Next step: How to get ready for your session

Mar 11

Your tattoo is booked! Now what?

To make sure everything goes smoothly, here are a few important things to do — and avoid — in the days leading up to your appointment.

These tips will help your skin heal properly, and ensure your tattoo looks its best.

Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water in the days before your appointment. Hydrated skin is more supple and less prone to trauma during the tattoo process — and that means an easier, smoother healing journey.
Eat something!
Make sure to have a good breakfast or lunch beforehand. Tattooing is taxing on the body (after all, it’s a controlled injury to your skin), and having food in your system helps regulate blood sugar and energy levels. Bring a snack and a drink, especially for longer sessions.
Double-check your health
If you have any medical conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before booking. These can affect your healing or safety during the process. Better to be informed and safe!

Over-moisturize your skin
It’s great to keep your skin hydrated, but don’t slather on lotion right before your session. Too much moisture can make it harder for your skin to absorb the ink properly, and could lead to fading.
Drink alcohol
Avoid drinking the day before and the day of your appointment. Alcohol dehydrates you and thins the blood, which can cause excessive bleeding, hinder healing, and affect the final look of your tattoo.

Shave the area
Please don’t shave the area yourself! I’ll take care of that just before the stencil is applied. Shaving too soon or too closely can irritate the skin and lead to razor burn — not fun right before getting tattooed. Plus, improperly shaved skin can raise the risk of infection.

Before your tattoo