How to prepare for a tattoo appointment; a quick guide to get ready

Whether it’s your first time, or 10th time. Preparing for a tattoo appointment can take some effort and plenty of planning. So if you’re planning to get a new tattoo piece done for your self. We’ve prepared a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for your tattoo appointment.

1. Finalize the design, placement and size with your artist

While this might sound obvious, finalizing the tattoo design is the first step towards preparing for your appointment. We would recommend consulting with your tattoo artist. The best way to do this is to come a few days before your appointment for an in-person consultation. This will be the best way to discuss any final changes to the design. Your artist will be able to also get proper measurements and placement for your tattoo. As every person’s proportions and size differs, and artists want the design to best suit your body. Once the design, size and placement is finalized. You can focus on getting prepared for the actual tattoo appointment.

2. Stay healthy, and keep your skin safe

Staying healthy an fit is something we try to do everyday, but it’s especially important when you have a tattoo appointment booked. Whether it’s a small or large piece, staying healthy can affect the result of the tattoo, and your overall comfort level while getting tattooed. The healthier you are, the more pain you will be able to take. Be sure to get plenty of rest and sleep well. Eating 3 square meals a day, and staying hydrated will be crucial to keeping your energy level up. Multivitamins can also help keep you healthy during multi-day tattoo sessions. If you are planning to go out and about before your tattoo appointment, use sunscreen and keep your skin moisturized. As sunburn will lead to a more painful tattooing experience, and also affect the final result of the tattoo.

3. Choose what to wear

Choosing what to wear shouldn’t seem like a big deal. But consider that there’s a chance of your clothes getting stained, whether from the stencil, ink or blood. Don’t go with your best clothes and shoes. Keep in mind where you are getting tattooed and what clothing can affect the artist’s work on that area. Pick comfortable, loose clothing that is easy to slip in and out of, especially those that you don’t mind getting stains on. It’s also ideal to leave any jewelry off when getting tattooed, so it doesn’t touch your tattoo. Packing an extra hoodie or jacket can come in handy if you do feel cold during the tattoo session.

4. Bring everything you need

When coming for your appointment it’s better to come prepared. While the important things such as your phone and payment method are already obvious. There are more things you can pack for your tattoo appointment. Chargers for your phone, tablet, airpods, etc, will be really hand during longer tattoo sessions that go for a full day. In the same vein, food and drinks will also help keep your energy up during those long sessions. If you’re going to be in for the better part of a day, better come prepared for it.

5. A friend is nice, but not too many

It might be tempting to ask your friends to come and see you while you’re getting tattooed. It’s definitely fun when you think about it. Being able to chat and joke around while getting tattooed with your friends. But please remember that a tattoo studio is a work space. Too many people standing around can affect the work of your tattoo artist, along with the experience of other clients. Try to avoid having too many people come over. One or two friends visiting can be fine. If you aren’t sure, asking your artist or any studio staff is the best way to avoid messing up the vibe in a studio.

6. To shave, or not to shave?

If you’re feeling extra prepared, you might be considering shaving the area before the tattoo appointment. While it’s great that you’re thinking that far ahead, you should ask your artist beforehand. Some artists prefer to freshly shave the area before the tattoo to ensure no hair starts to grow before the tattoo. Other artists might be fine with you shaving the area beforehand. If you do plan on shaving, time your shave so that it’s as close to the appointment as possible.

7. Sit down and enjoy it. If anything comes up, talk to your artist

One the day of your appointment, your artist will guide you throughout the process and make sure you are comfortable. The key thing to remember is to communicate with your artist. If you’re not sure about something, bring it up to them. If you’re feeling too uncomfortable, or need a break. Be sure to tell them. Artists want you to be as comfortable as you can throughout the tattoo process. Because your comfort means a better working experience for them. Which results in a better tattoo for you!

Conclusion

We hope all of these points will help you better prepare for your next tattoo appointment. Whether it’s a big or small tattoo, there’s not such thing as being over prepared! If you’re keen on learning more about tattoos and the tattooing process. Be sure to check out more of our blog! If you’re keen on booking a tattoo for yourself. Feel free to reach out to us!