How to Prepare For a Tattoo Session

Get ready to get inked! Before getting your new tattoo, there are essential processes to prepare yourself. From cleanliness to personal care, these steps ensure a smooth and successful tattoo experience.

Using body lotion to keep your skin hydrated a few weeks prior to getting a tattoo is a good practice. It may also help the ink apply better during your tattoo appointment. When tattooing dry skin, the needle tends to tear and cause damage, which increases the chances of bad healing, infections, and long-term damage, especially in fine lines and more delicate designs.

Your body naturally tries to block out tattoo pain by releasing adrenaline and endorphins. You'll have more of these to go around if you're well-rested. Not getting enough sleep can cause discomfort and more movement during the session, making things harder for the artist and potentially causing the session to last longer than planned.

Avoid the use of alcohol and other drugs before the appointment. Alcoholic drinks contain ethyl substances that makes your blood thinner and increases the bleeding, making the session longer than planned and more painful for you.

This tip should never be overlooked, and you should eat a hearty breakfast or lunch on the day of your tattoo appointment. You are about to endure pain, and your body needs to be able to heal itself properly. It can prevent you from feeling dizzy. To prepare for a long tattoo appointment make sure to bring a sugary drink and snack with you. It will help keeping your body and mind going. Your artist will likely need to take a few breaks during your tattoo to stretch, eat, or drink. Use this time to do the same.

While drinking plenty of water on the day of your tattoo appointment is recommended, it’s also beneficial to stay hydrated in advance. Drinking plenty of water improves the quality of your skin. And remember that drinking coffee, tea with sugar, and soda doesn’t count as drinking water.

Consider the area you plan to get tattooed and wear clothing that makes it easy for the artist to access. If you are getting your leg tattooed, shorts may be the best option. A tank top may be a better option for an upper-arm tattoo. For back tattoos, consider bringing a zip-up hoodie or button-up shirt so that it’s easy to cover-up your front torso if it makes you feel more comfortable.Also take into consideration that tattoo ink has a thick consistency, which means it can stain fabric and rarely comes out after you wash it. So avoid wearing your best clothes to the session.