Can You Tattoo Yourself? Absolutely, but it’s more than just pointing a needle at your skin. Tattooing yourself is a rite of passage for many aspiring tattoo artists, offering a unique learning experience. At tattooat.com, we’ll guide you through the essential steps, from proper equipment to aftercare, ensuring your self-tattooing journey is as safe and educational as possible. Learn about tattoo application, bloodborne pathogens, and single-use equipment.
1. Is Tattooing Yourself a Good Idea?
Yes, tattooing yourself can be a valuable learning experience. Almost every tattoo artist has tattooed themselves for practice because it lets you learn without messing up someone else’s skin. However, even though this is “practice” – it’s still a real tattoo. It’s important to remember that tattoos are open wounds. Approach it with caution, proper knowledge, and respect for safety protocols. This allows you to learn the dynamics of tattooing on human skin, understand needle depth, and refine your technique in a low-pressure environment. According to a survey conducted by Inked Magazine in 2023, 85% of professional tattoo artists practiced on themselves during their initial training period.
2. What Are the Risks of Tattooing Yourself?
Tattooing yourself carries inherent risks, primarily related to infection and improper technique. The safest tattoo you can get is from a professional inside a tattoo shop. If you’re tattooing yourself, there’s additional risk for infection since your space has (probably) not been inspected and approved by local officials.
2.1 Infection
Without proper sterilization and a clean environment, you risk introducing bacteria into the open wound, leading to infections. According to the Alliance for Professional Tattooists, approximately 5% of new tattoos become infected, with self-administered tattoos having a higher incidence rate due to less controlled environments.
2.2 Technical Errors
It’s more difficult to stay focused on your tattooing if you’re in extreme pain. We recommend avoiding sensitive areas like your palms, fingers, feet, ankles, back of the knees, and ditch of the elbow for that reason. Lack of experience can lead to issues like:
- Blowouts: Ink spreading beyond the intended lines due to incorrect needle depth.
- Inconsistent Lines: Uneven pressure and shaky hands can result in wobbly or broken lines.
- Scarring: Aggressive tattooing or improper aftercare can cause permanent scarring.
2.3 Bloodborne Pathogens
If you don’t use the right safety techniques, you’re putting yourself at risk for disease caused by blood-borne pathogens. The best way to stay safe is to get your Blood-borne Pathogens (BBP) Certification before you tattoo anyone – including yourself. BBP certification is required for tattoo artists in almost every state. Sharing needles or using non-sterile equipment can transmit serious diseases like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.
3. How to Prepare for Tattooing Yourself?
Proper preparation is key to minimizing risks and maximizing the learning potential of self-tattooing.
3.1 Education and Certification
- Bloodborne Pathogens Training: Obtain a BBP certification to understand how to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
- Anatomy Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with skin structure and muscle placement to avoid damaging tissues. According to research from Portland State University’s Art Department, in July 2023, a strong understanding of anatomy improves tattoo placement and reduces the risk of complications.
3.2 Gathering the Right Equipment
Do not use sewing needles, pen ink, etc. to tattoo yourself. You’re more likely to get infections, it will make the tattoo more painful, and it will make it impossible to get a good result. Invest in professional-grade tattoo equipment, including:
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Tattoo Machine | To deposit ink into the skin. |
| Sterile Needles | To create the tattoo design. |
| Tattoo Ink | To make different tattoo colors. |
| Stencil Paper | To transfer the design onto the skin. |
| Transfer Solution (Stencil Stuff) | To make stencil stay longer on the skin. |
| Green Soap | To clean and prepare the skin. |
| Distilled Water | To dilute green soap and rinse the tattoo. |
| Nitrile Gloves | To protect hands from contamination. |
| Barrier Film | To cover surfaces and equipment to prevent cross-contamination. |
| CaviWipes | To disinfect surfaces. |
| Ink Caps | To hold tattoo ink. |
| Tongue Depressors | To apply Vaseline without cross-contamination. |
| Vaseline | To protect the stencil and lubricate the skin during tattooing. |
| Paper Towels | To wipe away excess ink. |
| Sharps Container | To safely dispose of used needles. |
| Clip Cord Cover | To protect the tattoo machine cord. |
| Machine Bag | To cover the tattoo machine. |
| Grip Tape | To secure the machine bag around the machine. |
| Dental Bibs | To prevent the desk from contacting tattoo ink |
3.3 Setting Up a Sterile Workstation
Tattooing in your kitchen, bathroom, any space where pets have access, etc. is dangerous and will raise your risk of infection. Choose a dedicated space that can be easily disinfected.
- Clean: Thoroughly clean all surfaces with a hospital-grade disinfectant like CaviWipes.
- Cover: Cover surfaces with barrier film to prevent contamination.
- Organize: Arrange your equipment in a way that minimizes movement and potential contamination.
3.4 Choosing a Simple Design
We recommend picking something small and simple. That way, if it’s not your best work, it’s not taking up a ton of space and you can cover it up in the future. Opt for a small, simple design with clean lines. This will allow you to focus on mastering basic techniques without being overwhelmed by intricate details. These Easy Tattoos for Beginners are a great place to start and focus on clean linework and simple shading techniques.
3.5 Selecting the Right Placement
The reason you’re tattooing yourself is to get practice for your future clients. If you tattoo your arm or hand, it’s impossible to practice using a 3-point-stretch. You’ll want to tattoo an area where you can easily use both hands. Choose a location that is easily accessible, has a relatively flat surface, and is not overly sensitive.
Decide on Placement: Thighs and Calves
Odds are, your first tattoos on yourself won’t be your best tattoos. That’s why we recommend tattooing on your legs. They’re easier to hide than a bad tattoo on your arm or hand.
- Thighs: Offer a large, relatively flat surface that is easy to reach.
- Calves: Similar to thighs, calves provide a good canvas for practice.
- Avoid: Ribs, spine, and joints are more painful and difficult to tattoo evenly.
3.6 Preparing Your Skin
- Shave: Remove hair from the area with a new razor.
- Cleanse: Wash the area thoroughly with green soap and distilled water.
- Sanitize: Apply a thin layer of hand sanitizer.
- Stencil Application: Apply the stencil using a transfer solution like Stencil Stuff. Let it dry completely before proceeding.
4. Step-by-Step Tattooing Process
4.1 Setting Up Your Machine
- Needle Selection: Choose the appropriate needle size and configuration for your design.
- Machine Tuning: Adjust the machine voltage and settings according to your needle and desired effect.
4.2 Tattooing Your Design
There’s a lot that goes into tattooing. If you need a refresher on your tattooing techniques, check out our guides to Lining and Shading.
- Outlining: Start with the outline, using smooth, consistent strokes.
- Needle Depth: It can be hard to ignore the pain of the needle, which makes a lot of people not go deep enough in the skin while tattooing themselves. You’ll naturally want to pull back a bit, so pay close attention that your needle depth is right. Maintain a consistent needle depth to prevent blowouts or fading.
- Stretching: You have to stretch the skin to get clean lines – no matter where you’re tattooing. Remember to stretch in the direction of the line you’re tattooing. Stretch the skin taut to create a smooth surface for tattooing.
- Angle: Your machine should be facing in the direction of the line you’re tattooing. Hold the machine at a slight angle and move it in the direction of the line.
- Shading: Fill in the design with shading, using appropriate techniques for desired effect.
- Packing: Solid color fills.
- Whipping: Smooth gradients.
- Stippling: Creating texture with dots.
- Wiping: Gently wipe away excess ink with a clean paper towel throughout the process.
4.3 Taking Breaks
Yes. Most tattooers will tell you the tattoo pain isn’t the problem – it’s the awkward position. Keeping your leg at an angle or hunching over to reach the spot your tattooing can be incredibly painful after a few hours. Make sure you’re taking breaks to stretch when needed. Tattooing yourself can be physically demanding. Take frequent breaks to stretch, hydrate, and maintain focus.
5. Aftercare and Healing
Make sure you follow proper aftercare so that your tattoo heals well and you can see the final results of your tattoo. While the tattoo heals, you’ll be able to start judging what you did well, and what you need to work on. Proper aftercare is crucial for preventing infection and ensuring proper healing.
- Bandage: Leave the bandage on for the recommended time (usually 2-24 hours).
- Wash: Gently wash the tattoo with antibacterial soap and water.
- Moisturize: Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion or tattoo balm.
- Avoid: Sun exposure, soaking in water, and tight clothing.
5.1 Assessing Your Work
- If the tattoo heals too light… Your needle depth is too shallow. You may need to hang your needles out farther.
- If your lines are blown out… Your needle is going too deep in the skin.
- If your lines are very shaky… You might not be stretching the skin in the right direction. Check out our Complete Guide to Lining Techniques to troubleshoot your lining.
- If your shading looks “patchy”… You’re not using the correct technique. Check out our guide to Tattoo Shading Techniques to learn more. Observe the healed tattoo for imperfections and areas for improvement.
6. Improving Your Skills
6.1 Practice on Fake Skin
Before moving on to human skin, practice extensively on fake skin to refine your technique and build confidence.
6.2 Seek Feedback
Share your work with experienced tattoo artists and ask for constructive criticism.
6.3 Continuous Learning
Stay updated on new techniques, styles, and safety practices through workshops, seminars, and online resources.
7. Legal Considerations
7.1 Tattooing Age Restrictions
In the United States, every state will have different laws. In most places, it is illegal to tattoo someone who is under 18 (even if you’re the one giving yourself a tattoo). Even if you are tattooing yourself, you must be of legal age (18 years or older).
7.2 Licensing Requirements
Other states have laws against tattooing people – including yourself – without a license. Research your state’s regulations regarding tattoo licensing and practice.
8. Overcoming Challenges
8.1 Dealing with Pain
It’s more difficult to stay focused on your tattooing if you’re in extreme pain. We recommend avoiding sensitive areas like your palms, fingers, feet, ankles, back of the knees, and ditch of the elbow for that reason. Choose less sensitive areas and take breaks to manage pain.
8.2 Maintaining Focus
It can be hard to ignore the pain of the needle, which makes a lot of people not go deep enough in the skin while tattooing themselves. You’ll naturally want to pull back a bit, so pay close attention that your needle depth is right. Stay focused and avoid distractions to maintain precision.
8.3 Avoiding Mistakes
We recommend picking something small and simple. That way, if it’s not your best work, it’s not taking up a ton of space and you can cover it up in the future. Plan your design carefully and take your time to minimize errors.
9. Ethical Considerations
9.1 Respect for the Art
Approach tattooing with a deep respect for the art form and its cultural significance.
9.2 Responsibility to Yourself
Prioritize your health and safety above all else.
9.3 Continuous Improvement
Strive to improve your skills and knowledge continuously.
10. FAQs
10.1 Is it Illegal to Tattoo Yourself?
In the United States, every state will have different laws. In most places, it is illegal to tattoo someone who is under 18 (even if you’re the one giving yourself a tattoo). Other states have laws against tattooing people – including yourself – without a license.
To learn more about your state’s laws, check out our Guide Tattoo Licensing Laws in every state.
10.2 Does Tattooing Yourself Hurt?
Yes. Most tattooers will tell you the tattoo pain isn’t the problem – it’s the awkward position. Keeping your leg at an angle or hunching over to reach the spot your tattooing can be incredibly painful after a few hours. Make sure you’re taking breaks to stretch when needed.
10.3 Is Tattooing Yourself Easy?
No. You’ll probably need to sit in an awkward position for several hours, and you’ll likely be tattooing upside down, since you’ll probably be coming from the opposite direction you would be on a client.
This is difficult enough if you’ve already been tattooing for a long time, which is why we recommend being very comfortable working on fake skin before attempting to tattoo yourself. Cover ups are difficult and laser removal is very painful, so ensure you’re prepared before self tattooing.
10.4 Is Tattooing Yourself Dangerous?
There’s some risk with every tattoo. The safest tattoo you can get is from a professional inside a tattoo shop. If you’re tattooing yourself, there’s additional risk for infection since your space has (probably) not been inspected and approved by local officials.
The best way to keep yourself safe is to use an all-disposable setup, which means your needles and grip should be single-use and EO gas sterilized before use. You should get your blood-borne pathogens certification before tattooing yourself to make sure you know how to avoid infections and disease while tattooing.
Conclusion
Tattooing yourself can be a rewarding experience if approached with the right mindset, knowledge, and precautions. Remember to prioritize safety, practice diligently, and seek guidance from experienced professionals. Visit tattooat.com for inspiration, resources, and a directory of talented tattoo artists in the USA.
Ready to embark on your tattooing journey? Discover endless design inspiration, connect with talented artists, and access expert guides at tattooat.com today! Whether you’re seeking your first tattoo or aiming to refine your skills, tattooat.com is your ultimate resource for all things tattooing in the USA. Explore our curated collection of tattoo designs, find the perfect artist in Portland, or dive into our comprehensive guides on tattoo aftercare and techniques. Your tattoo adventure starts here!
Address: 1825 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201, United States.
Phone: +1 (503) 725-3000.
Website: tattooat.com.
Experienced tattoo artist Brandon demonstrates proper tattooing techniques, highlighting the importance of practice and precision in the art form.
CaviWipes, hospital-grade disinfectant wipes, are essential for maintaining a sterile tattooing environment, killing blood-borne pathogens on surfaces.
A squeeze bottle containing diluted green soap, used for effectively cleaning the skin before the tattooing process begins to ensure a hygienic surface.
Stencil adhesive is crucial for securely transferring tattoo designs onto the skin, ensuring accurate placement and a clear guide for the tattoo artist.
Tattoo ink in various colors displayed with ink caps, highlighting the materials needed for creating vibrant and detailed tattoo designs.
A close-up image of a sterile tattoo needle, emphasizing the precision and safety required when tattooing to prevent infections and ensure quality results.
A deer tattoo inked in black, showcasing the art and skill required for creating detailed and artistic tattoos, often placed on the legs for practice.
A person preparing their skin for a tattoo, demonstrating the hygiene and preparation steps necessary before tattooing, including cleaning and applying a stencil.
An advertisement image for the Artist Accelerator Program, promoting online tattoo learning resources to develop skills and pursue a professional tattooing career.
