First Tattoo London: Beginner Tattoos and Custom Designs
Getting your first tattoo is a big deal! Whether it’s a meaningful rose tattoo, a striking skull tattoo, or something personal like a dog tattoo or cat tattoo, it’s a moment you’ll never forget. At Straight Lines Tattoo, we’ve helped hundreds of people take the plunge, and we know the questions (and nerves!) that come with it. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know to make your first tattoo a smooth and exciting experience.
Choosing the Right Design
The first step to a great tattoo is picking a design that feels right for you. Are you drawn to Greek mythology tattoos, animal tattoos, or maybe something personal like a loved one’s portrait? Take your time, do some research, and feel free to bring your ideas to us. Our artists at Straight Lines Tattoo specialize in creating custom designs, so we’ll make sure your tattoo is as unique as you are.
Does It Hurt? (Let’s Be Honest)
We won’t lie—tattoos come with a bit of pain, but it’s not unbearable. Areas with less muscle or more bone (like hands or ribs) tend to hurt more than, say, your arm or leg. If you’re nervous, start with a smaller piece before committing to something larger like a full sleeve tattoo or full leg tattoo, as these are done in multiple sessions and can take months to complete. And remember: it’s totally normal to feel a little anxious before your first session.
How to Prepare for Your Tattoo Session
Preparation is everything! Follow these tips to make sure your session goes smoothly and your tattoo turns out amazing:
Moisturize Your Skin: Start moisturizing the tattoo area a month before your session. Dry skin makes it harder to tattoo
Avoid Sunburn: Keep the area protected from the sun—no one wants a tattoo on damaged skin!
Eat Well and Sleep Well: Being well-rested and well-fed helps your body handle the session better. Stay hydrated, skip the caffeine, and bring snacks like protein bars or fruit.
Dress Comfortably: Wear clothes that give your artist easy access to the tattoo area. If you’re getting a leg tattoo, wear shorts. For an arm tattoo, go for a tank top.
Stay Calm: No need to stress—it’s just a tattoo!
What to Expect During the Session
When you arrive at Straight Lines Tattoo, your artist will walk you through the process and answer any last-minute questions. We’ll make sure you’re comfortable and ready before we start.
For smaller tattoos like a rose tattoo or cat tattoo, one session is usually enough, forearm size. But for larger pieces like a full sleeve tattoo or full back tattoo, expect to come in for multiple sessions. A sleeve might take 5-6 sessions or more, depending on the design’s complexity and your skin type, while a full leg tattoo could take even longer. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and the results are always worth it!
During the session:
Take breaks if needed (take sugary snacks or drinks to keep your energy up).
Trust the artist—they’re pros at this!
Avoid using numbing creams—they don’t help as much as you think and can actually mess with the quality of the tattoo.
Aftercare: Taking Care of Your New Tattoo
Once your tattoo is done, the real work begins—aftercare is crucial! Whether it’s a small rose tattoo or a large full back tattoo, proper care will make all the difference.
Here are the basics:
Wash your tattoo gently with antibacterial soap and pat dry.
Apply a thin layer of Bepanthen cream to keep the area moisturized.
Avoid swimming, saunas, and sun exposure during the healing process.
Don’t scratch or pick at peeling skin—it’s tempting, but it’ll ruin your ink!
For a detailed aftercare guide, check out our tattoo aftercare page.
Relax, You’re in Good Hands
Getting your first tattoo in London doesn’t have to be stressful. At Straight Lines Tattoo, we’re here to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. Whether you’re after a Greek mythology tattoo, a meaningful animal tattoo, or something totally unique, our talented artists will bring your vision to life.
And remember, larger tattoos like full sleeves or full legs are journeys—they take multiple sessions, but the result will be nothing short of breathtaking.
Book your session today and take the first step toward wearing your story on your skin. Your first tattoo is just the beginning!
