How to Be Calm Whilst Getting a Tattoo

Getting a tattoo can be a scary and painful experience, but here's how to remain calm during the procedure.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Before the tattoo

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    Determine what it is that you are scared of. If you are scared of the pain, then you can numb the area before hand, or if it is the needle you are scared of, don't look at the needle. By determining what it is you are scared of, you can find a solution.
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    Eat a healthy meal and drink lots of water before the appointment. Don't drink alcohol or take painkillers, as this thins your blood and makes it bleed more. If you are prone to fainting, take a sugary snack or drink with you.
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    Get a good sleep the night before. Being tired can make everything worse, as you don't want to fall asleep in the tattoo studio.
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    Dress accordingly to the tattoo you are getting. If you are getting a tattoo on your arm, then wear something with short sleeves or sleeves that you can easily roll up. If you are getting a stomach tattoo, then don't wear a dress or jumpsuit. Use common sense to decide whether or not your planned outfit is appropriate.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

During the tattoo

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    Fill out the consent form, and answer the questions truthfully. If you are unsure what something means, ask your artist to explain. If you are asked a question about health or past experience and you are unsure, tell your artist you don't know (for example, if the question was "are you prone to fainting" and you are unsure as you have never had a tattoo before, let them know).
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    Sit or lie down where you are told. The artist will give you instructions on were to sit and what position. He/she may also ask you to remove certain items of clothing, if necessary.
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    Decide whether to look at the procedure or whether to look away. Some people find it easier to look away, but some prefer to look. If you look away, you won't see the needle of the blood, but if you watch, you won't be surprised by the needle and if you are unhappy about the way the design is happening, you can consult your artist before it's too late.
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    Don't be embarrassed if you scream or cry. Tattoo artists are usually used to people like this. It is better to try and avoid this, but if you do scream or cry, there is no need to be embarrassed.
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    Don't be afraid to ask your artist for a break. It is normal to have 2-3 minute break here and there.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

After the tattoo

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    Do something fun that you enjoy. Reward yourself for getting the tattoo, and you will have something to look forward to while getting the tattoo. You could do anything from buying an ice cream, to throwing a party.
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    Follow the aftercare instructions. You don't want to get an infection.
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    Don't be afraid to show off your tattoo to your friends. You got a tattoo even though you were scared, so you have ever right to show it off!
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    What can I drink or consume to ease the pain when I get my tatoo?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You shouldn't be drunk when getting a tattoo. Without alcohol, it's best to stay hydrated with water, or drink a few cups of a calming herbal tea.
  • Question
    What about anti-anxiety medication (e.g. Valium, Prozac, Xanax)?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you've been prescribed one of these medications for your legitimate anxiety by a doctor, it's not a bad idea. If you're talking about taking someone else's medication and/or you're not used to taking it, don't do it. Think it through first, regardless. If you're having serious anxiety when thinking about getting a tattoo, maybe it is not a good idea to go through with it. Your mind might be trying to tell you something.
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Warnings


  • If you are needle phobic, blood phobic, or have fainted from a needle before, you may faint.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 29,734 times.
32 votes - 94%
Co-authors: 6
Updated: August 10, 2021
Views: 29,734
Categories: Tattoos and Piercing
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