Guide To Preparing For Your Tattoo

Skincare

Keep the area moisturised in the week prior to getting tattooed. This will make your skin easier to tattoo for your artist. Gently exfoliating the area in the lead up to your appointment can also help prepare the skin in the desired area.

Food

You should make sure you’ve eaten before getting tattooed. Similar to needing sleep, your body will need the energy to continue producing adrenaline. Don’t eat so much you feel uncomfortable, but a good breakfast or lunch depending on your appointment time can make all the difference.

Getting tattooed on an empty stomach can cause fainting or dizziness, so to make sure you’re being tattooed safely, ensure you’ve eaten beforehand.

NUMBING CREAM

If you plan on using numbing cream, let your artist know prior to your appointment. It is vital that you perform a patch test each time you use numbing cream - even if it’s a brand you have used before. It is extremely common for people to have allergic reactions to numbing creams and if you arrive at your appointment having had a reaction your artist will not be able to tattoo you.

We would advise against using numbing cream for longer tattoo sessions. The numbing cream will wear off throughout your appointment and because your body hasn’t had time to acclimatise to the pain of the tattoo, it will then feel more painful than it would have without the numbing cream.

If you are struggling during your tattoo appointment, our artists do have pain relief they can offer you in the form of a numbing spray known as Bactine - so if you think you need some at any point, just let your artist know!

Shaving

For most placements, we would recommend not shaving yourself. This is because it limits the chance that you’ll cut the skin or cause irritation. If there is a cut or irritation in the area, your artist will be unable to tattoo that placement. Your artist will shave the area before applying your stencil.

Sleep

Make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before your appointment. When getting tattooed your body produces adrenaline to keep you going, so being well rested helps you keep your strength up during your appointment.

You’ll likely feel tired after your appointment as the adrenaline wears off and your body uses lots of energy to begin the healing process.

Alcohol/Medication

Avoid consuming alcohol or any other substances for at least 24 hours before your appointment. If you are taking medication regularly, please check with your GP or pharmacist that it is safe for you to be tattooed while taking it. Avoid taking blood thinners such as ibuprofen and aspirin before your appointment as this will cause your tattoo to bleed more and may affect the outcome of your tattoo.

TANNING/SUNBURN

You should avoid tanning before your appointment - both natural and cosmetic. Keeping the area you want tattooed clean is super important in preparing your skin. Your artist will clean the area with alcohol before applying the stencil, so if you’re wearing fake tan it will come off anyway.

If you arrive at your appointment and the placement area is sunburnt, your artist will not be able to tattoo you. In the lead up to your appointment, keep the area out of direct sunlight and make sure you use a high factor sun cream.

WHAT TO WEAR

You’ll be sitting or lying down in an uncomfortable position for at least a few hours while you’re being tattooed so making sure you’re wearing something comfortable is key. Think about where you’re being tattooed and wear something that makes the placement easily accessible for your artist as this will make things easier for you both.

If you’re unsure what to wear for a specific placement, you can always get in touch with your artist and ask what they would suggest you wear during your appointment.