Everyone is nervous before their first tattoo, including that friend of yours who claims otherwise. The same questions circle in everyone's head: will it hurt, what actually happens at the studio, and how do I make sure I will not regret the result. None of these is a reason to put off the decision, because the nerves mostly come from not knowing what to expect.
Before you book: the idea and choosing your artist
It all starts with an idea, but the idea does not need to be a finished picture. It is enough that you can describe a subject, a mood or a style you like. A professional artist will shape that thought into a tattoo that works. It is part of the job and included in the price.
The single most important choice is the artist, not the studio. Browse portfolios and look for a tattooer whose style matches your vision. A photographic portrait calls for a realism specialist, a delicate plant motif for a fine line expert. At Nero Tattoo, Jykä does black & grey realism and Ansku does fine line and botanical work, two very different styles under the same roof.
Before booking, check three things: the portfolio (look at healed work, not just fresh photos), the studio's hygiene, and how your questions are answered. A professional answers clearly and never pressures you in any direction.
How do I prepare for tattoo day?
Preparation starts the evening before, and the instructions are refreshingly ordinary. Sleep well, because pain feels stronger when you are tired. Eat a solid meal a couple of hours before the session, since an empty stomach is by far the most common reason people faint at the studio. Drink water throughout the day.
Alcohol the night before is a bad idea: it thins the blood, increases bleeding and can affect how the ink takes. The same goes for aspirin and ibuprofen. Getting tattooed hungover is an unpleasant experience for everyone involved, and the studio has every right to turn you away.
Wear loose clothes that make the tattoo area easy to expose and that can take a stain. For a long session, bring a snack, something to drink and headphones. If your skin is dry, start moisturizing a week ahead, but skip the lotion on tattoo day itself.
What happens at the studio?
A first visit almost always follows the same pattern:
- Consultation and sketch. The tattooer shows you the design, and you are welcome to ask for changes. Never approve a design you are not happy with. A good artist would rather revise than tattoo against your gut.
- Placing the stencil. The design is transferred onto your skin and you get to check it in the mirror. This is when size, placement and angle are confirmed.
- The tattoo. Outlines first, then shading and color. A small design takes 15-60 minutes, larger pieces take hours or several sessions.
- Wrapping and aftercare instructions. The finished piece is covered with film and you get clear instructions to take home.
You can take breaks during the session. If you start feeling shaky, say so right away. It is completely normal and nothing to be embarrassed about, your tattooer has seen it all before.
Does getting a tattoo hurt?
Most first-timers say the same thing after the session: the anticipation was worse than the pain. The sensation resembles scratching or a light burn, and you get used to it within a few minutes. Placement matters most: the upper arm, outer thigh and calf are easy spots, while the ribs, spine and ankle feel noticeably sharper.
For a first tattoo, it pays to pick an easier spot. That way you get to find out what tattooing feels like without the experience being overshadowed by pain. For a detailed breakdown of the body's different areas, see the pain chart.
Walk-ins in Tampere: when are they a good option?
A walk-in means a tattoo without an appointment: you walk in, pick a design, and in the best case walk out tattooed the same day. Many Tampere studios take walk-in clients, and for a first tattoo it is a great fit when the design is small and simple.
A walk-in works when the piece is smallish and straightforward, you are flexible about the details, or you want a ready-made flash design. Booking ahead is the better choice for custom work, a large piece, or a specific artist. At Nero we take walk-ins when the day allows; message us that same day and we will tell you right away whether it works.
The most common first tattoo mistakes
You will avoid these just by knowing them in advance:
- Hunting for the lowest price. A tattoo is a purchase for life, and fixing one costs many times more.
- Chasing a trend. Choose a subject that will still mean something to you ten years from now.
- Going too small for a detailed design. Dense details need room so the image stays crisp as skin ages.
- Neglecting aftercare. Even a well-made tattoo can be ruined by poor care. You will find the instructions in our aftercare guide.
- Getting tattooed tired or hungover. Your body heals worse and the experience is rougher.
Frequently asked questions: your first tattoo
How old do I have to be to get a tattoo? The established line at professional studios in Finland is 18, and that is our line at Nero too: we only tattoo adults. A good tattoo idea can handle the wait.
How much does a first tattoo cost? A first tattoo is usually small, so the price lands at the shop minimum: in Tampere, somewhere around a hundred euros. You will get a fuller picture from our pricing guide.
How long does a small tattoo take? A simple design is often finished in under an hour. Still, set aside plenty of time for the visit, since preparation, stencil placement and aftercare instructions all take their share.
Can I bring a friend? Most studios allow one support person. Ask in advance, since working space is limited.
What if I faint or feel unwell? Tell your tattooer immediately. A break, a sugary drink and a moment lying down fix the situation almost every time. The culprit is usually an empty stomach.
Should I shave the area beforehand? No need. The tattooer shaves the area at the start of the session. Shaving at home can irritate or break the skin, which at worst postpones the whole session.
Nero Tattoo is located at Hämeenpuisto 14, Tampere. Bookings and details via Instagram @tatuointistudionero.