Before Your Appointment
Your Tattoo Prep Guide!
Congratulations on booking your tattoo with us! We want your experience to be as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Proper preparation is key to ensuring the best outcome for your tattoo. Below is a guide to help you prepare for your session, so you can get the most out of your tattoo experience.
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1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
It’s important to drink plenty of water before your tattoo appointment. Hydrated skin makes for a smoother and more comfortable tattooing process, and helps with healing afterward. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day leading up to your session.
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2. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Rest is essential! A well-rested body handles pain and stress much better. Make sure you get a full night’s sleep before your appointment, so you feel refreshed and ready.
3. Eat Well Before Your Appointment
Have a solid meal a few hours before your session. You want your blood sugar levels to be stable during your appointment. Avoid coming on an empty stomach, as this may make you feel lightheaded or weak during your tattoo session.
4. Avoid Alcohol and Drugs
Please refrain from consuming alcohol or recreational drugs at least 24 hours before your tattoo. These can thin your blood and make the tattooing process more difficult, potentially leading to excessive bleeding. This also affects the healing process.
5. Shave the Area (if necessary)
If your tattoo will be on an area with hair, we recommend shaving the area before you arrive (especially if it’s a larger area). Our artists will clean and prep the skin, but shaving beforehand can make things quicker and easier. Please avoid using lotions or oils on the area after shaving.
6. Wear Comfortable Clothing
You’ll be in the chair for a while, so make sure to wear clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed. Loose-fitting clothes are a good choice, especially if you’re getting a large tattoo or one in a more private area of the body.
7. Bring Your ID
We will need to verify your age before proceeding with a tattoo. Please bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.) to your appointment.
8. Prepare for the Pain
Everyone experiences pain differently, but tattoos can be uncomfortable. Pain levels depend on the location and size of your tattoo. If you're worried about pain, bring a stress ball or distraction like music or a podcast to help you stay relaxed.
9. Know What You Want
Be prepared to discuss your tattoo ideas with your artist. It’s helpful to bring reference images or sketches. The more detail you can provide about your vision, the better we can bring it to life. If you have any questions about your design or placement, feel free to ask your artist.
10. Arrive on Time
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete any necessary paperwork and get settled in. If you’re running late, give us a call to let us know, as late arrivals may impact your appointment time.
11. Personal Hygiene
Please arrive clean, especially in the area where you’ll be tattooed. This ensures that the process is as hygienic as possible, and it helps your artist do their best work.
12. Bring a Friend (Optional)
If it helps ease your nerves, you can bring a friend for support. However, we ask that you limit the number of people you bring to avoid distractions in the studio.