16.07.25

First Tattoo: Essential Tips Before Making an Important Decision

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:

1
If you have many moles: a tattoo might cover changes or degeneration of moles, making it difficult to detect problems early.
2
If you have a strong allergy predisposition: you might develop an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink, causing irritations, rashes, and other issues.
3
sIf you have a compromised immune system: your body might struggle to heal properly, increasing the risk of infections. The tattoo might not heal well, and you could experience complications.

Always discuss your medical conditions with your tattoo artist before proceeding.

Choosing a Professional Tattoo Artist

This is one of the most important steps. Don’t settle for the first studio you find!

  • Make sure the tattoo artist has the necessary license and certifications to operate legally. Always ask to see the certificates.
  • Look at the tattoo artist’s portfolio to evaluate their style and skill.
  • Choose a tattoo artist you trust and who makes you feel comfortable. Communication is key.
  • Absolutely avoid unlicensed tattoo artists or those working from home. Don’t risk your health and the quality of your tattoo.


Appointment and Design Selection

Once you’ve found the right tattoo artist, schedule an appointment to discuss your design.

  • Bring with your ideas, reference images, and any inspiration you have.
  • The tattoo artist will help you perfect the design, choose the right size, and decide the ideal placement.
  • Set a date for the session and ask any necessary questions.

Skin Preparation: Before and After the Tattoo

Before embarking on your artistic journey, it’s crucial to properly prepare your skin and dedicate the right care to the post-tattoo process to ensure optimal and lasting results. At Etoo, we specialize in tattooed skin care and suggest following the procedures we typically recommend to our clients both in the preparatory phase and after the tattoo. This way, since this is your first tattoo, you’ll know what to expect.

First, in the days leading up to the tattoo, take care of your skin. Hydrate the area to be tattooed well to make it soft and thin, making it easier for the needles to penetrate.

On the day of the tattoo, don’t let anxiety take over! Most people find the tattooing process less painful than expected. Remember to clean the area to be tattooed thoroughly before heading to the studio.

Relax, breathe, and enjoy the experience.


Post-Tattoo Care

Follow your tattoo artist’s instructions carefully. They will likely recommend a rich, emollient cream to hydrate and protect the skin. Keep the area clean with a gentle cleanser.

For post-tattoo care after the first day, ask your tattoo artist for advice on suitable creams and balms. Apply a small amount with a gentle tapping massage several times a day for about a week.


Cleaning and Hygiene of the Fresh Tattoo

Cleaning is essential to prevent infections. Use a gentle cleanser 2-3 times a day. Hygiene is crucial to avoid infections after getting a tattoo. It is advised to gently clean the tattooed area with neutral soap and warm water at least two or three times a day. This helps remove ink residues and bodily fluids that naturally form during the healing process. Remember to dry the area by gently patting it with a clean, soft towel, avoiding rubbing to prevent skin irritation.


Sun Protection and Tattoos

If your tattoo is exposed to direct sunlight, like during summer, it’s essential to protect it by applying sunscreen with an SPF of 50+ to prevent the colors from fading and the skin from being damaged.
Follow this care routine for about a week. Your tattoo will heal perfectly and look beautiful!
You’re now ready to get your first tattoo in a safe and informed way.

-13%
Line New Tattoo
COMBINED CARE FOR THE PERFECT OUTCOME OF YOUR NEW TATTOO
€42,00
€48,50
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Before and after the tattoo
16.07.25
Science
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Tattoo Preparation: What to Do and What Not to Do for an Optimal Session
Things Not to Do Before Your Tattoo Session It’s essential to be informed about what to avoid before getting a tattoo. Here’s a detailed list: Avoid taking medications unless absolutely necessary. Especially aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and blood thinners. Do not engage in intense physical activity in the 12 hours leading up to the session: exercise increases blood pressure and microcirculation. Avoid sun exposure as much as possible. Your skin should not be overly tanned before a tattoo, as it is often more sensitive and dehydrated. Additionally, tattoos cannot be done if there are any sunburns or irritation caused by the sun or tanning beds. Do not consume excessive amounts of caffeine. Do not consume alcohol or drugs.   Things You Should Do Before Your Tattoo Session To ensure that your tattoo experience is as pleasant and safe as possible, here are some tips and actions to take before your session:  If you're getting a tattoo on areas exposed to sunlight, protect them with a special sunscreen, applying it daily for the 2 weeks leading up to your appointment. Our team of specialists has created a specific cream for this in the Etoo My Sun range. This treatment not only prevents potential irritations but also thickening of the skin caused by sun exposure, which could make it more difficult for the needles to penetrate. Use a preparatory tattoo cream in the week leading up to your appointment. This cream prepares the skin to accept the tattoo in the best way possible, making the epidermis softer, more elastic, and relaxed, reducing the likelihood of irritation and discomfort during the tattoo process. At Etoo, we developed Priority Cream, a tattoo preparation cream based on a high concentration of Endocalmine. It should be applied to the area to be tattooed, 2-3 times a day, massaging with your fingertips until fully absorbed.
Tattooed skin care
16.07.25
Science
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How to Care for a Tattoo and Complete Guide to Tattooed Skin Care
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:
Doubts & Advice
16.07.25
Science
16.07.25
Hair Removal and Tattoos: Answers to the Most Common Questions
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.
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