If you're thinking about getting a tattoo, there are a few things about how to prepare for a tattoo. First, ensure you know what kind of tattoo you want and where you want it on your body.
Once you've decided on that, research the meaning of the tattoo design and make sure it's something you're comfortable with. Then, find a reputable tattoo artist who can give you the tattoo you want. Make sure you ask them questions about the process and what you can expect. Finally, get plenty of rest and eat a healthy meal before your tattoo appointment, so your body is in top condition.
How to Prepare for Getting a Tattoo
Follow these instructions preparing for a tattoo appointment, and be ready for your appointment.
Schedule a Consult with Your Artist
"Most artists will provide a consultation," says Melissa Wylde, a tattoo artist at Garth's Tattoos in Kent, United Kingdom. "I believe meeting face-to-face is a wonderful idea since you get to know your surroundings and artist mood."
Take advantage of the opportunity to meet with your artist in person for a consultation. An in-person consultation may assist the artist with pictures of the region you want to ink and break the ice before your session.
A tattoo consultation can also assist your artist grasp precisely what you want and solve any design problems.
"Consultations are a method for me to get to know the customer and eventually match minds on the design," explains Amanda Graves of Spill the Ink Tattoo in Edgewood, Maryland. "We may be imagining completely distinct thoughts a lot of the time. When I advise, I utilize visuals to get a sense of style and what's involved in the design."
Moisturize Your Skin in Advance
Using body lotion to keep your skin moisturized a few weeks before your tattoo appointment is a recommended practice that may aid ink application during your tattoo session.
"If your skin is healthy, any artist will find it much simpler to tattoo you," explains Lainey Bee, owner of Flowinkstudio in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. "This implies the session will be shorter, with less time and less suffering."
While it is vital to prepare your skin for a tattoo in the days before your visit, do not apply any lotion or moisturizers on the day of your session. Your tattoo artist will most likely apply a stencil to your skin, and moisturizers might interfere with how the stencil adheres to your skin.
Get A Good Night's Sleep
You last want to arrive for your tattoo session fully weary. Being well-rested, attentive, and in sync with your body is critical. You want to be able to understand your body's signals and respond accordingly when being tattooed.
You don't want to fall asleep in the chair while the artist works on your tattoo with attention and expertise. We urge that you go to bed earlier than usual. This will offer you more time to relax and fall asleep, which is particularly helpful if you're concerned about your visit.
If you arrive for your session exhausted, inform the artist that you did not receive a good night's sleep. Otherwise, your artist will not know how you genuinely feel, making your appointment seem much longer, and your body may become more susceptible to discomfort as you yawn and stretch your way through your session.
Take the additional time to obtain a good night's sleep; you'll be grateful for it throughout your session.
Stay Hydrated By Drinking Water
Can you drink the night before a tattoo? While drinking lots of water on the day of your tattoo session is encouraged, staying hydrated in advance is also useful. Drinking enough water helps to enhance the appearance of your skin.
"Begin around four weeks before your session. Drink at least two liters of water each day. "According to Bee, drinking coffee, tea with sugar, and soda does not qualify as drinking water.
Take Extra Vitamin C
Bee suggests increasing your Vitamin C consumption from the days preceding your tattoo session. "Vitamin C has an antioxidant effect in the body and is required for creating connective tissue, iron absorption, and resistance maintenance," she explains.
Before using any vitamin supplements, consult your doctor about Vitamin C dose recommendations.
Shave
If the region where you will be tattooed has hair, it may be time to use the razor. We suggest shaving 2-3 times per week before your tattoo. This helps to prepare your skin for your tattoo session and makes the region much simpler for the artist to work on.
If you are not comfortable shaving, you should get help from someone who is. It is critical to prevent aggravating the region since discomfort must go away the day before tattoo session begins.
The same is true for any wounds or razor burns; your artist requires a clean and fresh surface to tattoo on, so if you have cuts or burns often, it is better to leave the region alone for at least a week.
Ask your tattoo artist to shave the area if you don't have somebody to help you. You must notify them that you will want their assistance in shaving the region. If you decide to pursue the waxing method, allow enough time for your skin to recover before you do so.
Exfoliation is another component that many people overlook. It will benefit your pores and moisturizer by lowering your workload. That takes us to our last point: moisturize!
Moisturizing, as you know, helps to keep your skin moisturized and healthy. Remember to avoid cosmetics containing alcohol since they can dry up your skin.
Shower
This one may seem obvious, but we thought we'd mention it just in case. You should shower (ideally) every day, but please remember to do so before your appointment. Because tattooing causes tiny wounds and opens up the skin, you should maintain your skin as clean as possible.
Do not show up after a strenuous gym session or a basketball game. Not only will your skin be filthy, but your poor artist will have to endure the stench of sweat and grime as they get up and personal with your skin.
Eat a Meal Before Your Tattoo Appointment
This is an important tip to remember, and you should have a substantial breakfast or lunch on the day of tattoo preparation. "I've had many people miss this, but it's crucial," Graves adds. "You will experience pain, and your body needs the ability to recover itself appropriately."
Even if you're apprehensive or don't feel especially hungry, attempt to consume some food. This can help you maintain your blood sugar levels and prevent feeling dizzy or weak during your session.
Bring Snacks and Drinks to Your Tattoo Session
Ensure you have enough water, nutritious foods, and other fluids before a lengthy tattoo session. "Bring a sweet drink and a snack," Wylde advises. "It will maintain your body and mind in good shape.
Your artist will most likely need to stretch, eat, or drink during your tattoo. Use this opportunity to do the same.
If you feel dizzy or faint during your tattoo session, immediately notify your artist and request a break. Snacking on nuts or candies, or drinking Gatorade, may help raise your blood sugar.
Wear the Proper Clothing
Consider the location of your tattoo and dress in a way that allows the artist easy access. Shorts may be the greatest choice if you are having your leg tattooed. For an upper-arm tattoo, a tank top may be a better alternative.
Bring a zip-up jacket or button-up shirt to tattoo cover up your front torso if it helps you feel more comfortable for backpiece tattoos.
Wear clothing you don't mind getting soiled or ink sprayed on. While tattoo artists are normally cautious and endeavor to preserve their clients' clothes throughout the tattoo process, getting ink or stencil on your clothing during a tattoo—especially a big piece—is a real danger. Furthermore, blood or plasma may flow into your clothes after your session, so wear something simple to wash.
Inquire About Payment Options
Before your tattoo appointment, please inquire with the shop or artist about the payment methods they accept. According to Wylde, the majority of tattoo parlors only take cash payments.
If you know that cash is the only acceptable payment option, go to your bank ahead of time and withdraw enough cash to cover the cost of your tattoo. To reduce stress or being late for your appointment, try to do this a day or two ahead of time.
Tattoo parlors may charge a processing fee if they accept credit card payments. Knowing this can help you avoid pricey surprises when it comes time to pay for your tattoo.
What Not To Do Before Getting a Tattoo
Do Not Show Up Intoxicated
You are being nervous before your tattoo session is natural, particularly if it is your first. If you arrive under alcohol or drugs, you will be turned away. These are not the answers if you are afraid of the discomfort, the needle, or anything else about the procedure. Furthermore, drinking alcohol before your consultation is exceedingly harmful since it thins your blood and puts you at risk for various issues.
Finally, you should avoid aspirin and any other blood-thinning medicine. If you are on prescription medication, please see your doctor determine if you should have a tattoo.
Do Not Touch Your Tattoo Or Station
Your artist will have all their instruments set up in a sterile workstation, ready to assist them in giving you the greatest tattoo possible.
The last thing you want to do is contaminate your tattoo artist's gun, needle, or ink by touching an open wound or their workstation. If you are not feeling well, please notify your artist immediately so that they can take the necessary procedures.
Do Not Show Up With Damaged Skin
Your tattoo appointment may be rescheduled if you have any wounds, bruises, burns, peeling, or new tans. The major reason is that your tattoo will have a tough time healing since your skin is under stress. The injury will create issues as your body attempts to absorb the ink throughout the healing process.
Intensive Exercise
Exercising before your tattoo is OK, but avoid activities that deplete your muscles and make it painful. Anything that causes muscular tension will make the tattoo much more unpleasant since your muscles will already suffer.
Cancel Last Minute
We recognize that emergencies arise, and that is perfectly great. However, if you cancel your performer at the last minute, their full-time slot is forfeited. Any other tasks they may have taken are now out of the question since the place has been earmarked for you. Of course, things happen, so please notify your artist as soon as possible if your projected arrival time changes.
During Your Tattoo
Entertainment
You may get bored while waiting for your artist to perform their magic; in these cases, bringing your phone and headphones to watch Netflix or music videos might be beneficial. You should only avoid bringing entertainment that moves your body or hinders your artists' productivity. Bring your laptop, watch a movie, or watch sports while you wait for your artist to finish your creation.
Bring A Friend
Playhouse is a welcoming setting where friends and family are always invited to attend and support you throughout your tattoo. If you want to bring a friend or family member, that is OK, but please avoid bringing huge groups of individuals. You don't want 4-5 people crowding the space around you while your artist is working.
We also recognize that you may need to bring your children with us and keep them with you while you are tattooed. We empathize in these instances but will not accept interruptions (e.g., running around, touching stations, playing on computers, etc.).
There are several ways for a youngster to injure themself at a tattoo shop, and we want to do all necessary to prevent this from happening.
Finally, these are the terms our tattoo studio works, and you should ensure that you understand how the studio you want to visit operates. Many tattoo parlors do not let friends, family, or young children inside their establishments; in fact, many only permit the individual to be inked.
Ask Question
If you are unaware of what is going on or are not satisfied with how the process is progressing, you should ask questions. Your artist should be able to answer any queries you may have, and if they are unwilling to offer you a clear response, you should rethink your option. It is normal to have questions, and you should choose a tattoo artist that is experienced and knowledgeable about their craft.
