Getting My First Tattoo In 8 Steps | I've Never Tried | Allure

Allure
23 Jan 202012:57
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this engaging video, 20-year-old Kira from the Bronx shares her journey of getting her first tattoo. Inspired by her environmental work in New Zealand, she chooses a Beilschmiedia tarairi tree as a symbol of grounding. Kira connects with tattoo artist Rachel Finelli over Instagram, appreciating her representation and designs. Despite initial fears of permanence, Kira embraces the idea of lifelong body art. The video documents the tattooing process, from design discussion to aftercare, highlighting the collaboration, Kira's nervous excitement, and her satisfaction with the final result.

Takeaways
  • 🌳 Kira, a 20-year-old from the Bronx, is getting her first tattoo inspired by her environmental work in New Zealand and Fiji, specifically the Beilschmiedia tarairi tree.
  • 📍 She chooses to place the tattoo behind her left calf as a symbol of grounding, aligning with the location where she typically leads with her foot.
  • 🔍 Kira found her tattoo artist, Rachel Finelli, through Instagram, appreciating the representation and connection she saw in Rachel's work.
  • 🎨 Rachel explains the tattoo process, including design discussion, skin preparation, stencil application, tattooing, and aftercare instructions.
  • 🖌️ The design process involves incorporating elements like rounder leaves and dot work to create a delicate yet bold black tattoo.
  • ⚫ Rachel works exclusively with black ink, choosing a mix with indigo to ensure a true black appearance on Kira's skin tone.
  • 💉 The tattooing process begins with outlining and progresses to detail work, using a size four needle to avoid 'blowing out' the tattoo.
  • 😖 Kira experiences varying levels of discomfort and pain, particularly near sensitive areas with skin folds, like the back of the knee.
  • 🚶‍♀️ Rachel advises on tattoo longevity, noting that areas with less skin movement, like joints, will maintain the tattoo's appearance better over time.
  • 🛡️ Aftercare involves using a second skin dressing for protection, followed by a two-week routine of washing and applying Aquaphor, along with avoiding sun exposure.
  • 💕 Kira's final thoughts reflect satisfaction with her tattoo, its collaborative creation, and her excitement to show it off, hinting at the possibility of future tattoos.
Q & A

  • What was the main inspiration behind Kira's first tattoo?

    -The main inspiration behind Kira's first tattoo was her environmental work experience in New Zealand and Fiji, particularly the time spent planting Beilschmiedia tarairi trees on a farm in Raglan, which made her feel grounded.

  • Why did Kira decide to get her tattoo behind her left calf?

    -Kira decided to get her tattoo behind her left calf because she thought it could symbolize a grounding element, similar to how the left foot leads in walking.

  • How did Kira find her tattoo artist, Rachel Finelli?

    -Kira found Rachel Finelli on Instagram, where she saw representation throughout her pictures and designs that resonated with her own identity and the tattoo she wanted.

  • What was Kira's initial concern about getting a tattoo?

    -Kira's initial concern about getting a tattoo was the permanence of it, but she changed her perspective to embrace the idea of having body art for the rest of her life.

  • What is the first step in the tattoo process as described by Rachel?

    -The first step in the tattoo process is discussing the design with the client, ensuring it aligns with their vision before proceeding with the tattooing process.

  • What is the purpose of the shave before tattooing?

    -The shave before tattooing helps to get rid of any hair and provides a clean start, removing the first layer of dead skin and prepping the area for a smooth and sterile tattooing process.

  • Why does Rachel use a specific type of black ink mixed with a tiny bit of indigo for Kira's tattoo?

    -Rachel uses a specific type of black ink mixed with a tiny bit of indigo for Kira's tattoo because it works better against warm skin tones, ensuring the tattoo appears as a truer black once it heals and doesn't fade to green.

  • What is the term used to describe when a tattoo goes too deep into the skin?

    -The term used to describe when a tattoo goes too deep into the skin is 'blow out,' which can cause a blooming of color beneath the skin.

  • How does Rachel ensure the tattoo needle doesn't blow out the tattoo?

    -Rachel ensures the tattoo needle doesn't blow out the tattoo by using a cluster of tiny needles in the needle group, controlling the depth and voltage according to the area of the body being tattooed.

  • What is the recommended aftercare routine for Kira's new tattoo?

    -The recommended aftercare routine for Kira's new tattoo includes keeping the tattoo clean with antibacterial soap, applying a thin layer of Aquaphor, avoiding sun exposure, and covering the tattoo when in the sun. This routine should be followed for two weeks.

  • What is the significance of the second skin (Saniderm) applied to Kira's tattoo after the process?

    -The second skin (Saniderm) is a waterproof covering that protects the tattoo and allows it to heal without exposure to external elements. It stays on for three days and helps in the healing process by keeping the area moist.

  • How did Kira's friends react to her getting a tattoo?

    -Kira's friends were excited and happy for her. They expressed their reactions through a special video message, congratulating her and showing their support for her new tattoo.

Outlines
00:00
🌳 First Tattoo Experience: Inspiration and Preparation

Kira, a 20-year-old from the Bronx, shares her first tattoo experience. The idea for her tattoo, a Beilschmiedia tarairi tree, was inspired by her time in New Zealand and Fiji doing environmental work. She decided to get the tattoo behind her left calf as a symbol of grounding. Kira found her tattoo artist, Rachel Finelli, on Instagram, appreciating the representation and connection to her desired design. Rachel explains the tattooing process, including discussing the design, prepping the skin, and the actual tattooing. They decide on a stencil and discuss the use of black ink, with a touch of indigo to prevent green fading on Kira's skin.

05:01
🎨 Tattooing Process: From Outline to Detail

The second paragraph details the tattooing process. Rachel begins by applying lotion and a stencil to ensure proper placement on Kira's calf. They discuss the sensitivity of certain body areas, such as the crease near the knee, and how the tattooing process might be more uncomfortable in those areas. Rachel uses a size four needle made from tiny needles to create the tattoo with a coil machine, adjusting the voltage for different skin thicknesses. The outline is completed first, followed by the detailing work using a stippling technique. Rachel also advises on the best areas for tattoos in terms of longevity and how body changes can affect tattoo appearance.

10:02
🛡️ Tattoo Aftercare and Reflections

In the final paragraph, Kira's tattoo is completed, and Rachel provides aftercare instructions. A waterproof second skin is applied to protect the tattoo for three days, and Kira is advised on a two-week care routine involving washing with antibacterial soap and applying Aquaphor. Sun exposure is to be avoided during the healing process. Kira reflects on her experience, expressing satisfaction with the collaborative process and the pain being tolerable. She shares her excitement about her new tattoo and hints at the possibility of getting more tattoos in the future. Kira also shares her friend's reaction to her new tattoo, showing support and happiness for her decision.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Tattoo
A tattoo is a form of body modification where a design is made by inserting ink, dyes, and pigments, either indelibly or temporarily, into the dermis layer of the skin to change its pigment. In the video's theme, tattoos are a significant part of the personal journey and self-expression of the main character, Kira, who is getting her first tattoo. The script describes the process of tattooing in detail, from the initial consultation to the actual tattooing and aftercare.
💡Sensitivity
Sensitivity refers to the state of being quick to experience or show sharp physical or emotional feelings. In the context of the video, it is used to describe the varying levels of pain experienced during the tattooing process, especially in areas of the body that are more sensitive, such as the back of the knee or areas with a bend, as mentioned by the tattoo artist, Rachel.
💡Inspiration
Inspiration is the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative. In the video, Kira's inspiration for her first tattoo comes from her experience in New Zealand and Fiji, where she felt grounded while planting trees, leading her to choose a tree as her tattoo design.
💡Representation
Representation in this context refers to the portrayal or embodiment of a concept or group in art or media. Kira found her tattoo artist, Rachel Finelli, on Instagram and was drawn to her work because of the representation she saw in her pictures, including designs and people who looked like her.
💡Permanence
Permanence is the state or quality of being permanent, lasting or intended to last or remain unchanged indefinitely. In the video, Kira initially had reservations about getting a tattoo due to its permanence, but she changed her perspective, deciding to embrace the idea of having 'art on your body for the rest of your life.'
💡Collaboration
Collaboration is the act of working together, especially in an intellectual endeavor, to create or achieve something. The video emphasizes the collaborative process between Kira and Rachel in designing the tattoo, ensuring that the final result aligns with Kira's vision and preferences.
💡Aftercare
Aftercare refers to the steps taken to ensure the proper healing and maintenance of a tattoo after it has been completed. The script outlines the aftercare instructions given by Rachel, including keeping the tattoo clean, applying ointment, and avoiding sun exposure for a certain period.
💡Stippling
Stippling is a technique used in tattooing that involves creating shading and texture through the use of small dots. Rachel describes using stippling in the detailing of Kira's tattoo to create a light and delicate effect, avoiding solid black areas.
💡Tattoo Machine
A tattoo machine is a device used to insert ink into the skin, consisting of a needle assembly and a motor to drive the needle in and out. The script explains that Rachel uses a coil machine to control the voltage and speed, which is crucial for different body parts to avoid cutting the skin and to ensure proper ink insertion.
💡Blow Out
Blow out is a term used in tattooing to describe when the ink spreads out beneath the skin due to the needle going too deep. In the video, Rachel explains the importance of using a cluster needle to avoid blow out and ensure the tattoo's clarity and quality.
💡Healing Process
The healing process in the context of tattoos refers to the natural recovery of the skin after the tattooing procedure. The script mentions a 'second skin' or protective wrap that is applied to the tattoo and remains for three days to protect the area as it heals, with a detailed aftercare routine to follow.
Highlights

Introduction of Kira and her background: Kira, 20 years old from the Bronx, is getting her first tattoo inspired by her environmental work in New Zealand and Fiji.

Tattoo placement and inspiration: Kira chooses a tree tattoo on her left calf, symbolizing grounding from her experience planting trees in Raglan.

Artist choice: Kira finds Rachel Finelli on Instagram, who showcases diverse representations and designs relevant to Kira's vision.

Tattoo preparation steps: Rachel explains the process, including design discussion, skin preparation, shaving, stencil application, and the actual tattooing.

Tattoo design specifics: Rachel and Kira discuss incorporating rounder leaves and creating a fuller look at the bottom of the tattoo.

First tattoo experience: Kira describes her initial fears about the permanence of tattoos but embraces the idea of having lifelong art on her body.

Past negative experience: Kira shares a past encounter with a tattoo artist who discouraged her due to her skin tone, highlighting the importance of finding the right artist.

Technical aspects of tattooing: Rachel explains the use of different needles, avoiding blowouts, and adjusting the machine's voltage based on skin thickness.

Pain and sensitivity: Discussion on pain levels, especially around sensitive areas like the back of the knee and arm ditch.

Detailing technique: Rachel uses stippling for a delicate look, building up definition through groupings of dots rather than solid black areas.

Longevity of tattoos: Consideration of how tattoos age over time, particularly in areas with frequent skin folding and movement.

Final steps and aftercare: Rachel applies second skin for protection, outlines the two-week care routine, and emphasizes staying out of the sun.

Kira's reaction: Kira expresses her satisfaction with the tattoo, describing it as beautiful and planning to show it off proudly.

Validation and encouragement: Rachel's supportive attitude reassures Kira about her tattoo experience, emphasizing that negative past experiences shouldn't deter her.

Future tattoo plans: Kira hints at considering another tattoo in the future, reflecting her positive experience and newfound confidence.

Transcripts

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First TattooCultural InspirationPersonal StoryTattoo ProcessPain ExperienceArtist CollaborationTattoo PlacementHealing JourneyArtistic ExpressionSkin Tone Consideration