How To Prepare For Your Tattoo
Whether it’s your 1st tattoo or your 100th, these tips are helpful!
Do’s
- Drink more water than usual the week of your tattoo. You wouldn’t believe how much this helps with pain level and healing process.
- Exfoliate, Just don’t over do it! Use a scrub and/or washcloth to exfoliate i.e., remove excessive dead/dry skin. This is especially helpful for things like feet, elbows and knees.
- Eat! Eat a good meal before your appointment. A lot of nerves are in our stomach. Eating first will not only really help with pain, but also help keep you from passing out.
- Have good hygiene. We are going to be in close quarters for a few hours most likely. Lets both breathe easy! Also a tattoo needs to stay clean. A clean body, clothing, shoes, sheets all contribute to overall hygiene.
Don’ts
- Be hungover
- Be intoxicated or on substances
- Be sunburned
- Be sick with illness; If you are sick please stay home and reschedule.
- Shave the area to be tattooed
- Apply lotion to the area to be tattooed; Wiping it off will unnecessarily irritate skin.
- Bring children or visitors
- Wear fragrance/cologne. This is an unusual request. I have a fragrance sensitivity and super appreciate if clients skip the perfume or oils on tattoo day. Thank you!!
I reserve the right to opt out of tattooing you if you are sick, intoxicated, sunburned or not in your right state of mind.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, just vaccinated or on antibiotics it is also advised that you do not get tattooed.
What to bring
Feel free to bring whatever makes you comfortable. Things I highly recommend are:
- Headphones
- Snacks/Food
- Non-alcohol beverages
- Comfy clothing and a small blanket
- Something to read
Mental Preparation
I strive to make the tattoo process as stress free and healing as possible.
Personally on the day of my tattoo I wake up very excited. The regulation of the nervous system and keeping stress to a minimum is important before and during the process. Some folks tend to have anxiety before a tattoo. Talking to me about being nervous or excited is usually helpful. I recommend using whatever tools you use to ground yourself in your day to day life normally. Distractions can be helpful, like fidget toys, snacks, phone, audio books or regular books. I always recommend headphones if you are playing videos or need to zone out. I can chat with you during your appointment or be quiet. If you have a preference, please let me know! Sometimes I zone out myself.
How well you prepare both physically and mentally will help or hinder your tattoo process and healing. As always, please do ask if you have any questions about preparation. I’m with you on this journey. Big or small ,each tattoo experience is special.