If I'm going to get my information from people on the internet it should be the ones I know.

[dira]

So I'm getting my first tattoo on Saturday. On the back of my shoulder, monochrome, text, further details forthcoming when it actually exists for iulia to photograph.

So! Who wants to supply with aftercare tips? Or what-to-know-when-getting-tattooed tips, I guess, although "holy fuck that spot is going to hurt a lot" is not helpful information and I've already visited the tattoo place and let Iulia ask questions about sterilization. Anything else, yes please. I have already read the first two google hits for tattoo care, but I would like to hear it from you guys.


Unrelated request for information from people on the internet: can anybody rec good long kidfic? I feel like I have read a lot of what's out there under that description, but surely there is more! I am not incredibly fussy about already knowing the fandom when it comes to feeding my long kidfic jones, so anything is fair game.

This request has become significantly less urgent since I discovered elderwitty's McShep AU Masterlist, but still. It would be good to know for the future.


This entry is cross-posted at http://dsudis.livejournal.com/548184.html.

Comments

[t_vo0810]

I just got my first tattoo last August, the memory of it is still fresh. Let me preface this by saying I am on the low average side of pain tolerance levels- i am not particulary stoic or brave or anything like that. I made me friend go first cause I was gonna chicken out if she said it hurt too much. But it really really did not hurt all that bad. My tattoo took about an hour overall. The outline they do first hurt the worst and really, honestly, it wasn't that bad. I made lots of ouchie!faces and bit my lip a few times, cursed under my breath about 3 times, but I could still carry on a conversation without trouble. I found I had to concentrate hard on not fidgeting or flinching during the brief moments of stinging pain that would happen every so often. After he finished the outline, everything else was pretty easy breezy. I think at that point, my endorphins were flying high and took the edge off.

Overall, I would say the process wasn't all that difficult and probably less painful than my imagination had predicted. I didn't take anything beforehand cause our tattoo guy said it was best not to, but if u r worried, some prophalatic nanoproxin (i.e. aleve) or ibuprofen (i.e. advil) wouldn't hurt. That's what he recommended for aftercare. The only thing I wish I had done that I hadn't was taking some advil and/or aleve at the shop before i left. I had plans after and didn't make it home for a few hours. I was in alot more pain then when I finally got home. Kind of like a sore bruised bad sunburn that first day. After that, it didn't hurt at all.

As far as aftercare, my guy gave us very explicit, WRITTEN instructions that he went over item by item. Thank god they were written, cause I would have not remembered half of it when i got home and all of it was important. The only thing that did not happen like it was supposed to was that about a week after, the tattoo is supposed to scab, then 'seal', and then 'peel'. After it peels, it really doesn't need any more care. Well, mine scabbed and sealed but did not peel. I put some vitamin E ointment on it (the kind for very bad sunburns which i had gotten in the past) and that did the trick. it softened up the dry scabby seal and it peeled off the next day.

I adored getting my tattoo- the tattoo artist and the atomosphere at the shop was great and kept my mind occupied for the most part. The whole experience was good and not nearly as painful as I thought it would be. And it was a huge bonding experience for my best friend and I. I would totally do it again.

Take lots of pictures and post! I can't wait to see your fresh ink! You will be great so don't worry and don't be apprehensive. It's well worth all the trouble. <3

[dira]

All good things to know, thanks! :)