An anaesthetic cream can be applied to the skin; you can find EMLA at the pharmacy, or talk directly to the tattoo artist for a recommendation.

In some cases it is better not to apply these creams, as some tattoos are more delicate than others and it could affect the result.

Anyone can get a tattoo except pregnant women or people with any kind of active skin condition, such as viral warts, herpes or bacterial infections, according to experts. Tattoos are also not advisable for people with psoriasis or lichen planus, a condition that causes recurring rashes and itching on the skin or in the mouth.

On the other hand, if you tend to develop keloid scars, that is, large raised scars, the unavoidable wounds caused by the tattoo can leave unsightly marks.

1. The first step is to explain your main idea clearly to the tattoo artist, so they fully understand what you want.
2. The second step is to tell the tattoo artist/manager where you would like the tattoo and its size.
3. Once the tattoo artist/manager knows this, they can price the tattoo and give you a quote.
4. In the fourth step you accept the quote or not and, depending on that decision, a date is chosen for the tattoo.
5. Once you have a date, all you have to do is wait for your appointment, without pressuring the tattoo artist about your design.
6. As the last step, the tattoo artist will send you the design. If you don’t like it, the necessary changes will be made and, once you are happy with it, you just wait for your appointment.

In some cases, such as small tattoos, the design is made on the day of the session.