The Life Post | My First Tattoo

So, just over two weeks ago I went, bit the bullet and got my first tattoo. Eek! I've wanted one for years and I finally got up the courage to go and get it done. Before I start I just want to say I know there are some people who just don't get the point of tattoos, don't like them and completely against them (my boyf being one of them) and I respect their opinions - however I ask that they respect mine but not leaving negative comments etc about it. Thanks!

Basically I just wanted to talk about my experience getting my first one and the healing process etc. I will just say it's not completely healed - still a little dry skin around it - but it is getting there. I had loads of "oh my gosh is that normal" moments and luckily I had people I could ask which was incredibly helpful so... let's go!

Why I wanted one...

Originally I wanted to get one when I left uni as a symbolic gesture, however I went to Australia just after and you can't get it wet, soaked or in direct sunlight for a while so it just wasn't a good time. Then it was just never a good time. Not only that but I had voices in my ears telling me it was a bad idea and there wasn't a point in getting one. The past month has been one big massive change in terms of job and lifestyle so it finally seemed like the right time to go and get one. 

Design choice...

This was quite easy. For me I always wanted a butterfly - i love them. I have them dotted all around my room, wardrobe, just life in general so it was a no brainer. CHoosing the butterfly was a bit tougher. I wanted something simple but pretty. Thank god for google is all I'm saying. I fell in love with mine as soon as I found it and I absolutely love it.

Choosing where to go...

I was very lucky and went with someone who had had a couple before. She did all the legwork in finding somewhere as she wanted me to be comfortable where I was and who was doing it. She found this fab place local to us with great reviews. Make sure you look at customer reviews as they will tell you everything you need to know.

The deed being done...

To say I was nervous was a bit of an understatement. Before I went I picked up some chocolate for afterwards and a bottle of full fat coke for the duration. The guy who did it was amazing, he put me at ease really quickly, joking around and just being super nice. He took my design and traced it, popping it at a smaller size as I asked and then transferred the design onto me. Next came the needle part... When I saw the needle being put together I got very "ARGH!" in my head. Luckily the woman I went with told me to concentrate on her and made me talk to her the entire time. The first few minutes were a bit painful but honestly not as bad as I thought it would be - it was like a cat scratching you. My friend talked to me the entire time, distracting me which was a complete blessing. I would definitely recommend going with someone else to distract you. 

The aftermath...

Afterwards I was wrapped in clingfilm, given care instructions and sent on my way - a very happy girl! I loved it and couldn't wait to show it off. An hour after it's done you need to take the clingfilm off, clean and rewrap. There was a bit of blood, of course, but just be careful. I kept mine wrapped all the first day and all through the night. When I woke the next morning there was ink all over my ankle - scary! Totally normal though. Over the next few days pop some Bepanthem nappy cream on around twice a day. Just be warned - the itching - oh my god. It's worse with clothing over it, I was lucky it was on the ankle so I could leave it uncovered - but when it was covered, itchy itchy unbareable itchy! Showerwise - I was a bit worried around this, however as long as you don't scrub it, or rub it dry you are fine. 

Like I said - it's not completely healed yet, but it is getting there. Everyone heals differently so everyones experience will be different. Just remember that above everything else. Also, don't be influence by anyone else. I heard 100 reasons why I shouldn't have one from various people (mostly the boyf) but at the end of the day, get it for you, no one else. Choose the design yourself, choose the location yourself, do it for you.

I hope this has been of some help if you are thinking of getting one or just curious! Like I said, it's a personal choice. I completely respect those who don't want them or like them, that's your choice so I just hope you respect my decision to have one.

Do you have any tips for first time tattoo goers?