How to prepare for my appointment

1. STAY hydrated. Super important all of the time of course, but especially before a tattoo! Make sure to drink plenty of water before the session as It’s likely that during the tattoo you won’t drink a whole lot, but being dehydrated could lead to feeling faint and unwell during your session. Staying hydrated is also important for preventing dry, flakey skin, which won’t make your tattoo any easier.

2. Prepare your skin. Speaking of avoiding flakey or dry skin, having a good skincare routine is also important in the lead up to your tattoo. In the days before your appointment, use a good moisturizer to get your skin ready for its new ink. It is best not to moisturise immediately before a session, as any residue on your skin could interfere with the tattooing process. 

3. Get a good nights sleep. Doing anything when you’re tired is hard and exhausting so a good nights sleep is crucial before a tattoo! This will also help you be aware of how your body is reacting, Some people also find that getting tattooed on little sleep can cause it to hurt more, but of course this varies for each individual. Regardless, being well rested is always a good thing and could make your session easier.

4. EAT before your appointment! Getting tattooed can feel like you aren’t doing much to your body, but your body is actually expending a lot of energy during the process. Getting a tattoo is causing trauma to your body, so it’s super important to have enough energy to get through without having your blood sugar drop too low, which could cause it to feel more painful. Plus, the last thing you want while getting a permanent piece of artwork on your body is to be shaking the whole way through! Less anxiousness and dizziness will help you go a long way!

5. Wear comfortable clothing! This one is important! Think about where you are getting tattooed and wear practical clothing based off that area! Soft, loose, comfortable clothing is usually best it’s easy to move and won’t be rough on your skin afterwards. Putting a bit of thought into your outfit can save you a whole lot of hassle on the day of!  (if you are getting tattooed in a more private area pasties and body tape is awesome and secures well!)

6. Bringing snacks and water. If you know you are in for a long session it’s a good idea to bring some healthy snacks and drinks along with you. Nuts or protein bars are a good idea, rather than sugary sweets, to avoid intense blood sugar spikes. You will feel like you are dying for something sugary afterwards, so I usually bring a bottle of pure orange or apple juice, and if I’m feeling extra sugary maybe a soda!
   

Aftercare Instructions

Within 2 to 4 hours after receiving tattoo - Remove bandage. With clean hands wash tattoo with fragrance-free antibacterial soap and pat dry. Apply a light layer of petroleum ointment but do not re-bandage tattoo.

Days 1 to 3 - Several times per day, wash and dry tattoo then apply an alcohol- and fragrance-free moisturizing lotion. Do not ever scratch or pick at your tattoo while it is healing.

Days 4 to 21 - Apply lotion several times per day. Avoid direct sunlight, tanning beds, and soaking tattoo under water.

Always consult your tattoo artist and/or a physician if tattoo becomes infected.