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First Tattoo Ideas, Tips and Placement
Your first tattoo doesn't need to be your biggest or most meaningful. It needs to be something you'll still like in ten years, somewhere that heals easily, done by someone good. Here are ideas that suit a first tattoo, plus everything people wish they'd known before their first appointment.
Good first tattoo ideas
1. A small symbol that means something
A heart, a star, a wave or a tiny sun. These are easy, quick and timeless. See our small love tattoos for more.
2. A name or initial
Someone you'll always love, such as a parent, child or grandparent. Our name tattoo guide has font examples.
3. A birth flower
Pretty, personal, and it works at most sizes. See the birth flower list.
4. A piece of flash from the studio wall
Flash is ready-drawn by the artist, so it's tried and tested and often cheaper than a custom design.
5. A matching tattoo with someone close
Having a friend or sibling with you makes the first one less scary. See matching tattoos.
6. A tiny tribute to a pet
A paw print or a little outline of your dog.
7. Something from where you're from
A skyline, a coastline, or a local landmark.
Best places for a first tattoo
| Placement | Pain | Why it's good for a first |
|---|---|---|
| Outer forearm | Low | Easy to see and show off, easy to cover with a sleeve, and heals well. |
| Outer upper arm | Low | Hidden by a t-shirt sleeve, and one of the least painful spots. |
| Outer thigh | Low | Lots of room, private, and little pain. |
| Calf | Low to medium | Good for medium-sized designs. |
| Shoulder blade | Medium | Easy to hide, but you can't see it yourself. |
| Wrist | Medium | Popular for tiny tattoos, but always on show. |
Spots to save for later: ribs, sternum, feet, hands, neck and face. They're more painful, harder to heal or harder to hide. The full ratings are in our tattoo pain chart, and our placement guide covers every spot.
First tattoo tips
- Choose the artist first, then the design. Look at portfolios for the style you want, and ask to see healed work, not just fresh photos.
- Check they're licensed. Every UK studio and artist must be registered with the local council.
- Bring photo ID. It's illegal to tattoo anyone under 18 in the UK, even with parental consent.
- Eat a proper meal and sleep well. No alcohol for 24 hours before.
- Wear clothes that give easy access to the spot being tattooed.
- Check the stencil carefully. Spelling, size and position are your last chance to change anything.
- Follow the aftercare instructions exactly. See our healing guide.
How much does a first tattoo cost?
Most UK studios charge a minimum of around £50 to £80, which usually covers a small tattoo. A palm-sized design is typically £80 to £180. More in our UK tattoo cost guide.
Common first tattoo worries
Will it hurt?
Yes, but less than most people expect. It feels like a hot scratch. Small tattoos on the arm are over quickly.
What if I faint?
It's rare, and usually happens on an empty stomach. Eat beforehand, bring a sugary drink, and tell your artist if you feel light-headed.
What if I regret it?
Choose something small, in a spot you can cover, that you've wanted for at least a few months. Regret usually comes from rushed decisions, not from tattoos themselves.