How to Prepare for Your Tattoo Appointment: Do's and Don'ts

Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience, but showing up prepared can make all the difference in how smooth the process goes—and how well your tattoo heals. Whether it’s your first piece or your fiftieth, here are some important do’s and don’ts to help you get ready for your appointment.

What to Do Before Your Appointment ✅

1. Get a Good Night’s Sleep 😴 Your body heals better when it's rested, and sitting for a tattoo can be tiring. Arrive well-rested so you're comfortable and alert throughout the session.

2. Eat a Solid Meal 🍽️ Don’t come to your appointment on an empty stomach! Eating beforehand helps regulate your blood sugar levels and keeps you from feeling faint or lightheaded.

3. Stay Hydrated 💧 Drink plenty of water in the 24 hours leading up to your appointment. Hydrated skin takes ink better and heals faster.

4. Wear Comfortable Clothing 👕 Dress in a way that makes the area being tattooed easily accessible. For example, wear a tank top for shoulder or arm tattoos or loose pants for leg tattoos.

5. Bring Essentials 🎒 Pack your ID, headphones, snacks, and a water bottle. A long session can feel shorter with music, podcasts, or something to snack on during breaks.

6. Moisturize Leading Up to the Appointment 🧴 In the days before your tattoo, use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep your skin in good condition (but skip it on the day of).

What NOT to Do Before Your Appointment ❌

1. Don’t Drink Alcohol or Take Blood Thinners 🍻 Alcohol and certain medications thin your blood, which can lead to excessive bleeding during your session and affect how well the ink sets.

2. Don’t Sunburn the Area ☀️ Avoid tanning or sunburns on the area you're getting tattooed. Damaged skin is harder to tattoo and may result in a longer healing time.

3. Don’t Shave the Area Yourself 🪒 Let your artist handle shaving the area to avoid nicks or irritation. If you feel the need to shave, do it very carefully and only if you're confident.

4. Don’t Skip Out on Hygiene 🚿 Come in clean and freshly showered. It’s courteous to your artist and helps reduce the chance of infection.

5. Don’t Bring a Crowd 🚫 Most studios have a limit on guests. Bringing one friend might be okay, but leave the entourage at home (and ask your artist what they're comfortable with!)

6. Don’t Get a Tattoo If You’re Sick 🤒 Reschedule if you’re feeling unwell. Your body needs to be in good shape to heal properly.

Preparing properly ensures a smoother, more enjoyable tattoo experience. Take care of your body, follow your artist’s advice, and come in ready to sit for your new piece of art. Questions before your appointment? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us—we’re here to help make your experience the best it can be!