Educate yourself on the process of the tattoo application, and that way you will be prepared and know what to expect when you sit in the artist’s chair. So, how is a tattoo applied to the skin? From start to finish, this article will tell you exactly how the human skin is transformed into a beautiful work of art.
Step 1. Deposits may be required for booking appointments.
Once you have decided on your tattoo design and your artist, you will be required to show valid identification for proof of age. You will also be asked for your address and phone number, so your artist can contact you in the future if need be.
Now it is the times for preparation. The area of your body you have chosen for your tattoo will be cleaned with rubbing alcohol. Then, any hair will be removed from the area by shaving it with a new disposable razor which will be discarded after being used. It will be cleaned again to make sure it is smooth and ready for the transfer.
Step 2: From stencil to skin
Once your stencil is ready, it’s time to create the transfer onto your skin. Some artists will use soap or water to moisten the skin. When the paper is pulled away from your skin, it will leave you with a purple-ish blue likeness of your future tattoo!
It is at this time that your artist will start preparing their tattoo machine. The inks will be placed in the little tiny cups called “ink caps”, and the needles and tubes will be removed from their sterile pouches and placed in the machine. Water will be poured into a cup for cleaning the needles during the tattoo process and to change from one colour to the next. Some Vaseline will be placed on a clean surface for your use only.
A little ointment will be placed over your transfer design for a few reasons. One is that it helps keep the transfer on longer without accidentally rubbing it off. After the ointment is applied, it is time for the first line. If you’re nervous, take a nice, slow, deep breath and try to relax. The first minute or so will be the roughest. After that, your skin will get used to it and the pain will subside.