preparing for your tattoo session
Hi friends!
So, there are no real “rules” for exactly what you need to do in order to prepare before a tattoo session, but there are certainly some helpful tips that I wish more people knew — so that’s what I’m gonna talk about today!
Also — these are my tips and preferences. I don’t speak for other tattooers — if you wanna know their particular tips for this, ask them!
prepping for your tattoo session
preparing your body
Make sure you are rested, hydrated, and eat a full meal before your tattoo! It is vital that you feel good in order to sit well and tolerate tattoo pain well — and this greatly reduces your risk of passing out or feeling faint.
Ensure your skin is well taken care of! This means clean, no sunburn, no shaving damage, no cuts or rashes, etc. Skin damage may result in your appointment being rescheduled.
You do not have to shave the area yourself! If the hair is super dense in the tattoo area, you’re welcome to trim it, but try not to risk razor burn.
Don’t be afraid to come moisturized! You don’t have to skip your lotion just because it may leave residue — I clean the area before we get to work.
preparing your brain
If you are afraid of pain, talk to your tattooer about the pain level for the area you’re getting tattooed! We can talk about positioning, breaks, breathing, and other ways of handling the pain.
If you have any concerns or anxiety about the process/pain/cost/etc., ask before your appointment! There’s no shame in being anxious or not knowing about the process and, in my opinion, there are no dumb questions.
what to wear + bring
Loose-fitted/comfortable clothing is ideal! It should be easily removed or kept away from the tattoo area. If you’re not sure what to wear, ask your tattooer — most of us have experience tattooing all areas and generally know what clothing makes everything easiest for both tattooer & client!
Note: if your tattoo is in a sensitive area, there are usually ways that you don’t have to be completely exposed during your tattoo. For example, a button-up shirt can be unbuttoned just around the sternum so that you don’t have to be topless, you can wear bikini bottoms with ties on the sides for hip pieces, etc.
Dark clothing is also helpful. We’re very careful (obviously) and try not to get ink anywhere, but sometimes a small amount can make its way onto clothes, so something you’re not too attached to is ideal!
Good things to bring:
Your photo ID
Water! (or a drink in general)
A snack for break time (something sugary can help with pain, something salty if you’re prone to low blood pressure or dizziness)
Headphones if tattoo machine noise bothers you (you won’t hurt my feelings if you wanna listen to music).
Cash (I prefer cash, sometimes card machines can cause issues, etc.)
what NOT to do
Try not to spend time in the sun before getting tattooed! You could be mildly sunburned and not know it, and this type of damaged skin can not be tattooed.
Do not show up under the influence — of anything. Alcohol thins your blood (and you will sit horribly if you’re drunk or high).
Don’t ask around with tattooed friends/family about aftercare beforehand! I have a post about aftercare talking all about this.
I’m aware most of you won’t listen to this, but too much caffeine might make you jittery — try not to down 5 cups of coffee before your tattoo.
Don’t take aspirin for the pain. It doesn’t really work and it thins your blood.
That’s all, folks!
Until next time. :)
Casey