Prepping for your Tattoo Day
What can you do to get ready for the big day?
Here are some useful tips and tricks!
Moisturize
Using a body lotion to keep your skin hydrated a few weeks prior to your tattoo is a good practice and keeps your skin healthy.
Hydrate
It's a good idea to drink lots of water on the day of your tattoo appointment, but keeping yourself hydrated beforehand is also a plus. Drinking plenty of water does wonders for your skin!
Sleep
If you have a scheduled tattoo appointment, it is advisable to refrain from engaging in late-night activities and ensure an adequate night's rest.
Obtaining proper sleep will contribute to the optimal preparation of both your body and mind for the upcoming session.
Entertainment
While you're at your appointment you'll chat with your artist and people watch. Sometimes it's nice to zone out and you're welcome to pop a headphone in and listen to your favorite podcast or music! I now offer client headphones with disposable ear covers, feel free to request them and don't forget to bring a charger for those longer sessions.
Please be mindful using your device as your artist will scare easily. If you're on social media, playing loud random videos, laughing and moving around, it can really affect concentration and the speed of your session.
Clothing
Please take into consideration the location of your intended tattoo and choose attire that facilitates easy access for the artist. If opting for a leg tattoo, shorts are recommended, while a tank top may be more suitable for an upper-arm tattoo. For backpiece tattoos, it is advisable to bring a zip-up hoodie or button-up shirt to easily cover your front torso, providing added comfort.
Select clothing that you don't mind getting dirty or splattered with ink. Despite the artist's efforts to protect client clothing during the tattoo process, the potential for ink or stencil contact, particularly with larger pieces, remains a realistic consideration. Additionally, be mindful that blood or plasma may seep onto your clothing post-appointment, emphasizing the importance of wearing items that are easy to launder.
In colder weather, it is suggested to bring an extra layer and a blanket, especially for extended sessions.
* Ladies, for sternum tattoos you may consider purchasing pasties or I can make you some at your appointment. You may wear a button up shirt which will allow me to keep the top portion buttoned, then I fold and tape the shirt along the breast line to ensure coverage during the tattoo procedure. A privacy screen is always available just let me know if you want one! Your comfort and privacy is my number one goal and there are hardly ever tattoo locations which will require you to be exposed during your appointment.
Eat before your appointment
This should never be overlooked, and you should eat a hearty breakfast or lunch on the day of your tattoo appointment.
Even if you’re nervous or don’t feel particularly hungry, try to get some sustenance into your body.
This will help keep your blood sugar up and help you avoid feeling dizzy or faint during your appointment.
To prepare for a long tattoo appointment, make sure that you have plenty of water, healthy snacks, and other drinks.
Your artist will likely need to take a few breaks during your tattoo to stretch, eat, or drink. Use this time to do the same.
If you start to feel dizzy or faint at any time during your tattoo appointment, tell your artist immediately and ask for a break.
This does not happen often but it's best to practice open communication to avoid worsening situations.
Eating snacks like nuts or candy or drinking Gatorade can help boost your blood sugar.