Preparing for your tattoo appointment is as vital as after care so that your tattoo has the best possible healing process. Caring for a fresh tattoo after an appointment is necessary, unfortunately, many people don’t put the same care into getting their skin ready for the appointment, which takes a major toll on the final result. Hydrating, moisturizing, and avoiding irritation will ensure that your skin is in the best possible condition to be tattooed.

 

Pre-care: Hydrate and Moisturize Regularly Before

Be sure to drink plenty of water. Drink 1-2 liters a day leading up to your tattoo appointment. Properly hydrating before your tattoo appointment helps ensure that your skin is properly hydrated as well. Having properly hydrated skin is a huge factor in helping to guarantee that your tattoo will heal well. Taking time to moisturize the area 1-2 times a day for a week leading up to the tattoo will help make the skin more supple and the area to stop producing oils. However, DO NOT apply any creams or lotions to the area on the day of your tattoo appointment. By not lotioning that day it helps with ink retention as your skin absorbs any moisture more readily, meaning less passes over the same area of skin, therefore less trauma and easier healing after.

 

Avoid Partying Or Drinking Alcohol The Night Before

Alcohol can thin your blood and being hungover for your tattoo appointment is no fun for you, or your artist. Getting a good night's sleep before your tattoo appointment will also help with pain management during the procedure.

 

Avoid Damage To The Skin Before Your Tattoo Appointment

Use caution for at least 1 week prior to your tattoo appointment. Be sure to also avoid direct sun, tanning, chemical peels, or any other procedures that can damage your skin. Your artist will do all necessary skin preparation, such as shaving, before beginning your tattoo. Shaving the area that will be tattooed yourself before arriving to your tattoo appointment is not recommended. You could irritate your skin, making it impossible to tattoo over the irritation.

 

Eat within two hours before Your Tattoo Appointment

Taking time to eat a healthy mid sized meal before your tattoo appointment will benefit both your session, and final tattoo. If you are hungry during your tattoo session, it makes pain management more difficult as food is the fuel for your endorphins that will help lessen the sting of the tattoo.

 

Choose Proper Attire

Please keep clothing choices in mind to accommodate for the location of your tattoo. Your attire will also help with your comfort levels through the duration of the tattoo procedure. If you’re getting tattooed on your leg, wearing shorts or loose sweat pants would be an appropriate choice.

 

Do Not Show Up Under The Influence of Drugs or Alcohol

Advil and Tylenol are okay for pain management during the tattoo session.

 

Feel free to bring a snack or water with you, I do have a few different types of pop and mini chocolate bars to help keep your blood sugar up during the tattoo. I have a TV in the other room that I put music on that you get to choose as it’s just background noise for me, so whatever best distracts you from the tattoo is what we’ll listen to.