What to do before your tattoo appointment
The days before
Stay Hydrated: Get hydrated. Drink at least one (1) to two (2) liters of water a day. When you are hydrated, your skin is hydrated and will be able to maintain a better heal and withstand longer sessions.
Skincare: Lotion the area to be tattooed once or twice daily. Again, the healthier your skin, the better the results. Shave and exfoliate the area 1-3 times weekly. If you are super hairy, this will really make a big difference. It’s hard for lotion to reach the surface of your skin otherwise. If you experience razor burn, stop shaving a week prior to your appointment. Exfoliation should be gentle with a loofah or basic body scrub.
Stay Rested: Get a good night sleep the night before. Please don’t party too hard. Getting tattooed hung-over is not fun for you or me.
Eat/Drink: PLEASE EAT BEFORE YOUR SESSION. Not eating greatly increases your chances of passing out. This is a massive workout for your body and IT NEEDS FUEL, especially for a big session. When you are hungry, pain management is much more difficult. For longer sessions bring drinks and snacks. You probably won’t have enough time during our short breaks to leave, get food, come back and eat it.
What you SHOULD NOT DO before a tattoo session
Skin Treatments: No tanning, fake tanning, chemical peels, sunburns, major cuts or scrapes, in the area to be tattooed.
Lift Weights: No extreme weight lifting in or near the area to be tattooed at least 2 days prior to your session to prevent unnecessary swelling & soreness.
The day of
Friends/Family: Please do not bring the entire family or crew unless they are also getting tattooed. They usually get bored or they get in the way. One or two people is okay but please be aware that they must wait in the designated waiting areas and must be invited to view ongoing tattoos by an artist.
Children: For safety reasons, please do not bring small children or babies.
Clothing: Dress comfortably and appropriately. Be prepared for it to be cold & warm. Also bring socks or flip flops to prevent walking around the studio barefoot during breaks if you will be taking your shoes off during your session.
Pillow: You are also invited to bring your own pillow for laying or sitting on during your tattoo.
Entertainment: Bring some form of entertainment for yourself like a book, phone, tablet, laptop, portable DVD player, etc. with your own headphones or ear buds.
Time: Please do not schedule something immediately after your tattoo in case we are running behind or long.
Sobriety: Do not come in under the influence of any drugs or alcohol.
While you are getting tattooed
Cleanliness: Please be aware of cross contamination. Do not touch your fresh tattoo during your session. Do not let anyone else touch your tattoo either!
Do not touch any of the tattoo equipment or work space. Be mindful and do not touch any other possibly contaminated areas.
Stay Still: Talking is fine during you session, but please do not talk with your hands, nod your head, or excessively move other body parts as this can cause the area being tattooed to move as well.
Most importantly: Relax and have fun! We want your tattoo session to be a comfortable and memorable experience!