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
While drinking plenty of water on the day of your tattoo appointment is recommended, it’s also beneficial to stay hydrated in advance.
Drinking plenty of water improves the quality of your skin.
Sleep
If you have a tattoo appointment scheduled, don’t spend the night before partying and staying up until dawn.
Getting a good night’s rest will prepare your body and your mind for what’s in store.
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! 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 and moving around, it can really affect concentration.
Clothing
Consider the area you plan to get tattooed and wear clothing that makes it easy for the artist to access. If you are getting your leg tattooed, shorts may be the best option. A tank top may be a better option for an upper-arm tattoo.
For backpiece tattoos, consider bringing a zip-up hoodie or button-up shirt so that it’s easy to cover-up your front torso if it makes you feel more comfortable.
Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or splattered with ink. While artists are generally careful and try to protect client clothing during the tattoo process, getting ink or stencil on your clothing during a tattoo—especially a large piece—is a very real possibility. Additionally, blood or plasma may seep onto your clothing following your appointment, so it’s best to wear something that is easy to wash.
If the weather is cold, think about bringing an extra layer and a blanket if your session is long.
* 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.