Tattoo Pre-Care Guide

Preparing for your tattoo appointment is vital so that your tattoo has the best possible healing process. Caring for a fresh tattoo after an appointment is necessary. Unfortunately, many people don’t put the same care into getting their skin ready for the appointment, which takes a major toll on the final result. Hydrating, moisturizing, and avoiding irritation will ensure that your skin is in the best possible condition to be tattooed. Tattoo application is key, but a proper combination of both pre-care and post care is just as important.

Pre-care: Hydrate and Moisturize Regularly Before

Be sure to drink plenty of water. Drink at least 1-2 liters a day leading up to your tattoo appointment. Properly hydrating before your tattoo appointment helps ensure that your skin is properly hydrated as well. Having properly hydrated skin is a huge factor in helping to guarantee that your tattoo will heal well. Staying hydrated will also help you to withstand longer tattoo sessions. Taking time to moisturize the area 1-2 times a day will help with moisture and skin health as well. However, do not apply any creams or lotions to the area on the day of your tattoo appointment.

Avoid Partying Or Drinking Alcohol The Night Before

Alcohol can thin your blood and being hungover for your tattoo appointment is no fun for you, or your artist. Getting a good nights sleep before your tattoo appointment will also help with pain management during the procedure.

Avoid Damage To The Skin Before Your Tattoo Appointment

Use caution for at least 1 month prior to your tattoo appointment. Be sure to also avoid direct sun, tanning, chemical peels, or any other procedures that can damage your skin. Your artist will do all necessary skin preparation, such as shaving, before beginning your tattoo. Shaving the area that will be tattooed yourself before arriving to your tattoo appointment is not recommended. You could irritate your skin, making it impossible to tattoo over the irritation.

Eat Before Your Tattoo Appointment

Taking time to eat a healthy meal before your tattoo appointment will benefit both your session, and final tattoo. Eating before your tattoo appointment helps your body function properly throughout the duration of the procedure. It also helps you physically and mentally withstand the stress of being tattooed. If you are hungry during your tattoo session, it makes pain management more difficult.

Bring Entertainment

Bringing some form of entertainment or a distraction tool is a great idea to prepare for your tattoo session. You could bring your smartphone, a pair of headphones, a tablet, a book, etc. These are all great ways to keep yourself busy without being distracting or getting in the way of your artist.

Choose Proper Attire

Please keep clothing choices in mind to accommodate for the location of your tattoo. Your attire will also help with your comfort levels through the duration of the tattoo procedure. If you’re getting tattooed on your leg, wearing shorts or loose sweat pants would be an appropriate choice. If you have concerns about how to accommodate for your placement, please reach out to your artist directly for advice.

Do Not Show Up Under The Influence of Drugs or Alcohol

Advil and Tylenol are okay for pain management during the tattoo session.

If you have any further questions or concerns while preparing for your tattoo appointment, reach out to your artist directly. They will be able to give you specific recommendations of pre-care for your upcoming tattoo appointment.

For more information about tattoo skin care, please take a look at our Tattoo Aftercare Guide!

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