How to Prepare for Your Tattoo Appointment
Whether it's your first tattoo or your fiftieth, a little preparation can make a big difference to your appointment.
You don't need to do anything particularly complicated, but arriving well-rested, properly fed and comfortable will make the experience easier for both of us.
Here's what I'd recommend before coming in for your tattoo.
1. Get a Good Night's Sleep
Try to get a decent night's sleep before your appointment, especially if you're booked in for a longer session.
Being tired can make you more sensitive to discomfort, and sitting for several hours isn't particularly enjoyable when you're already exhausted.
If you've booked a full-day session, it's worth keeping the evening before fairly relaxed rather than staying up late.
2. Eat Properly Before You Arrive
Please don't turn up on an empty stomach.
Tattooing can be physically demanding, even when you're just sitting still.
Have a proper meal before your appointment, ideally something containing carbohydrates and protein to help keep your energy levels steady.
Not eating beforehand can increase the likelihood of feeling faint, shaky or generally unwell during the session.
For longer appointments, you're welcome to bring snacks or something to eat during a break.
There's no need to overthink your diet. Just make sure you've eaten properly.
3. Stay Hydrated
Drink water regularly in the days leading up to your appointment and make sure you're properly hydrated on the day.
Dehydration can leave you feeling tired, lightheaded and uncomfortable, which isn't ideal when you're getting tattooed.
You don't need to drink excessive amounts of water or follow any special routine.
Just look after yourself as you normally would, and bring a drink along to your appointment.
4. Avoid Alcohol and Recreational Drugs
Avoid drinking alcohol or taking recreational drugs before your tattoo appointment.
Alcohol can increase bleeding, and being under the influence of alcohol or drugs can affect your ability to give informed consent and sit safely for the session.
I won't tattoo anyone who arrives intoxicated.
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What about medication?
If you take regular medication, particularly blood thinners, or have a medical condition that could affect tattooing or healing, please let me know when we discuss your appointment.
Some medications and health conditions can increase bleeding, affect the skin or make healing more complicated.
In some cases, you may need to speak to your GP or prescribing specialist before getting tattooed.
Never stop or change prescribed medication just to have a tattoo without medical advice.
It's much better to discuss potential concerns beforehand than discover something on the day that means we can't safely proceed.
5. Look After the Skin You're Getting Tattooed
Healthy, comfortable skin makes the whole process easier.
In the days leading up to your appointment:
- Avoid excessive sun exposure and sunburn.
- Don't use fake tan on the area being tattooed.
- Avoid scratching, picking or irritating the skin.
- Keep the area clean and moisturise normally if your skin needs it.
On the day, arrive with clean skin and avoid applying heavy creams, oils or lotions directly to the area.
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Please don't use numbing cream unless we've discussed it beforehand. Some products can irritate or change the condition of the skin, and I need to know what has been applied before we start.
There's also no need to shave the area yourself unless I've specifically asked you to. I can prepare the skin as part of the appointment.
If you've developed sunburn, a rash, broken skin or another irritation where you're being tattooed, let me know before attending. We may need to give the skin time to recover.
6. Wear Something Comfortable
Think about where you're having your tattoo and choose clothing that gives us easy access to the area.
For example:
- Arms and shoulders: A vest or loose short-sleeved top.
- Legs and thighs: Shorts or loose-fitting trousers.
- Back and ribs: Clothing that can be moved comfortably without getting in the way.
It's also worth considering what you'll wear afterwards. Fresh tattoos can be tender, so anything tight or repeatedly rubbing against the area might be uncomfortable.
Dark clothing is usually a sensible choice, as stencil ink and other tattooing products can sometimes transfer onto fabric.
If you're being tattooed somewhere that requires removing or adjusting clothing, we can discuss how to keep you comfortable and appropriately covered in the private room.
7. What to Bring to Your Appointment
You don't need to bring much, but a few things can make longer sessions more comfortable.
- Valid photo ID: You'll need to be able to confirm you're at least 18.
- Water or a soft drink: Particularly useful during longer appointments.
- Snacks: Something easy to eat during a break.
- Phone and headphones: You're welcome to listen to music, podcasts or audiobooks.
- A charger: Handy if you're booked in for several hours.
- An extra layer: You might feel warmer or cooler during a longer session.
If you've got any last-minute reference images or questions about your design, you can bring those along too.
8. We'll Review Your Design Before Starting
You won't be expected to walk in, sit down and immediately start getting tattooed.
We'll go through the design together, check the sizing and placement, and make sure you're happy before anything permanent happens.
For larger original projects, we may already have discussed a rough composition beforehand. For smaller and more straightforward tattoos, you'll generally see the prepared artwork at your appointment.
Adjustments to sizing, positioning and smaller details can usually be discussed on the day.
If you're considering a significant change to the original idea, it's worth letting me know beforehand, as larger alterations may require additional design time or a change of appointment.
The important thing is that we're both happy with the direction before we begin.
9. Feeling Nervous? That's Fine.
It's completely normal to feel a little nervous, particularly if you've never been tattooed before.
Everyone experiences tattooing differently. Some placements are more uncomfortable than others, and your tolerance can change throughout the session.
A few things worth remembering:
- You can ask for a break whenever you need one.
- You don't need to sit silently if something is bothering you.
- Breathing normally and avoiding unnecessary tension can help.
- If you're worried about pain, placement or anything else, we can talk about it beforehand.
I've been tattooing for over 12 years, and working with clients who are nervous is a normal part of the job.
There's no prize for suffering through an appointment. I'd much rather you were comfortable enough to communicate with me.
10. Arriving for Your Appointment
Please arrive at your agreed appointment time rather than coming early.
I'll usually be preparing equipment and getting everything ready before you arrive, so I may not be available to let you in ahead of time.
If you're running late, please let me know as soon as possible.
If you need to cancel or rearrange your appointment, I normally ask for at least 72 hours' notice.
Late cancellations and missed appointments can result in charges where preparation work has been completed or appointment time has been lost.
You can find the full details in my Tattoo Booking Terms & Conditions.
What Happens After Your Tattoo?
Once we've finished, I'll explain how to look after your new tattoo and what to expect during healing.
Aftercare is just as important as preparing for the appointment. Looking after the skin properly helps reduce complications and gives your tattoo the best opportunity to heal well.
You can read my Tattoo Aftercare Guide beforehand if you'd like to know what to expect.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for a tattoo is mostly common sense: get some rest, eat properly, stay hydrated and wear something comfortable.
More importantly, if there's anything you're unsure about, whether that's your design, your health or how the appointment works, just ask.
I'd always rather have that conversation beforehand so we can concentrate on the tattoo when you arrive.
Ready to Book?
If you've got an idea in mind, you can send me an enquiry with a description, your preferred placement and any reference images.
I'll have a look at what you're planning and we can work out the best approach together.