Can You Get Two Tattoos In One Day?

So, you decided to get a tattoo? You got an appointment, got there in time, ready, and you thought to yourself; why not get a second tattoo while I’m at it?

Many have thought of this, but few were daring enough to do it. Not to mention that the majority of people think it is quite impossible. Tattoo enthusiasts are known to get a few tattoos in one day or one session, so this isn’t outside the realm of possible. But, it isn’t possible for everyone!

Therefore, in the following paragraphs, we’ll take a look at whether you can get two tattoos in a day, whether you should do it and how long should you wait between tattoos. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

The Tattooing Process: Explained

Getting One Tattoo

First of all, it is essential to take a look at how a tattooing process looks like and how it affects your body by doing only one tattoo.

At a tattoo shop, you’ll come to your appointment/session ready and prepared. Once you’re seated, your tattoo artist will prep the designated tattooing area as well as the design stencil. Depending on the size, placement, and intricacy of the design, you could be seated at the tattoo shop between one and several hours or several sessions.

During that time, you will experience pain or discomfort in the best-case scenario. You will also experience discomfort from all the sitting, or lying, but overall, if your tattooist is doing a good job, the experience should be pleasant, but also painful.

Now, as you’re getting tattooed, the tattoo needle is penetrating your skin repeatedly to transfer the ink into the dermis of the skin. The needle can do thousands of penetrations in one area until the area is filled with ink in the desired manner.

As a result, your skin is getting seriously damaged and irritated. The needle can be so intense on the skin, that a new tattoo is considered to be a fresh, open wound for the first 24 hours.

Of course, when the body recognized damage, the adrenaline skyrockets, and the whole body is trying to handle and minimize the damage or the pain. This can be extremely stressful for the body. That is why you’re required to eat healthily and drink plenty of water before the tattooing session, so your body has the energy to deal with the ‘damage’.

Getting Two Tattoos

So, as you can see, sitting in a tattoo session can be pretty exhausting for you, your body, and your tattoo artist as well. You always need to be focused on handling the pain, which can drain you out completely.

Now, imagine getting two tattoos in one session. It would be pretty hard to focus on both sources of pain simultaneously. The pain management comes in serious questioning, especially if the tattoos are being placed somewhere sensitive.

Not to mention that now, you have to sit or lay steadily for hours without moving your body at all. This can be difficult, especially if the tattoos are placed somewhere like the thigh or the leg, for example.

Another issue might be the fact that there will be two tattoo artists working on you. This can be pretty difficult because the tattooists then have to deal with each other. First of all, they will need to be far enough from each other to have enough space to move freely, which can be difficult. Your body is as big as it is, and the space in tattoo shops isn’t always at disposal.

Furthermore, as one tattoo artist pulls the skin to work on the tattoo, the other artist will do the same. Because of the skin pulling, there can be an issue with how the skin behaves and whether it disturbs the other artist’s tattoo work and placement.

So, getting two tattoos in one session can be incredibly painful and pretty awkward for you and the tattoo artists.

Getting Two Tattoos In One Day: What To Consider?

Pain Management and Pain Threshold

As we mentioned, getting two tattoos in one session or one day can be pretty painful and uncomfortable for the majority of people. So, the first thing to consider, logically, when getting two tattoos is your pain threshold and management.

If you have a lower pain threshold or you generally have more pain-sensitive skin, then getting two tattoos in a day might not be the best idea. If it’s your first time getting a tattoo, you should also stick to one tattoo per session/day.

You simply don’t want to be squirming around the chair during the tattooing, and you will be. This will make it hard for your tattooist(s) to work, which can even prolong the session and the pain.

We think that it is much better to wait between the two tattoos long enough for the first tattoo to at least start healing. If that is not possible, and you simply need to get two tattoos in a day for some reason, then get ready to endure a lot of pain.

Placement of the Tattoo(s)

So, getting two tattoos is not only a problem for you, it is an issue for your tattooists as well. This is especially a problem in case the two tattoos are being placed close to each other.

As we mentioned, the two artists need to work side by side to get their two tattoos done in one session. They might not have enough space to move around if the tattoos are placed in the same body area.

Plus, if the placement is so close, you might experience extreme pain levels, since a larger skin area in one body region is getting damaged and irritated at the same time.

The problem is the same even in case you’re getting two tattoos in one day. The pain won’t go away in a few hours, and the skin might even become more tender and sensitive from the first tattoo. So, you might experience even more pain during the second tattoo than the first. At this point, your body is already exhausted as well, which lowers your pain threshold too.

The Cost of The Tattoo(s)

Getting a tattoo can be pretty expensive. Some people save money for months in order to get the tattoo of their dreams. As you might know, tattoos can cost anywhere between $100 and several thousands of dollars.

In terms of cost for two tattoos, if done in one session, you must consider the following factors;

• You will have to pay and tip considering the two artists’ combined hourly or regular rate per session
• You will have to pay for both tattoos (the price will comprise the tattoo size, detailing, the design, and whether it is originally done by the artists, the coloring, etc.)
• You will probably have to tip the artists individually (the tip is usually anywhere between 15% and 25% of the total tattoo cost)

So, as you can see, getting two tattoos can be extremely expensive, especially if the number passes the $1000 mark. So, before you decide to get two tattoos right away, make sure to consider your budget and the affordability of the tattoos you want to get done.

Time and Tattooist(s) Availability

When arranging a tattoo appointment, your tattoo artist will adjust their schedule appropriately. The schedule often applies to only one tattoo and depending on the design and intricacy of the tattoo, the session will last between one and a few hours.

When it comes to getting two tattoos in a day or a session, you need to book two different tattoo artists. Unfortunately, you have to be prepared for the fact that one tattoo artist might not be available or might have a tight schedule.

On the other hand, you also need to take into consideration your own availability and schedule. Getting two tattoos in a day/session can take the majority of your day. So, avoid such experimentations during workdays, or when you have a tight schedule.

The Tattoo(s) Aftercare and Infection Risk

If you’ve ever had a tattoo, you know how tricky and peculiar tattoo aftercare can be. The first 24 to 48 hours are crucial, but also the most painful after you’ve gotten the tattoo.

Your tattoo is sore, red, irritated, painful, and oozing (the tattoo is releasing excess blood, plasma, and ink). You need to be extra careful about how you sleep, shower, and what you wear. A tattoo generally heals in a month or two, depending on the size, placement, and how well you’re taking care of it.

Now, imagine having to go through such a process with two tattoos simultaneously. The chances of getting a tattoo infection double in such a case, and it can be pretty hard to follow the proper aftercare routine with two different tattoos at the same time.

When you get a tattoo, your body is fighting to heal the wounded skin as fast as possible. With two tattoos, the body might be overwhelmed, which could result in a lower immune system and a higher risk of getting the flu or other illness as well.

So, Should You Wait Between Tattoos?

Well, considering the pros and the cons of getting two tattoos in a day, we’d say that you better take a break between the two tattoos and have an enjoyable experience. We know that tattoos are addictive; once you start, you can’t stop. But, getting two tattoos on the same day can take a toll on your health, and nobody wants that.

However, if you;

• Have a high pain tolerance
• Have enough cash to pay for two or more tattoos
• Have a good immune system and overall health
• Have enough free time in a day 
• Have available tattoo artists
• Have not been exposed to germs and viruses
• Are aware of the consequences, higher infection risk, and aftercare routine

Then there is no reason you should not get two tattoos in one day.

However, our recommendation is to wait between two tattoos. You can wait anywhere between a week (when the first tattoo starts to heal properly), or a few months (when the first tattoo is fully healed).

The reason you should wait between the tattoos is pretty simple; you’ll give your body time to heal and get ready for a new tattoo. The tattooing process is pretty stressful for the body, so why go through all the stress and pain when you can simply wait for a little while and get a new tattoo without risking your health.

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