How to prepare for a tattoo

Getting a tattoo is exciting, but proper preparation makes all the difference—for your comfort, the final result, and how your skin heals. Here’s how to show up ready for the best possible experience:

1. Rest well the night before

A good night’s sleep helps your body manage pain and keeps you alert and relaxed. Being overtired can make the session feel longer and more uncomfortable than it needs to be.

2. Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water the day before and on the day of your appointment. Hydrated skin is healthier, more elastic, and takes ink better—which helps with both application and healing.

3. Eat a good meal beforehand

Always come to your appointment with something substantial in your stomach. A proper meal 1–2 hours beforehand helps keep your blood sugar steady and your body calm throughout the session.

4. Avoid alcohol & blood thinners

Avoid alcohol and medications like aspirin for at least 24 hours before your appointment (unless medically prescribed). Thinned blood leads to more bleeding, and bleeding pushes ink out of the skin—resulting in a tattoo that heals lighter or patchier. Avoid anything that might compromise how well your body holds the ink.

5. Wear comfortable, dark clothing

Wear black or dark-colored clothes you don’t mind getting stained—tattooing involves ink splatter and it can ruin lighter fabrics. Also, dress in a way that makes the tattoo area easy for your artist to access. Loose, comfortable clothing is always a win.

6. Care for your skin ahead of time

Healthy skin tattoos better. You can start prepping your skin about a month in advance by doing a sugar scrub once a week to exfoliate dead skin (but not on the day of the tattoo). Light moisturizing is helpful too—but again, skip lotion or oils on the day of your appointment.

The skin should be clean, dry, and product-free.

7. Bring what you need for comfort

Feel free to bring snacks, water, headphones, or even a book—especially for longer sessions. Chatting with your artist is totally fine, but keep the vibe comfortable and respectful. Avoid trauma dumping or being overly chatty in a way that could break focus.

8. Do not shave the area yourself

Please don’t shave before your appointment.

Your artist will take care of shaving the area to make sure it’s done safely and correctly. Shaving at home can lead to irritation or cuts that delay tattooing.

9. Reschedule if you’re unwell

If you’re sick, even with a cold, it’s best to reschedule. Tattooing while unwell puts extra stress on your immune system and can affect healing. You’ll enjoy the experience more when you’re healthy and feeling good.

10. Arrive on time and be ready

Being on time helps the session stay on track and gives space for any final adjustments or prep. If you have questions or are unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask—your artist is there to guide you.

Extra tips

• Avoid sunburns or any damage to the area in the weeks before your appointment.

• Don’t apply numbing creams unless discussed and approved by your artist in advance.

• Trust your artist and come in with an open mind. A little flexibility often leads to an even better final result.

In short

Preparation is part of the process. Showing up well-rested, fed, hydrated, and with healthy skin not only makes your session easier—it helps you get the best tattoo possible. A little care goes a long way toward making your tattoo experience safe, beautiful, and unforgettable.

During the tattoo session

What to expect—and how to be present

Getting a tattoo can be a powerful, personal experience—and while it’s totally normal to feel a mix of nerves and excitement, there are a few things you should know to help the session go smoothly for both you and your artist.

It’s ok to speak up

Need a break? Say so.

Whether you’re feeling lightheaded, overwhelmed, or just need a moment to breathe—it’s absolutely okay to ask. Breaks are part of the process.

Feeling unwell? Let your artist know immediately. Dizziness, nausea, cold sweats—these things happen, and your artist would always rather pause than push through.

Stencil placement is a team effort

You’ll be shown the stencil before the tattooing starts.
If something feels off—placement, tilt, size, symmetry—speak up! This is your body and your piece.

Minor adjustments are completely normal and expected. Your artist wants you to love it just as much as they do.

Your headspace is yours

Some people love to chat. Others go quiet and zone out completely. Both are welcome.
You can bring headphones, a book, or just sit in stillness.

You can also chat, ask questions, or just exist however you need.
That said, please be mindful: try not to trauma-dump, overshare, or dominate the space with intense or animated conversation—especially if it distracts from the work being done.

Please stay still

This one’s really important. Tattooing is delicate, and even a small twitch can cause a mistake or slow things down.

Avoid:

• Sudden jerking or twitching

• Talking with your hands or making big gestures

• Pulling away from the needle each time it touches your skin

Instead:

• Focus on breathing calmly

• Try to stay relaxed and grounded—even during uncomfortable spots

• If you know you have an involuntary reaction to pain (like leg spasms), let your artist know ahead of time so you can work together

Bathroom & water breaks are ok

Need the restroom? Feeling thirsty? Please say something.
Comfort is important. Just let your artist know and you’ll get a moment to reset.

Trust & communication

This is your tattoo and your experience—but it’s also a collaboration. Mutual trust and respect go a long way toward making sure the end result is everything you hoped for. Your artist is on your team.

In short

You’re allowed to ask, check in, pause, feel, be quiet, breathe, talk—just please also stay still and communicate clearly. The rest? We’ll handle together, one line at a time.

After the session

What to do (and not do) once you leave the studio

You’ve just been tattooed—congrats!

Whether it was your first or your fifteenth, your body has just gone through a lot. Here’s what to know about the hours and days after your session that will help your new tattoo settle in safely and beautifully.

1. Take it easy

Tattooing is a controlled trauma to the skin, and your immune system is now in full swing trying to heal it.
Rest is the best thing you can do.

Skip the heavy lifting, physical labor, or pushing through fatigue.

This includes the gym, big errands, and standing for long periods right after your session.

Your body needs energy to start the healing process—give it the chance.

2. Avoid friction

Your fresh tattoo is like an open wound.
Avoid tight clothes, backpacks, waistbands, bras, or any item that will rub or press directly on the area.

Constant friction can irritate the skin, cause premature scabbing, or even pull pigment out.

Opt for loose, breathable clothing and give your tattoo some space to breathe.

3. Stay away from germy environments

No gyms, saunas, pools, public transportation shoulder-to-shoulder, or dusty/dirty workspaces right after getting tattooed.

Your fresh tattoo should not come into contact with anything dirty, sweaty, or questionable.

Protect it like you would a healing scrape—because that’s exactly what it is (just a much more beautiful one).

4. Stay sober & hydrated

Now’s not the time to party. Alcohol or heavy smoking right after getting tattooed slows down your body’s ability to heal.

• Drink water.

• Eat well.

• Get a good night's sleep.

Simple self-care goes a long way in helping your tattoo heal strong and vibrant.

5. If you’re not sure—ask!

Every tattoo, artist, and body is a little different.
If anything feels weird, too painful, or you’re just unsure—reach out. Better safe than sorry.

In short

• Treat your tattoo (and yourself) with care.

• Rest.

• Protect it.

• Avoid bacteria and friction.

• The better you support your body now, the better your tattoo will look for life.

✨ For detailed aftercare instructions

Please follow the dedicated guide here.