I wouldn't buy the products they try to give you for cleaning it, all you need is a scentless shampoo to clean it, scentless lotion and Aquafor to help it heal. A lot of artists have a lot or differing opinions on how to clean a tattoo, but the most important thing is to constantly keep it clean. For the first couple of days I've heard it recommended to wash up to 5 times a day to keep it clean. I'm sure someone here will disagree. Tattoo healing is unique to everyone, but they should all go through a similar process. Know that the bold colors your tattoo has immediately after getting it won't last. The first day it'll swell and slowly die down. The skin will be sensitive. It is SO important to keep the skin clean and hydrated so it doesn't crack or get infected. Eventually your skin will peel, and excess ink will begin to peel off. Its important to NOT peel it off yourself and simply let it fall off on its own. Yea, that means sometimes skin will be loose and flaky but you can't peel it off till it falls. Afterward, the tattoo will lose a little color as it heals under the skin, by this time you're done up top. But if I'm correct you shed a layer below the skin. Then the tattoo gets the color you're gonna have for a while. During the healing process, no swimming or sunburns, can really damage tattoos. If you want something small, like wording, they're probably going to use a lining needle. This cuts deeper and narrower than shading needles, and imo isn't as irritable. These don't peel as much up top, so if all you're gonna get is similar to the examples you won't have to worry too much about it. Whatever you get needs to be spaced, with enough room for the ink to spread out as you age. Very real chance if it isn't large enough an i could end up looking like an l or an e could look like a blotted c because of ink spreading (here are some examples I found http://imgur.com/a/mZ0zY ). Don't take Tylenol or anything before you get your tattoo. Some of them are blood thinners and will make you bleed more during the session. It's better to just take the "pain" and move on. Make sure you're confident with the shop you're going to. I made the mistake of not researching thoroughly and didn't get the best tattoo, luckily a better artist (who was conveniently much cheaper) was able to cover it up. Read reviews, and find a shop in your area that's best. Highest prices aren't always the best artists. Some do it for their love of ink, and they're typically the preferable artists Wear loose clothing Go small, want to add on later? Go for it, but start small so you can get a taste of tattoos and what it's like. Plus, you'll be more prepared next time. Enjoy it, ink is addictive as hell and fun.