our goal is simple, for you to feel informed, comfortable, and confident every step of the way.
Before Your Appointment
The Consultation (DM or Email)
Most first-timers start by messaging us with their idea. You don’t need to have everything perfectly figured out, just tell us:
• What you want
• Where you want it
• Rough size
• Any reference images
We’ll guide you on what will look best, what will age well, and how we can adapt the idea to your body and style.
Booking & Deposits
To secure your appointment, a small deposit is required. This goes toward your booking time and design preparation. On the day, we’ll look at the final design together before anything touches your skin.
Preparing Your Skin
Healthy skin equals a better tattoo experience. There’s a few things you can do to prepare your skin for your new tattoo.
In the days leading up:
• Drink plenty of water
• Moisturise the area
• Avoid sunburn
• No tanning beds
• Get a good night’s sleep before the appointment
On the day:
• Eat a proper meal
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours
• Wear comfy clothes with easy access to the area
Arrival at the Studio
When you arrive at Black Hope Tattoo, you’ll be welcomed into a calm, clean, friendly environment. There’s no judgment, no pressure, and no rushing we go completely at your pace.
You will have been sent a link prior to your appointment to our online consent and medical questionnaire form(paper versions are available in the studio). Your artist will review your answers and may ask you some questions and then we’ll go over your design together.
Seeing Your Design for the First Time
Most designs are shown on the day, so they can be correctly sized and placed according to your body shape and flow. This is your tattoo and we want you to love your design, so there will always be time for some small changes.
Then we create the stencil, place it on your skin, and check that you’re fully happy with the size and positioning.
Does It Hurt? Let’s Talk About It Honestly
Short answer: yes, but it’s manageable.
Longer answer: everyone experiences tattoo sensation differently.
It often feels like:
• A scratchy vibration
• A hot, irritating feeling
• A mild burning sensation
• More annoying than painful
Some areas hurt more than others (ribs, armpits, elbows). Some feel surprisingly easy (outer arms, thighs).
We take breaks whenever you need. You’re in control.
During the Tattoo
Here’s what you can expect:
• We’ll talk you through everything as we go
• We’ll work in small sections
• You can bring headphones if you want
• We’ll take breaks for water/comfort
• You can ask questions at any time
• You’ll never be rushed or pressured
Your comfort matters to us, a calm client enjoys the experience more and ultimately sits better for us too.
After Your Tattoo
Once we’re finished and you’re finished admiring your new tattoo in the mirror, we’ll take some photos (with your permission) and wrap your tattoo safely.
You’ll get full aftercare instructions from your artist tailored to your tattoo and skin type. In short:
• Keep it clean
• Moisturise lightly
• Avoid soaking, scratching, and sun
• Expect some peeling and itching
Healing takes about 2–4 weeks on the surface, and up to 8 weeks deeper down.
Your First 24 Hours
This is when your tattoo feels a bit warm or tender: totally normal and to be expected.
Take it easy, wash it gently once the wrap comes off, and apply a thin layer of aftercare if needed.
Your tattoo may ooze a tiny bit of plasma or ink. Also normal.
Your First Peel
Around day 3–7, the tattoo starts to flake and peel like a sunburn.
Do NOT pick it.
Let it peel naturally, or you risk pulling out ink and prolonging the healing process.
This phase is itchy, resist the urge and tap don’t scratch!
The Final Result
Once healed, your tattoo will settle, soften, and reveal its true details.
Your tattoo should heal beautifully when cared for properly and we would love a healed photo once your tattoo is fully healed. Where necessary we’ll always advise you if you ever need a touch-up.
Common First-Timer Questions
“What if I faint?”
It’s super rare, in fact I haven’t had anyone faint in the studio for years. Eating a good meal and speaking up if you’re feeling faint almost always helps us prevents this.
“Can I use numbing cream?”
We don’t recommend the use of numbing creams, as they can have a detrimental effect on your tattoo healing. Please speak to us if you really want to use a numbing cream, so we can advise on the risks and the best options.
“Can I bring a friend?”
To keep the space calm and focused, we ask clients to come alone. We are also quite a busy but compact studio, so don’t have the space in tattooing areas. Please message us if you have any questions or concerns.
“What if I change my mind on the day?”
We can tweak the design, size, and placement that’s all part of the process. If for some reason you have decided not to go ahead with the tattoo and haven’t given us 5 days notice then you would forfeit your deposit, but this is our last resort, please message if you have concerns or you have changed your idea as soon as possible so we can try and accommodate this.
Final Thoughts
Getting your first tattoo is a big moment, and it’s completely normal to feel nervous. Our job is to make sure you feel supported, comfortable, and excited throughout the entire experience.
You’re not just getting a tattoo, you’re stepping into a collaborative process with your artist.
Any further questions please don’t hesitate to send us a DM on social media or email us at info@blackhopetattoo.com
