What to expect from your first tattoo, according to a celebrity tattooist

“Please be fussy and make as many changes as you like.”

From the excitement of booking a tattoo appointment to the (touch wood) regret of said tattoo, the journey of committing to a permanent piece of art on your body is a serious one. As someone who has yet to don ink on their skin, I’m both fascinated and scared by the process. If you’re also prone to bouts of severe overthinking, you’ve come to the right place. Together, we can inch a step closer to lying down on a tattooist’s bed.

Interested to hear how others navigate the world? Head to our Life section.

To arm me with facts (before I alter my appearance for life, as my mother would say), I had a chat with celebrity tattoo artist Lauren Winzer. She’s inked the likes of Miley Cyrus, Chris Hemsworth, Joe Jonas, Sophie Turner and Post Malone, and now, she’s imparting her wisdom to us.

How can you be sure this your tattoo is one you’ll want to keep forever?

I like to sit on an idea for a while [to] make sure I[‘ll] still love it [for a long time]. I get a sudden urge to book it when I really know. I’ve had plenty of ideas that never gave me that feeling and thank goodness, to be honest! I like to make sure I pick something sentimental or something I already love like flowers, a fond memory or pop culture. You’re [not] going to stop loving it as it’s already made you happy for years.

Are there specific placements on the body that aren’t as painful?

I say, forget what’s more painful and what’s not; the pain is temporary. Get the tattoo where you want as you’ll love it way more than placing it based on the pain! And just remember if it’s big, there’s no pressure to get it all done in one go. Take your time and take breaks when you need.

What should you bring to your tattoo appointment? 

References for the tattoo are definitely great for consults! On the day of the appointment, bring some snacks and some water as this always helps.

How can you prepare for the appointment?

Eat a great meal beforehand. Something carby and filling is best. If you’re getting leg tattoos but don’t want to be pantless, wear or bring shorts. If you are [a woman] and getting a tattoo in your torso area, bikini tops are great (or I’m becoming pretty good at making DIY halter tops with tape). Don’t wear nice clothes, please! We can be messy and I don’t want to ruin your favourite clothing – the saggier the better.

How can you challenge your artist?

I like to collab! So when my client brings me their ideas and references, I come up with something beforehand. On the day, please be fussy and make as many changes as you like, even if you just want to see options. Then we can make something one of a kind.

What should you do for aftercare?

I recommend using Bepanthen Tattoo ointment, purely as a moisturiser. I apply it like sunscreen – rub it in, remove any excess and let it breathe! Using too much doesn’t allow it to dry and heal.

I wrap the tattoo after it’s done. At a minimum, leave it on for an hour, but ideally [leave it] overnight so then all of the plasma has come out. Then wash it once in the morning and once in the evening in a circular motion until it doesn’t feel slimy. Softly towel it dry and apply the Bepanthen Tattoo ointment about 10 minutes after until it’s peeled and healed. Usually [it’ll take] a week to a week and a half, depending on how big you go.

Thinking about booking in a tattoo appointment? Read this first.