Should I get a small tattoo first?

Take a smaller element of a larger design and make that your tattoo. The simpler your tattoo design – especially your first design – the better. That's especially true for smaller tattoos, but it's a good rule for tattoos of any size.
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Should I go small for my first tattoo?

Some lettering may need to be enlarged so they can be legible over time. And if you're hoping for it to be on the smaller side because you think it'll be easy to start with, "that's totally fine, but the tattoo is not going to hurt any less," Garner says. "The size of the tattoo isn't going to decrease the pain.
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Do small tattoos hurt less?

For those worried about pain, Lavriv says tattoo newbies should start small. "I always recommend getting a smaller piece — under an hour — as a first tattoo," she says. "Tattoo pain is a very subjective thing and while it can feel like not a big deal to some people, it can be excruciating for others.
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Why you shouldn't get a small tattoo?

Small tattoo designs are often restricted due to their size so the simpler the design, the better the result will be. This is also because small tattoos are not always conducive with aging, if the design is too complex, then close together sections can 'bleed' ink in to each other and ruin the effect.
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Do tattoos shorten your life?

Conclusions: Persons with tattoos appear to die earlier than those without. There may be an epiphenomenon between having tattoos and risk-taking behavior such as drug or alcohol use. A negative tattoo may suggest a predisposition to violent death but is eclipsed by the presence of any tattoo.
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Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Tattoo | Dos and Don'ts



How long do tiny tattoos last?

They Can Easily Be Reworked

Even though tiny tattoos fade more quickly than bigger ones, they are easier to fix when it happens. “You can just have it reworked in 10 years and go back over it,” says Thompson.
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Do small tattoo needles hurt more?

Sharp or stinging pain

This kind of pain is most commonly felt when a tattoo artist is using fewer needles, or just one needle, to add very fine detail or make the outline of your tattoo. Body parts with thinner or tighter skin are more likely to feel sharp or stinging pain, like the wrists and biceps.
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How much do small tattoos cost?

Small tattoos are always a fan favorite because they have really cool designs and usually don't take too much time or planning. A small tattoo on average costs about $50 to $80 total, and usually won't take more than an hour.
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What Colour tattoo hurts the most?

So, Do Color Tattoos Hurt More? Generally speaking, ink color doesn't determine the amount of pain you'll feel. The color simply doesn't have to do anything with the pain of the tattoo.
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What size is considered a small tattoo?

Size Matters

In general, a tattoo under 2 inches is tiny, something 2 to 4 inches is small, 4-6 inches is medium, and 6 or more inches is large. It is important to understand that these sizes are subjective though. Each tattoo artist will have to determine their sizes and how they price them.
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Where do tattoos hurt the least?

Least painful to tattoo

The least painful places to get a tattoo are areas of your body with fewer nerve endings. Think outer shoulder, calf, buttocks, and outer arm.
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Where do tattoos go for beginners?

The Best Spot for a First Tattoo
  1. The Upper Collarbone. Tattoos generally, over time, will fade in direct exposure to sunlight. ...
  2. Your Back. If you're worried about your tattoo changing shape over time, then the back is a great location for your first tattoo. ...
  3. Your Wrist. ...
  4. The Back of the Neck. ...
  5. On Your Chest.
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Can you take painkillers before a tattoo?

Avoid pain relievers.

Don't take aspirin or ibuprofen for 24 hours before your session. These medications can thin your blood, which may prolong the tattooing process.
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How do I prepare for tattoo pain?

15 Strategies to Better Cope with Tattoo Pain
  1. Pain is synonymous to getting a tattoo. ...
  2. Wear loose clothes. ...
  3. Stay sober at least 24 hours before the session. ...
  4. Schedule for a morning session. ...
  5. Take a non-aspirin pain reliever. ...
  6. Listening to your favourite music can get you into Zen. ...
  7. Ask for breaks. ...
  8. Go with a friend.
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Who should not get a tattoo?

While those with frequent, large and severe eczema should speak with their doctor before speaking to a tattoo a shop. People with eczema can have more sensitive skin, which could lead to allergic reactions to the pigments in tattoo ink.
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Do you tip tattoo artists?

Unfortunately, there's no hard and fast rule governing how much to tip tattoo artists. As with tipping waitstaff, 20-25% percent is a good standard. An easy way to include tipping in your budget is to add it in when getting the estimated costs for having your work done.
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Are small tattoos cheaper?

Half the length and more than half the price of a full sleeve, a forearm tat will run you anywhere from $250 to $1300 based on size, design, and color. As always, full color will find you on the higher side, with simple outlines or lettering on the lower side of the price range.
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What hurts more linework or shading?

Color and shading simply provide more dimension than line work. Contrary to what you might expect, many people report that the shading hurts significantly less than the outlining of the tattoo. If you've already made it through your line work, pat yourself on the back.
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Can numbing cream be used before a tattoo?

Emla numbing cream is a trusted brand that can help you through your tattoo appointment. Emla can also be used to numb the skin before laser tattoo removal. As a trusted numbing cream, Emla has been helping to reduce the pain of needle and laser procedures in the UK for more than 20 years.
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Where is the least painful place to get a tattoo for a girl?

Areas such as the stomach, outer shoulders, outer bicep, and outer thighs cause the least pain. For women, your back also feels the least painful.
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Do small tattoos need touch ups?

Touch-ups are generally done just on small portions of a tattoo, so, some people may experience 'faster healing'. That is because a smaller surface was affected so the body managed to deal with the healing much better. But, generally, the process of touch-ups requires the same process as a regular tattoo.
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Do thin tattoos bleed?

Fine Line Tattoos

"These tattoos will either bleed [or] spread overtime, like your average tattoo, or will fall out in places and not look as legible as when first done," Fiore says.
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What kinds of tattoos age well?

Simple, minimalist tattoos are enduringly popular, but bold tattoos tend to last the longest. You can count both the size and the thickness of the lines as two of the reasons why these tattoos age well. "Bold, black text and traditional American tattoos still look badass when they fade," Villani says.
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