Your first tattoo: what to expect at Tiny Tatts Co

Butterflies about your first tattoo? Totally normal. Almost everyone who walks through our door in Mooloolaba for their first piece is a little nervous, and most of them walk out wondering what all the fuss was about.

The easiest way to settle the nerves is to know exactly what's coming. So here's the whole journey at Tiny Tatts Co, from your first message to your healed tattoo.

Step 1: Slide into our DMs

Tattoos are booked by message, not walk-in. Send us a DM on Instagram or Facebook and tell us:

• Your idea, even if it's rough. A screenshot, a sketch on a napkin or a few words is plenty to start with.
• Roughly how big you'd like it.
• Where on your body you're thinking.

From there our team will match you with an artist and a time that suits. A deposit secures your booking, and we'll let you know the details when you book. You'll need to be 18 or over to get tattooed in Queensland. Bring photo ID on the day.

Step 2: The design chat

This is the fun part. Your artist will work with you to turn your idea into something that suits fine line and suits you. They might suggest nudging the size up a touch, simplifying some detail or moving the placement so it sits nicely and lasts well. That's not them being fussy. It's experience talking.

You'll see the design and the placement before a single line goes on, and you can ask for tweaks. It's your skin, so speak up. As we like to say, the only silly question is the one not asked. Your artist draws up your design before the appointment, so on the day it's all about fine-tuning and placement.

Step 3: Getting ready

A little prep makes a big difference to how you feel on the day and how your tattoo turns out. Our tattoo pre-care guide has the full list, but the big ones are:

• Get a good night's sleep and drink plenty of water in the days before.
• No alcohol for at least 24 hours beforehand.
• Eat a proper meal before you come in.
• Keep the area out of the sun and off the tanning for at least four weeks.
• If you need to shave, do it at least 48 hours before, not on the day.
• No creams or lotions on the area on the day.
• Wear comfy clothes that give easy access to the spot.

One important note: we're unable to tattoo you if we're aware you're pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have any medical questions, check in with your GP first.

Step 4: The day itself

You'll be welcomed in, settle into the chair and go over the design and placement one last time with your artist. Once you're both happy, the stencil goes on, you check it in the mirror, and then it's go time.

Worried about the ouch factor? Fine line is done with a delicate touch, and most first-timers describe it as a scratchy, stingy feeling rather than anything dramatic. If you'd like extra comfort, you're welcome to use numbing cream. We can't supply it under Queensland regulations, so you'll pick some up from a pharmacy and apply it at home. Our numbing cream guide explains exactly how.

How long will it take? That depends on the size and detail of your design. A small, simple piece is usually pretty quick, while bigger or more detailed work can have you in the studio for a few hours, so bring a podcast or playlist. Most small first tattoos take around 30–60 minutes, including placing the stencil.

When it's done, your artist will cover it with a waterproof bandage and talk you through your aftercare.

Step 5: Healing it well

Keep the bandage on for 36 to 48 hours, then gently wash with lukewarm water and pat dry. For up to two weeks after that, wash two to three times a day with mild, fragrance-free soap and apply a thin layer of Bepanthen or a tattoo aftercare cream.

For those first two weeks, skip swimming and soaking, stay out of the sun, and no scratching (tap it instead when it gets itchy). The full aftercare instructions walk you through it.

Step 6: Touch-ups, if you need one

Fine line is tattooed more gently than traditional work, so sometimes a little colour drops out as it heals. Not every tattoo needs a touch-up, but if yours does, it's free when you pre-book it within 12 weeks of your tattoo. We'll text you two weeks after your appointment as a reminder. The details are on our touch-up policy page.

Ready for your first?

Bring your idea, your questions and a little bit of courage, and we'll handle the rest. Send us a message on Instagram or Facebook to get started. We can't wait to meet you at our Mooloolaba studio.