Tattoo Prep
A little preparation goes a long way! Arriving well-rested, hydrated, and properly fueled helps your body handle the tattoo process more comfortably and allows me to work more efficiently. Healthy, cared-for skin is also easier to tattoo and gives us the best possible foundation for smooth application and beautiful healing.
Following these simple steps helps make your appointment more comfortable for you, easier for me, and ultimately gives your tattoo the best chance at a great result.
Days prior:
Stay hydrated.
Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment. Well-cared-for skin is much nicer to work with than dry, irritated skin.
Moisturize regularly.
Keep the area moisturized in the days leading up to your tattoo using your normal gentle moisturizer. Avoid trying new or irritating skincare products right before your appointment.
Protect your skin from the sun.
Avoid sunburn, tanning, or excessive sun exposure on the area being tattooed. I cannot tattoo skin that is sunburned, peeling, injured, or significantly irritated.
Leave the shaving to me.
You do not need to shave the area before your appointment. I’ll take care of any necessary hair removal so we can avoid razor burn, cuts, or irritation.
The day before:
Skip the alcohol.
Please avoid drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
Get some sleep.
Do your best to arrive rested. Tattooing is physically demanding, especially during longer sessions, and being well-rested can make the experience much easier.
The day of:
Eat before you come in.
Have a good meal before your appointment, even if you normally skip breakfast or lunch. For longer sessions, bringing a snack is also a great idea. We do have water, and protein bars if needed.
Drink water.
Continue hydrating the day of your appointment and feel free to bring a water bottle with you.
Arrive clean and comfortable.
Shower beforehand and arrive with clean skin. Avoid applying heavy lotions, oils, self-tanner, makeup, or other products to the area being tattooed.
Dress for your tattoo.
Wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the tattoo area and that you won’t be heartbroken about getting ink on. For longer appointments, layers are helpful since studio temperatures can feel different throughout the day.
Bring a valid photo ID.
You’ll need a current government-issued photo ID for your appointment.
Bring something to keep you comfortable.
For longer sessions, headphones, a book, tablet, charger, snacks, and a drink are all welcome.
One last check:
Please let us know before your appointment if the area being tattooed has a sunburn, rash, cut, wound, significant irritation, or other unexpected skin issue. If you’re unsure whether the skin is okay to tattoo, send me a clear photo before coming in.
If you have a mole, changing spot, or other skin lesion in the tattoo area that concerns you, please have it evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional before your appointment.
Please don’t stop or change any prescribed medication for a tattoo appointment unless the clinician who prescribed it tells you to. If you take medication or have a medical concern that you think may affect tattooing or healing, reach out before your appointment so we can determine the appropriate next step.
Following these steps helps us start with healthy, comfortable skin and spend more of your appointment doing the fun part, which is getting tattooed!