Okay, I’m terrified of needles and pain but I’m getting my first tattoo next Wednesday (I’m 18).

I’m so nervous & scared lol & the artist doesn’t allow numbing cream😃 (she said it’s because the arm swells up / gets harder which makes it harder to tattoo). Anyways this is the placement (not the tattoo I’m gonna get tho):

So I’ve been trying to do my research, but it’s hard cuz EVERYONE is saying different things when it comes to the aftercare/healing process. Yes, the tattoo artist will probably (hopefully🤣) explain everything- but I wanna be prepared & kinda know what’s gonna happen/how I should do things yk. So I wrote this list (this is what I’ve found so far when doing my research):

HOW TO CLEAN TATTOO

•wash hands

•If I’m wearing Saran Wrap: unwrap it.

If I’m wearing second skin : remove it. look up (on TikTok) how to remove it correctly if u forget how to do it.

•Rinse w lukewarm water to get off most of the blood/plasma/ink

•use unscented soap, gently rub in a circular motion all over the tattoo

•wash off w lukewarm water

•use a paper towel to dry (gently pat)

•put on new Second Skin or Saran Wrap.

A few questions: (seems like everyone says different things/has different answers to thse questions!)

How long should you leave Second Skin on / how often should you change it?

How long should you leave Saran Wrap on / how often should you change it?

& for how long should you use Saran Wrap or Second skin? Is it just the first week or days? Is it until the tattoo is completely healed?

When should you start moisturizing a tattoo? Should you do it on the same day as u get it (after you’ve cleaned it & before you put either Saran Wrap or Second Skin on)?

Also: y’all got any advice when it comes to tattoos in general/could be anything….could be things you should avoid before / after getting the tattoo (I feel like some things are obvious: like not drinking alcohol before & not swimming after or being in the sun…but you get it!😌) or how to properly take care of it / heal it.