It’s important to do everything that you can before a tattoo to ensure it heals as best as it can. Skin health and general health can have a big affect in how your skin takes the ink and how the tattoo heals.

Here are some tips for you to prepare for your tattoo to ensure your tattoo has the best chance of healing.

Exfoliate:

Starting 2 weeks before your appointment, exfoliate the skin daily to remove dead skin cells 

 

Moisturize:

After exfoliating it is important to moisturize your skin, I would recommend cocoa butter.

 

Hygiene:

Have a warm shower the day of your appointment and be sure to clean and exfoliate the area being tattooed, stencils apply a lot better to clean skin, although we will clean the area before the tattoo it is always best to arrive with the area as clean as possible, this will also save time. 

 

Hydrate:

Stay hydrated leading up to your tattoo and throughout your appointment, being hydrated helps with healing and also makes your skin less dry and easier to tattoo. 

 

No Drugs or Alcohol:

The day before the tattoo it is best to not consume and drugs or alcohol, alcohol can cause you to bleed more during the tattoo and if you have had a lot to drink it will also make the whole experience a lot more uncomfortable for you. The same can also apply for many drugs.

 

Medication:

If you are taking regular medication, make sure to check with your GP if you are able to be tattooed whilst on this medication. Certain medication such as Naproxen and Ibuprofen can delay healing of your tattoo. Blood thinners and antibiotics can also affect how the tattoo heals. Taking painkillers before your tattoo session can also thin the blood significantly.

 

Avoid Sun exposure: Avoiding sun exposure is very important the weeks leading up to the tattoo. If the skin is sun burnt I will not be able to tattoo that area.

What to wear:

Be mindful of the outfit you choose on the day of your appointment. Don’t wear clothes or shoes you wouldn't want to get ink on (although I try my best to not let this happen it is best to wear old clothes)

If you are getting your back tattooed please bare in mind that if you are wearing a bra it may need to be removed, you can wear a cardigan backwards to keep your arms warm. If you are getting your thigh tattooed, bring shorts to change in to. For Chest or Sternum tattoos it is best to wear an old vest top and a bra without an underwire, depending on the size and placement clothing may have to be removed but covers can be provided and also screens or a private room.  

 

Eat!

Make sure to have breakfast the day of your appointment and bring some sugary snacks and drinks with you to keep your blood sugar up. Ideally you want to eat 1 - 2 hours before your tattoo, even if you don't feel hungry it is imperative to eat before your tattoo so you don't feel dizzy or faint. A High protein and carb breakfast will be ideal and protein helps promote healing.

 

Don't get Sunburnt / Use self Tan:

If you arrive to your appointment sunburnt you will not be able to be tattooed on the area of sunburn and this will result in your loss of deposit. Try to avoid the sun or use sun protection in the weeks leading up to your appointment, sunburn can happen even when it is cloudy outside! Avoid sunbeds and self tanning, if you have self tan on please remove as much as possible before your appointment as this will hinder the tattoo process.

 

Bring things that make you more comfortable:

If you wish to bring a clean blanket, a book or earphones, please feel free to do so. It may not be possible for you to read or be on your phone in some positions whilst being tattooed so earphones are always handy if you would like to zone out (Just be mindful with moving your hands and arms too much as it can make your whole body jolt which isn't ideal for getting crispy lines!
Let me know if you do not wish to speak during your appointment as it can help some people to just zone out, or if you would prefer to keep the conversation flowing as it works as a distraction from the pain for you, I am happy to do either!