Preparation
Properly preparing for your tattoo session will help you have the best experience and results! Please don't skip these recommendations
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Protect Your Skin
Keep the area to be tattooed out of the sun! Sunburns compromise the skin and can’t be tattooed on, the same goes for scrapes and other surface damage. Avoid having to reschedule your tattoo by keeping the area covered or, at minimum, limiting UV exposure and using a high SPF sunscreen frequently.
Moisturize and Hydrate
Healthy skin makes the best base for tattooing. Apply lotion to the intended tattoo area daily for several days (ideally a week).
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Drink plenty of water several days up to your appointment. This is especially important the evening before and morning of your session.
Exfoliate
Three to four days before your appointment, it’s a great idea to remove the dead skin cells (don’t do this the day before or the day of your appointment, as the skin can be raw and sensitive). You can use a specially designed brush, washcloth, or scrub for this, or you can make your own.
Common household items can be used, you just need: granules (sugar, salt, or coffee grounds) and an oil base (olive, coconut, grapeseed, almond, etc). Combine two of these into a paste and scrub vigorously on the skin, then rinse off and moisturize. Your artist will thank you!
Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine
At minimum the day before and of your appointment. Both alcohol and caffeine dehydrate the body, thin the blood, and increase inflammation. All of these side-effects can negatively impact the quality of your experience and the tattoo.
Eat and Sleep
A good night’s sleep is crucial, even for small tattoos. Take care of yourself and you will have a much more enjoyable experience.
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Stabilize your blood sugar with a good meal around an hour before your session (especially for longer sessions!)
Dress for the Occassion
For instance, for a calf placement, consider wearing shorts or a skirt. This makes it easier on you and the artist.
What to Bring
Please bring snacks and water to your session (especially recommended for longer sessions). Temperature regulation is important in long sessions, too. You can bring layers or even a blanket - whatever makes you more comfortable and able to sit well.
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Consider entertainment if you want a distraction - a book, headphones, or a simple activity can help with stress relief and make your session more enjoyable.
Other Accommodations
If there's anything else you need to be comfortable at your appointment or special accommodations, please reach out!
