How to prepare for a tattoo

So, how should I prepare for my appointment?

Whether you’re getting your first tattoo or finishing off your full body suit, the following tips will help your session go as smoothly as possible and ensure you’re giving your piece of art the best start possible.

Moisturise (before the day)

Please DO NOT mositurise on the day of your tattoo.

However, in the lead up to the day… Regular moisturising will help your skin take the ink better, resulting in a longer lasting, more vibrant tattoo. Prepare by moisturizing the area for at least a few days or even a couple of weeks prior to your scheduled appointment.

Obviously, should you have more sensitive skin, use a moisturiser that has worked well for your skin type in the past or which you use regularly. The last thing you’d want is to cancel your appointment as you’ve had a reaction to a new moisturiser.

Eat

Having something substantial to eat before your tattoo will help you to feel more comfortable. Especially if you are having a long session. Don’t worry, we’ll provide plenty of sugary snacks to keep your spirits and blood sugar levels up. If you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies though please let us know before your scheduled appointment.

Sleep

Try to get a full night’s sleep before your tattoo. A proper nights rest will give your body the best chance to recover after your session and accept the ink better, you’ll also feel much more comfortable and less irritable. Being properly rested helps you get the best tattoo as you will be less likely to yawn, stretch or twitch, which, in turn, will help your artist. You’ll also have more endurance for a long session after a full night’s sleep.

Hydrate

Being well hydrated will not only help your body heal quicker, but will make your artist happy as well hydrated skin is more elastic and much easier to work with. Once again preparation is the key, drink plenty of water the day before your appointment, aim for at least 1.5L - 2L, and keep it up on the day. We expect you to come in to the studio with a water bottle which we’re more than happy to refill during your session.

Avoid

Alcohol and drugs do not mix with tattoos. Everyone has a story about a friends - friend who got blind drunk and went and got a tattoo while on holiday. Unfortunately, as with all great stories, they rarely detail the resulting infection, possible hospitalisation and very poor quality tattoo that resulted from such a great idea. Alcohol will thin your blood, causing your body not only to push the ink out but will also increase the risks of further complications. Best results are achieved through limiting your alcohol consumption for a few days before and after the tattoo, as it will help your body with general healing and hydration. Try to avoid any drugs/medications which thin the blood, such as Asprin and avoid any drug which will cause dehydration, including party drugs.

Shave

With the exception of some cosmetic, correction and PMU tattooing, if the area you are getting tattooed is hairy, please shave it the day before coming in. Even better, shave the area a couple of times per week in the lead up to your appointment. We appreciate some areas are difficult to reach so please ask someone you know for assistance or notify us in advance if you will require help and allow extra time for your tattoo.

Clean, unbroken skin is a must to work with, so do bear in mind that however you shave the area you must be careful not to create any cuts or irritation.

Tattify provide a pretty good guide on shaving if you have any more questions: Should I Shave Before Getting My Tattoo? – Skincare Tips For Your Session – Tattify

Smell

Spare a thought for your artist and make sure you have showered, have fresh breath and have used suitable deodorant before coming in but avoid putting any fragrance or deodorant on the area being tattooed. Your artist will be in close contact for possibly an extended period and doesn’t need to be put off their work by poor hygiene or overly powerful fragrances.

Dress

Appropriate attire is a must when getting tattooed. Comfortable clothes that will allow easy access to the tattoo area is ideal and your artists doesn’t need to see your private parts so underwear is essential if the area to be tattooed is nearby. Your body will heat up during the session as it starts the healing process so loose clothing would generally be more preferable than skinny jeans and a tight fitting top.

Tattoo Aftercare

To get the best results, it’s important that you care for your tattoo properly afterwards. Ask your artist about aftercare at your appointment and read our online guide on caring for your tattoo.