Tattoo Preparation: What to Do and What Not to Do for an Optimal Session

Are you about to embark on the artistic and personal journey of getting your first tattoo? Great choice! Are you about to embark on the artistic and personal journey of your first tattoo? Great choice! It’s a fantastic way to express yourself and add a unique touch to your individuality. Before you get carried away by excitement, there are some fundamental considerations you should absolutely keep in mind. Here’s a detailed guide on what to do and what not to do, ensuring your experience is positive and your tattoo becomes a work of art you’ll be proud of forever.   Age and Legal Consent for Tattooing Remember, you must be 18 years old to get a tattoo on your own. If you’re younger, between 16 and 18, don’t worry! You can still get your desired tattoo, but you’ll need formal consent from both your parents. They must accompany you in person to the tattoo studio to sign a consent form.This legal requirement is essential for your protection and to ensure that you make an informed and conscious decision. Be wary of tattoo artists who do not request this if you’re under 18.   Tattoo Placement and Future Considerations Think carefully about where you want to place your tattoo. Very visible areas like your face and neck might seem appealing but consider the long-term implications. In the future, you might want to remove the tattoo for personal or professional reasons.Laser removal is an option. However, this is a lengthy, expensive process, and the results aren’t always guaranteed. It requires many sessions and can be painful. Therefore, take your time in choosing where to place your tattoo.   When is it Not Advisable to Get a Tattoo? Your health is top priority. Here are some situations where it’s better to postpone the tattoo:

Long-Term Tattoo Maintenance: Routine, Products, and Tips It’s very important to take care of your newly inked tattoo, but it’s equally important to continue caring for it over time by following a few simple guidelines. First and foremost, think of your tattoo as a piece of art drawn on your skin. Your skin is like the canvas of a painting: it shouldn’t get wrinkled; it must stay smooth and in good condition. At the same time, the colors and brightness of the design need protection from fading. You must therefore protect both your skin (the canvas of the painting) from dehydration and aging, and your tattoo (the artwork) from the deterioration of its pigments. How to Properly Care for and Maintain a Tattoo? In a very simple way: just make sure to choose the right products that you normally use to take care of your skin (for cleaning, protecting it from the sun, moisturizing, shaving, etc.), preferring those that, in addition to their primary function (skin care), have the secondary function of protecting the tattoo pigments, and have been scientifically tested and proven to work. What Are the Skin Care Practices to Pay Attention to? Tattoo care involves some skin care practices that should be given extra attention:

Can I Shave Before Getting a Tattoo? We recommend avoiding waxing for at least one month before getting a tattoo in the area you plan to tattoo. However, there are no specific issues with shaving, using hair removal creams, or even laser hair removal.   Can I Wax After Getting a Tattoo? We recommend avoiding waxing for at least one month after getting a tattoo. Also avoid razors, hair removal creams, and absolutely do not use laser hair removal. How Should I Shave Correctly on Areas That Have Been Tattooed for a While? Laser Hair Removal: This technique is strongly discouraged. Hair Removal Creams: The use of hair removal creams should also be avoided. These often contain aggressive chemicals that could negatively react with the tattoo ink, causing irritations, allergic reactions, or altering the color and definition of the design. Waxing and Razors: These two methods are generally considered safe and do not have any specific contraindications on skin that has been tattooed for a long time. However, it’s important to perform these techniques carefully to avoid irritation or cuts.   Post-Hair Removal and Tattoos: What Should I Be Careful About? Post-Hair Removal Precautions: Immediately after hair removal, it is crucial to avoid applying scented products or lotions. These can irritate already sensitive skin and cause issues during the healing process of the tattoo. Opt for neutral and gentle products. Beware of Waxing Complications: Waxing, through the pulling of hair, can affect the skin layer where the tattoo is located, potentially blurring the lines, especially the finer details, compromising their sharpness. Furthermore, this procedure can lead to reactions like redness, itching, irritation, and, in more severe cases, folliculitis from waxing. For optimal care of tattooed skin after hair removal, it is essential to apply a specific treatment. This should soothe irritation and itching, repair skin trauma, and prevent folliculitis. At Etoo, for example, we’ve developed a specific product for tattooed skin aimed at preserving the integrity of the tattoo: Etoo Post-depil Vital Cream.