A Beginner’s Guide to Tattoos: What to Expect Before, During & After Your Appointment

Getting a tattoo can feel exciting and overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. You’ll be sitting with a tattoo artist, asking questions about the tools being used, the session itself, and what happens once you walk out of the studio. Understanding the process before your appointment helps you feel prepared, confident, and comfortable from start to finish.

Whether you’re planning a small design or a multi-session piece, these insights will help you get ready for a smooth experience. We work closely with tattoo professionals every day, and through T&T Cartridges, we see how the right tools can make sessions more efficient, precise, and comfortable for everyone involved.

Let’s get into the essentials so you know exactly what to ask, what to expect, and how to prepare.

1. Session Details: What to Expect During Your Appointment

Before your appointment, you should be aware of how the tattoo process works from start to finish. It helps to ask your tattoo artist: “It’s my first tattoo—can you take me through the process?” A quick walkthrough of setup, tools, and hygiene steps will make the experience feel much more comfortable.

You should also ask if there are any health risks you should keep in mind. A simple question like “Are there health risks like allergies?” allows the artist to address sensitivities to pigment, latex, or disinfectants before the session begins.

Time is another key factor. You should be aware of how long your design may take by asking: “How long will my tattoo take to complete?” The answer depends on size, detail, and where the tattoo is placed.

And if you’re planning a larger piece, you should be aware that it often requires multiple visits. Clarify by asking: “How long should I wait between sessions if the piece is large?” This ensures your skin has enough time to heal properly before the next round.

These questions help you prepare for the session, set realistic expectations, and feel more confident before you sit in the chair.

2. Studio Policies: What to Clarify Before Booking

Before committing to an appointment, you should be aware of how pricing works at the studio. Tattoo costs vary widely, so it’s helpful to ask: “Is the tattoo price calculated by the hour, per session, or as a flat rate?”  If the artist can provide a final price upfront, that’s even better—it helps you avoid any unexpected costs at the end.

Discuss the design, it helps your artist understand your vision, and it’s even better if you show or describe the exact idea you have in mind. This allows the artist to confirm whether the design is technically doable as a tattoo and to explain if any adjustments are needed for size, detail, or placement.

Because tools and setup can influence both safety and quality, you should feel comfortable asking: “What tools do you use?” Many professionals use well-known cartridge brands such as T&T Cartridges, Kwadron, or Cheyenne, so hearing names like these can reassure you that your artist is working with reliable, consistent tools.

Once your tattoo heals, you may need a small touch-up. To avoid surprises, you should ask: “Does the studio offer free touch-ups after the tattoo has healed?” Policies vary, and some shops only provide touch-ups within a certain timeframe.

Getting clarity on these points ensures you know exactly what you’re agreeing to—both creatively and financially—before you step into the studio.

3. Aftercare & Healing: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions people ask once their tattoo is finished:

• What’s the healing duration?
• What is the aftercare process for the tattoo once it’s completed?
• How long should I avoid the gym, sweating, swimming, or the sauna?
• What should I avoid during healing?
• When can I shave or exfoliate the tattooed area again?
• What should I do if my tattoo scabs, peels, or feels very itchy?
• When can I return to my normal skincare routines?
  

While general advice can help, you should always speak directly with your tattoo artist about aftercare. Every person’s skin is different—what works well for one client may not be the best approach for another. Tattoo artists deal with countless skin types and healing reactions, so their guidance is based on real experience and proven results.

How T&T Cartridges Makes the Difference

Why do top artists choose T&T Cartridges? Because our innovations solve their biggest frustrations. Since day one, T&T has been committed to delivering the best experience for both artists and clients - which is why we pour our expertise into crafting high-quality cartridges. Here’s what sets us apart:

Capillary Reservoir:
Introducing our patented Capillary Reservoir, a revolutionary feature that distinguishes our tattoo needle cartridges from others:

• Zero Leakage: The Capillary Reservoir eliminates ink splatter entirely, ensuring a 100% accurate ink flow. Tattoo artists gain impeccable control, free from the frustration of imprecise ink delivery.
• Long-lasting and Smooth: Our reservoirs flawlessly transfer ink, providing
  continuous, smooth ink flow. This prolongs tattooing sessions with minimal
  interruptions, making the process enjoyable for both artists and clients.
  

Patented Membrane:
Experience precision like never before with our Patented Membrane:

• Absolutely Stable: Our uniquely designed membrane offers superior stability,
  securing needles even for intricate designs. It balances to-and-fro tension with a strategically applied downward force, ensuring that needles remain tightly
  pressed against the cartridge’s tip.
  

Conclusion

Taking the time to understand your session, studio policies, and aftercare needs will help you feel more confident throughout your tattoo journey. T&T Cartridges aims to be your trusted partner in quality tattoo cartridges, and we hope to not only provide reliable equipment but also support and inspire the tattoo community. We hope you enjoyed this blog—stay tuned for more insights, and see you next time.