While obviously the main bulk of the tattooing process takes place on the day of the appointment there are certain things you can do to ensure that the process goes as smoothly and enjoyable as possible for everyone involved, both clients and tattooists.

 

In The Days Leading Up To The Appointment 

 

• In the week leading up to your appointment moisturise the area getting tattooed twice a day, any kind of moisturiser/body cream will do.

• Except any kind with bronzer/tanning agents. Please don’t use these, or use any kind of fake tan/sunbeds before your appointment.

• Make sure to drink plenty of water to ensure your skin is nice and hydrated.

• You don’t need to shave the area getting tattooed before your appointment - the artist will do this on the day. 

• Don’t go out and have a heavy drinking session the night before your appointment. If you are hungover you will have a miserable time. 

• If this is your first tattoo, don’t psyche yourself out by seeking out tattoo horror stories on the internet trying to find out how much it will hurt - it will never be as bad as whatever you build up in your head, so just chill, breathe, and look forward to the day of your appointment when the end result will be a fabulous piece of art that you will forever enjoy (this will also be the time you start thinking about your next one).

 

On The Day Itself

 

• Make sure to have a hearty breakfast, to help elevate your blood sugar levels. If your diet allows, something high cholesterol like bacon and eggs is ideal. (Think Ron Swanson levels of bacon and eggs).

• On the other side of this, try not to have too much caffeine as this can have the opposite effect and thin the blood.

• Please make sure your personal hygiene is on point. Tattooing is a business in which getting up close and personal is par for the course, so for everyone’s sake - shower and deodorant are essential (and this goes for the tattooist as well!).

• Wear something you wouldn’t mind getting ink on, as tattooing can be messy at times, and make sure it is easy to get to the area getting tattooed.Feel free to bring things to change into if you want (shorts if you are getting a thigh tattoo for example).

• If you have long hair, make sure to tie it up if it will get in the way of the area being tattooed.

• Bring snacks and sugary drinks, to keep blood sugar levels up. Depending on the length of the appointment, there will be a lunch break. You can bring lunch with you or go and buy something.

• Air pods are welcome if you would like your own personal tattooing soundtrack. Books and IPads for reading/watching are also feasible, although this does depend on the area getting tattooed. 

• Mobile phone use is allowed, although please be aware that the body does move when the phone is in use, so again, the feasibility of this depends on the area being tattooed (your artist will keep you right with this!).

• Please don’t bring an entourage with you. Only the person getting tattooed is allowed in the artist’s room.

• After the tattoo is completed we will go through the aftercare regime thoroughly, you will get the opportunity to buy aftercare balm and the artist will be happy to answer any questions before you leave, plus any you have in the next few days/weeks. 

 

That may seem like rather a lot to take in, but do not fret. A lot of it just comes down to good old fashioned common sense. Basically, all you really have to do is turn up and sit down for the day, and what could be easier than that?