What to consider before getting your first tattoo
Before a first tattoo, think about the design, its meaning, where it sits on the body and the reputation of the tattoo artist you choose.
Getting tattooed for the first time is a big step. Whether it is symbolic, artistic or purely aesthetic, a tattoo marks the skin, and it also marks a moment in your life.
At Ray studios, we regularly meet people who come in to remove or change their very first tattoo, often because they did not have all the information at the time. Here are the key points to consider before you go ahead.
1. Your motivation: why this tattoo?
First of all, ask yourself the right question: what am I trying to express?
- A personal meaning (a date, a name, a symbol)?
- An aesthetic desire?
- An impulse tied to a trend, a moment or a group?
There is no right or wrong reason, but it is essential to have a little perspective. A well considered tattoo will always be easier to live with over time.
Tip: sit with the design in mind for a few weeks. If you still want it, you are on the right track.
2. The design: look, meaning and how it ages
A first tattoo is often small, discreet and symbolic. But it should stay legible, durable and consistent with your personal style.
Here is what to take into account:
- Detail: too fine means a risk of blurring over time,
- Trends: be careful with passing fashions,
- Meaning: some images carry strong cultural or personal connotations,
- Age and change: what you love at 18 may not hold true at 30.
Think ahead. A tattoo, even a small one, ages with you.
3. The placement: visibility and ageing
Every area of the body behaves differently over time.
Some areas:
- Move (stomach, hips),
- Get sun exposure (forearms, back of the neck),
- Are painful (ribs, feet),
- Age differently (hands, neck).
It is also important to think about:
- Visibility at work,
- How exposed it is to other people's eyes,
- The option of covering or changing the tattoo later.
4. Choosing your tattoo artist: an essential point
A good tattoo starts with the right professional.
- Ask to see a portfolio,
- Check the hygiene and the reputation of the studio,
- Make sure the artist's style matches what you want,
- Avoid tattoos done between friends or in unregistered settings.
A good tattoo artist:
- Advises without pushing,
- Takes the time to listen,
- Offers a bespoke design,
- Respects your need for time to think.
5. Aftercare: do not neglect it
A tattoo is a superficial wound.
So you need to:
- Clean it daily with a mild soap,
- Apply a suitable healing cream,
- Avoid sun, swimming pools and friction for at least two weeks,
- Not pick the scabs.
Poor healing can compromise the final result, or make a touch-up necessary.
6. And if one day you no longer like it?
That is a question worth asking from the very start.
- Could this design be covered up if needed?
- Is it placed somewhere that allows a rework?
- Do I know the tattoo removal options if I regret it?
A good first tattoo is also one that is well considered, well placed, well executed and, if needed, changeable.
Key points
Before a first tattoo, take the time to:
- Think about what it means to you,
- Choose a design that lasts,
- Consider the placement,
- Select a good tattoo artist,
- Look after your skin properly,
- And accept that one day you might want it to change.
At Ray studios, we believe a good tattoo is one chosen with full awareness. And if one day you feel the need to lighten it, transform it or remove it, our skin therapists will be there to support you, without judgement and with professionalism.
FAQ
Is a small tattoo necessarily a good choice to start with?
Not always. A small tattoo may seem reassuring, but:
– It does not always allow for precision,
– It can age poorly if it is too fine or too detailed,
– It can sometimes be harder to transform later.
What matters is not the size, but the coherence between the design, the area and the intention.
Can I get a tattoo at 16 or 17 years old?
In France, this is legally possible with the written consent of a parent or legal guardian.
However, at Ray studios, we advise waiting until you have given the idea careful thought. A tattoo done too early is often an impulsive decision... and one that is more often regretted.
Where is the best place to get my first tattoo so it's discreet but still confident?
Areas often recommended:
– Inner forearm: visible on demand, discreet under long sleeves,
– Upper arm: good stability, little distortion over time,
– Upper back or shoulder blade: less exposed, ages well,
– Calf: stable, low pain level.
Avoid overly exposed areas (hands, neck) for a first tattoo.
How much does a first tattoo cost?
It all depends on:
– The size and complexity of the design,
– The tattoo artist’s reputation,
– The time required.
Expect to pay between €80 and €200 for a good quality small tattoo. Be wary of prices that are too low: a botched tattoo often costs far more to correct or remove.
What if I change my mind afterwards?
That's possible, and it's not a problem.
At Ray studios, we offer:
– Laser lightening to prepare for a cover-up,
– Complete removal if you wish to start from scratch.
What matters is that your tattoo stays aligned with the person you are becoming.
