Thinking About Your First Tattoo? Here’s What I Wish I Knew

West London and North West London

Alright, so here’s the deal. I spent most of my twenties thinking about getting a tattoo. I’d sit around with friends tossing out wild ideas — everything from delicate little line drawings to full-blown sleeves. But I always chickened out at the last minute. I mean, it’s permanent. That’s a big deal, right?

Then I hit 30 and thought, “Screw it. Let’s do the thing.” And let me tell you — getting my first tattoo was equal parts exciting, nerve-wracking, and surprisingly emotional. If you’re on the fence or in full research mode (I see you), this is the stuff I wish someone had told me before I walked into a tattoo shop west London style, trying to act cool while my heart was doing backflips.

Step 1: Finding the Right Tattoo Shop (Trust Your Gut)

So many people jump straight to the design without really thinking about where they’re getting inked. But honestly, picking the right shop is half the battle. I searched for a solid couple of weeks using terms like tattoo shop near me and west London tattoo shop before I stumbled on Under The Needle.

What made it stand out wasn’t just the sick portfolios (though, yeah, those were impressive) — it was the vibe. Chill, welcoming, not pretentious. I walked in and didn’t feel like I had to pretend I knew what I was doing. They talked me through everything like I was a human, not just another body passing through.

Also, big shoutout to them for not laughing when I showed them my weird Pinterest board of half-baked ideas. Legends.

Step 2: Don’t Overthink the Design (But Don’t Rush It Either)

Look, the design matters. You don’t want to walk around with a quote you thought was deep at 19 and cringe about for the rest of your life. But also — tattoos don’t have to be loaded with meaning. They can just be beautiful. Or funny. Or weirdly personal in a way that only makes sense to you.

I worked with one of the artists at Under The Needle on a custom tattoo design, and honestly? That part was almost as fun as the tattoo itself. I brought in a sketchy idea and some references, and they turned it into something that actually worked with my body, not just on paper.

If you’re going custom, don’t be afraid to have a back-and-forth. This is your skin. Ask questions. Make tweaks. Tattoo artists want to collaborate — that’s half the point of custom work.

Step 3: Pain? Yes. But Not Like You Think

Everyone wants to know how much it hurts. And the annoying truth is… it depends. Some spots are way more sensitive than others. Mine was on the upper arm, so it was pretty manageable — like a scratchy cat dragging its claw over the same spot again and again. Not pleasant, but also not unbearable.

Honestly, I spent more time worrying about the pain than actually feeling it. Once the needle starts, your brain kind of just... adjusts. Pop in some headphones, breathe through it, and don't be afraid to speak up if you need a break.

And don’t listen to anyone who tries to tough-talk you. It’s not about proving how hardcore you are — it’s about getting through the experience in a way that feels okay for you.

Step 4: Let’s Talk Tattoo Cost (Because Yeah, It Matters)

Okay, real talk: tattoos are not cheap. Nor should they be. You’re paying for someone’s time, skill, and the fact that what they do is going to be on your body forever.

I’d seen people try to haggle or go to dodgy spots offering “deals,” and… well, those stories never end well. Don’t do that. If you’re going to commit to a tattoo, commit to paying for quality.

My tattoo cost around £150 for a smaller custom piece, which is honestly a great deal for the quality I got. Bigger pieces or full sleeves are obviously going to run you more — but most good shops will walk you through pricing before anything starts.

Step 5: Aftercare Is Everything

This is where people slip up. You don’t just walk out of the shop and start flexing your new ink on Instagram (okay, maybe you do… but aftercare first). You’ve got to treat that fresh tattoo like a healing wound, because, well, it is.

Under The Needle gave me clear, simple instructions — wash gently, pat dry, moisturise, avoid direct sun, no swimming, don’t pick (seriously, don’t). It took a couple of weeks to fully heal, and there was an awkward flaky phase, but nothing major.

Stick to the aftercare and your tattoo will stay crisp and clean for years. Mess it up, and you could be looking at fading, scabbing, or worse. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

Final Thoughts From a First-Timer Who Survived the Needle

Getting my first tattoo at Under The Needle, a wicked northwest London tattoo shop, was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve had. Not just because I love how it turned out, but because the whole vibe — the conversation, the prep, the care they took — made me feel like I was doing something meaningful. Even if my tattoo is a tiny design on my arm that probably no one notices but me.

If you’re thinking about taking the plunge, my advice? Go for it. But do it right.

• Don’t just go to the first place you see — search for a proper tattoo shop London and check out their work.

• Don’t cheap out.

• Ask questions.

• Eat before you go.

• And please, for the love of ink, don’t bring six mates into the studio with you. It's not a party.

Whether you’re in west London or just passing through, I can’t recommend Under The Needle enough. From the first chat to the final wipe-down, they were total pros — and I’m already thinking about what I want next.

Because yeah… it’s kind of addictive. No one warned me about that part.