It is normal to have doubts before a first tattoo: which studio to pick, what to ask, whether it will hurt and what to do in the days before. This guide brings together Decreto 71/2017 of Andalucía (which makes studios give you almost all of this information), Consumo Responde (a service of the regional government) and a scientific survey on pain. It does not replace a doctor or your tattooist. If you have a health question, ask your doctor first.
Before you decide: it is for life
If a tattoo is permanent, the paper you get must say very clearly "Es para toda la vida" ("it is for life"). It must also tell you that touch-ups may be needed, and explain in a "clear and realistic" way whether the tattoo can be removed later (art. 17.2.g and h). The studio must also tell you which season of the year is best for each technique (art. 17.2.e). If you are not sure about your design yet, our guide to tattoo prices in Málaga shows what size and detail cost.
Choosing the studio
The studio decides how clean and how well informed your first experience is. Our guide on how to choose a tattoo studio in Málaga lists everything you can check. If you want something small to start with, some studios publish their prices. Ink'side Tattoo Studio (Calle Santa María, 13) lists prices for small tattoos in Málaga on its website. For example, €50 for one fine line piece up to 5 × 5 cm, with VAT included.
What to ask the studio
Under the decree, the person who tattoos you must inform you in advance, clearly, in speech and in writing (art. 17.1). These questions cover that information:
- Which technique is best for my design? They must explain it and, if possible, show you photos of similar work (art. 17.2.c).
- How much is it in total? They must give you the quote first, with the total cost (art. 17.2.j).
- Do you use local anaesthetic? This is a cream or spray that numbs the skin a little. They will tell you if any is needed. Anaesthetics that can cause serious reactions must not be used without trained staff and the right equipment (art. 17.2.d).
- What material will you use, and how is it opened? It must be sterile (free of germs) or single-use, and opened in front of you (art. 17.2.i). You can look at the room and the material first (art. 17.2.f).
- Can I see the consent form first? It is signed in two copies and you get one (art. 20.1).
- What aftercare will I need, and will I get it in writing? This is compulsory (art. 18).
- What if the tattoo needs a touch-up or, later, removal? Ask what each one includes.
Can I get a tattoo? When it is not advised
Before you are tattooed, the studio must tell you when it is not recommended (art. 19). The decree has three groups:
- For a time: pregnancy and breastfeeding, a weak immune system while it lasts, operations, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, an infection in one area or all over the body, scars that have not settled, recent burns, ulcers or haematomas (large bruises).
- Only with medical supervision: diabetes, haemophilia, heart problems, HIV, hepatitis B or C, a weak immune system and prostheses (heart valves, bones or blood vessels).
- Never: an allergy to the products used, or a skin condition in the area, such as moles, spots, keloids (scars that grow more than normal), warts, melanomas or skin cancer, impetigo, psoriasis, hives or chloasma.
The tattooist may refuse if they see one of these cases (art. 19.2). They must refuse if there is no informed consent (art. 22.3). If you are under 16, you also need written permission from your parent or legal guardian (art. 22.1).
The studio must also tell you two more things. You must not give blood for six months after a tattoo. And having tattoos in some parts of the body can make some anaesthetics (epidural or spinal) or some medical scans (such as MRI) more complicated (art. 19.1.a).
How to prepare in the days before
The decree (art. 18.a) says the studio must tell you these precautions before you start:
- Do not drink alcohol or take drugs.
- Do not go on an empty stomach (eat something first).
- Unless your doctor says otherwise, do not take medicines that thin the blood (antiplatelets and anticoagulants) or widen the blood vessels (vasodilators). If a doctor prescribed one for you, talk to them before you stop anything.
- Keep the area out of the sun and away from UVA rays.
They will also tell you that some illnesses, allergies or problems with healing may mean it is not a good idea. If you have any, tell the studio before you book.
Does it hurt? What we know
We found no data from health authorities on tattoo pain by body area. There is a scientific survey from Poland (Witkoś and Hartman-Petrycka, 2020). It had 1,092 tattooed people, 79% of them women. They rated the worst pain they felt from 0 to 10:
- During the tattoo, the average was 4.35 out of 10. Of the people, 88.9% said they felt pain. After the tattoo, the average dropped to 2.07.
- During the tattoo there was no difference between women and men. Afterwards, women reported more pain (2.15 against 1.76).
- Pain during the tattoo was linked to how long the session lasted and to the person's stress level. Body area was not an important factor in this study.
People gave these answers from memory, and many more women than men took part, so they are no guarantee for you. Ask the tattooist how long your session may last.
On the day
Read the consent form calmly before you sign. It must include the technique, the body area, the materials and the quote. Check that the material is opened in front of you and ask for a copy of the document. When you finish, the studio must give you written care instructions. Our tattoo aftercare guide shows what they are usually like and when to see a doctor.
Find a studio in Málaga
Our directory lists tattoo and piercing studios in Málaga with their address and phone number. It is an information list: we do not rate or guarantee any studio. Always confirm details with the studio itself.