Getting a tattoo is exciting, but it can also feel a little intimidating if you don’t know what to expect. It might be your first or you might have had a tattoo before, in any case a little preparation goes a long way toward making the experience smooth, safe, and enjoyable.
Being prepared and knowing what to expect will calm your nerves!
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before, during, and after your tattoo appointment. Remember, advice from another artist may vary. You can also find information on how to prepare for your tattoo appointment on my Instagram page here.
✼ One week before your appointment ✼
An easy tattoo appointment (for you and your artist) starts with healthy skin and a calm mind.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water every day. Hydrated skin holds ink better and heals faster.
- Moisturize and exfoliate regularly: Keep your skin soft with your favourite lotion (I recommend going natural!) but stop applying it the day before the tattoo.
- Avoid sunburns: Sun-damaged skin can’t be tattooed safely. If you’re outdoors, cover the area or use sunscreen.
Eat well and rest: A healthy immune system speeds up recovery.
✼ A day before your appointment ✼
These steps can make a big difference on tattoo day:
- Sleep well: Being rested helps your body handle the stress of tattooing.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs: These thin your blood and increase bleeding. Please avoid them for at least two days before the appointment. Your body will thank you for it!
- Don’t shave the area: Let your artist do it!
- Pack your essentials: Bring water, a snack, and comfortable clothes that allow easy access to the tattoo area. You can also bring something to keep you entertained (a book, music, or a podcast), though it’s totally fine if you prefer to relax without distractions.
- Make sure you’re fit and well on the day of the appointment. If your body is fighting something, tattooing will only exacerbate the stress your body is already going through.
- Eat a decent meal before your appointment (even if you don’t normally eat breakfast, please make an exception on that day).
✻ What to expect on the day ✻
We will start from going over your design and making sure you’re 100% happy with everything. Then, I’ll print the design in a few different sizes so we can see what works best on your body. Only after these steps we will move onto placing the stencil on your body. We can do this steps as many times as needed, until it’s perfect and you’re completely happy with everything! I will then finishing preparing the station while we wait for the stencil to dry.
A few important point to remember:
- Please arrive right on time (not early), and if you’d like to bring a friend along, just give me a quick heads-up so I can make sure we’ve got enough space to keep things comfortable in the studio.
- Wear clean, comfortable clothing. Make sure I can easily access the area to be tattooed. If you aren’t sure what to wear, just ask me.
- Please bring a valid photo ID (either a passport or driving licence) – You’ll need to fill out a consent form when you arrive at the studio.
- Pack your favourite snacks to keep your blood sugar steady. I’ll have tea, coffee, and cold drinks available to keep you going throughout the session
- Cash for payment is preferred, but if it’s tricky to get to a cash machine, no worries, we can sort a bank transfer instead.
- Please don’t make any immediate plans for after your appointment, sometimes sessions run a little over time.
✼ During the tattoo session ✼
Once you’re in the chair, communication is key. Please speak up if you have any questions or concerns! ♥
- Stay still, breathe normally, and try to relax.
- If you need a break, just ask – I want you to be comfortable.
- The pain is usually manageable and varies depending on placement (but it’s totally ok if it gets too much! Please tell me if that’s the case).
- If you’re not up for a chat, feel free to use headphones, read or just communicate your preference.
- Remember: this is a collaboration between you and your artist. Trust the process and enjoy the art being created for you.
✼ Aftercare: Healing your new tattoo ✼
There is a separate post on aftercare – feel free to refer to it! You can also find more information on my Instagram page here.
✼ Common mistakes to avoid ✼
- Arriving tired, hungry, or hungover.
- Not eating and not hydrating before the appointment.
- Skipping aftercare steps.
- Touching the tattoo with dirty hands.
- Exposing it to sun or water too soon.
- Wearing tight clothing that irritates the skin.
✼ Final thoughts ✼
Being well prepared for your tattoo appointment can make a massive difference to the stress levels and how much discomfort you will feel on the day.
From my side, I make everything I can to create a calm, inclusive space where you can express yourself freely and feel safe and comfortable from start to finish.
If you have any questions, concerns or request, just let me know!
If you’re ready for your next (or first!) tattoo, explore my Flash Designs or send your idea through the Custom Tattoo Form!
