Good preparation makes a meaningful difference to how a tattoo session goes and how the result heals. Clients who arrive hydrated, rested, well-fed and appropriately dressed have a better experience, provide a better canvas and heal more effectively than those who arrive unprepared. This guide covers everything you need to do in the week before, the day before and on the morning of your appointment.
The week before your appointment
Moisturise the placement area daily
Apply an unscented moisturiser to the area you are getting tattooed once or twice a day for the week leading up to the appointment. Well-hydrated skin is more elastic, takes ink more evenly and heals more predictably than dry or flaky skin. Do not apply moisturiser on the morning of the session itself.
Protect the area from sun damage
Sunburned skin cannot be tattooed. Tanned or sun-damaged skin is more irritable and takes ink less evenly than healthy skin. Keep the planned placement area covered or protected with sunscreen for the week before your appointment. If you have a sunburn on the area, contact the studio to reschedule.
Stay well hydrated
Consistent water intake in the days before the session keeps your skin in good condition and reduces the risk of feeling faint or unwell during a longer session. Dehydrated skin is less cooperative for the artist and more prone to irritation. Aim for consistent hydration rather than trying to drink a large amount in one go the morning of the appointment.
Avoid NSAIDs and aspirin
Ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen thin the blood. Avoid these for 24 to 48 hours before your session. If you need pain relief in this period, paracetamol does not affect blood clotting and is safe to take before a tattoo. If you take prescribed blood thinners, see the blood thinners guide in this series and speak to your GP before booking.
The day before your appointment
No alcohol
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment. Alcohol thins the blood, dehydrates you and impairs judgment. Even a moderate amount the evening before leaves you less well-prepared for the session than a sober night would. Heavy drinking the night before is a reliable reason to reschedule.
Get a good night's sleep
Rest matters. A well-rested body has better pain tolerance, better skin condition and better immune function than a fatigued one. Sleep deprivation significantly increases discomfort during the session and slows healing afterwards. Aim for a full night of sleep the night before your appointment.
Shave the area if needed
If the placement area has hair, shave it the day before rather than on the morning of the appointment. Shaving the day before gives any minor irritation time to settle. Your artist will typically shave the area themselves if needed. But arriving with hair in the way adds time to the session and can occasionally cause irritation at the start.
Plan your outfit
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the placement area. If you are getting a thigh tattoo, wear loose trousers or a skirt. If you are getting a back piece, wear a loose shirt or something you can take off easily. Wear something you do not mind getting ink or aftercare products on. Tight or restrictive clothing makes both the artist's job and your comfort significantly worse.
The morning of your appointment
Shower on the morning of your appointment. Arrive clean. Eat a full meal within two hours of your session start time. Your body needs stable blood sugar to manage a sustained physical process comfortably. Do not skip breakfast for an afternoon appointment and do not fast before a session. If your appointment is long, bring a snack and a water bottle to consume during breaks. Bring valid photo ID. Bring the reference images for your design if you have not already shared them with the artist. Arrive on time. Rushing to the studio adds stress that is entirely avoidable.
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More from the Tattoo Preparation Guide
This article is part of our Tattoo Preparation Guide, covering everything you need to do before, during and after your session. Browse every guide at our Tattoo Preparation Guide hub.
Explore related topics including what not to do, what to bring and what to eat before a tattoo. Find every preparation guide at our Tattoo Preparation Guide hub.