Holiday planning

Your first tattoo, on holiday?

Plenty of people get their first tattoo on holiday — and love it for life. The ones who do tend to have thought about a few things first. Here they are.

In short

A first tattoo on holiday can work well if it is planned, not rushed: send your idea before you travel, choose a design and placement you have thought about for a while, and pick a day that leaves the sea, pool and sun alone while it heals. A reputable studio will take time for your questions and never pressure you into a decision.

Questions to answer first

  • Is this a design I have wanted for a while — not just this week?
  • Where will it go, and how visible do I want it to be at work and at home?
  • Can I keep it covered and out of the water for the rest of my stay — or should it be at the end?
  • Have I seen healed work in the style I want?
  • Do I know what the aftercare involves?

Start small, or start right?

A first tattoo doesn't have to be small — but a moderate size in a comfortable placement makes a first session easier. What matters more is that the design has enough size for its detail, so it still reads clearly in ten years.

Timing in your trip

Many visitors get tattooed near the end of their holiday, after their swimming days, and let it heal at home — telling the studio their flight date. Others get it early and spend the rest of the trip in the shade. See getting tattooed on holiday in Side.

Nerves are normal

Say so. A good artist explains each step, lets you take breaks and never rushes you. If you feel faint or unwell during the session, tell the artist straight away.

No pressure

Nothing is booked or charged when you send an idea. You can take the studio's reply, sleep on it and decide at home. Send your idea whenever you are ready.

General information, not medical advice. Your artist's instructions come first; for anything worrying, see a doctor.

Sources

  1. EADV Tattoos and Body Art Task Force — Tattoo aftercare (2021)

Send your idea

Send us your idea.

The studio reads every request and replies personally. Nothing is booked or charged online.

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