For people getting their first tattoo, having a background on the steps and the basic process of tattooing can reduce the anxiety associated with it. Carefully choose the design and the tattoo artist before making the final trip to the tattoo shop.
Before the tattoo procedure itself, the area of the body to be inked should be primed. It needs to be cleaned thoroughly and hairs must be removed from the area. After shaving, the skin should be cleaned again to remove bits of hair or any dirt. Shaving before tattooing is important because during the process, the needle can possibly shove the hair into the skin and can increase the likelihood of contamination or infection.
Outlining the design is the first step in tattooing. The artist makes use of a single tipped needle to make a permanent line over the stencil design. This is often said to be the most painful part of the procedure. This is also the most important step in getting the perfect tattoo. A good stencil is important because this is applied directly on the skin and this is the basis for the design. Transferring the design should result in a clear and dark outline on your skin. As the permanent line is created, the tattoo artist must be careful not to smear the stencil when removing the excess ink.
The outlined skin is then cleaned with mild soap and water before proceeding to the next step, which is shading. A thicker ink is used to apply a solid, even line.
Before applying colour, the area is again cleaned. Depending on the size and design of the tattoo, the artist may use different sizes of needles specifically designed for shading and colouring. This is a crucial stage in the tattoo process and the artist should make certain that there are no uneven areas of colour.
The last step is the final cleaning of the inked area. Using a clean disposable towel, the artist removes traces of plasma and blood. A tattoo aftercare product is then applied and the area is bandaged. Keep the bandage on for up to 24 hours, avoid touching the tattoo, and stay away from the sun, hot baths, and pools until the tattoo is fully healed.
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