🖋️ How to Prepare for Your Tattoo Appointment
Getting a tattoo is a big deal — physically, emotionally, and artistically. Think of it like prepping for a marathon or a minor surgical procedure: the better you prepare, the smoother your experience and healing will be. Here’s everything you need to know to show up ready, relaxed, and excited.
💪 1–2 Weeks Before Your Appointment
- Hydrate daily. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin supple and ready.
- Moisturize regularly. Apply unscented lotion to the area being tattooed.
- Avoid tanning, sunburns, or harsh skin treatments. No peels, retinol, or exfoliating acids.
- Exfoliate gently. Use a loofah or scrub 1–2 days before your appointment.
- Get good sleep. Rest helps your body handle pain and heal faster.
🍽️ The Night Before & Morning Of
- Eat a high-carb, high-calorie meal. Think pasta, rice bowls, sandwiches — at least 200–300 calories.
- Do not fast or diet. Low blood sugar increases pain and risk of fainting.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine. These can thin your blood and heighten sensitivity.
- Shower and wear clean, comfortable clothes. Choose outfits that allow easy access to the tattoo area. No perfume or colognes please.
🧼 Day of Your Appointment
- Do NOT apply numbing creams or pain relief lotions. Unless directed by me specifically These interfere with ink and skin texture. If needed, we’ll discuss studio-safe options.
- Arrive early. Plan to be here 1–3 hours longer than your scheduled time.
- Bring snacks and sweet drinks. Juice, pop, or candy can help keep your energy up.
- Pack comfort items. Blankets, slippers, or a security item are welcome.
- Entertainment helps. Headphones, books, or games can make long sessions fly by.
👕 Clothing Tips
- Dress for access. Loose, stretchy clothing that exposes the tattoo area is ideal.
- Avoid tight clothes post-tattoo. You’ll want to keep the area clean and breathable.
- Layer up. Studios can be chilly — bring a hoodie or blanket if you run cold.
🧠 Mental Prep
- Tattoo pain varies. Some areas are mild, others intense. It’s normal to feel discomfort.
- Your body matters. Hunger, exhaustion, or stress can amplify pain.
- We’ve got you. You’re not alone — we’ll guide you through every step.
🩹 Aftercare Starter Pack
You will leave with all essentials to care for your healing tattoo
✅ Booking & Rescheduling Policies
- Booking fee secures your time and design.
- If you cancel, reschedule, or miss your appointment within 72 hours, your booking fee may be forfeited.
- Rescheduling must be done within six months of your original deposit.
- Design changes within 2 weeks of your appointment may require rescheduling and a new deposit.
🧠 Mental & Physical Prep
- Tattoo pain varies — discomfort is normal.
- Hunger, exhaustion, or stress can amplify pain.
- Arrive well-rested, well-fed, and hydrated.
Night Before
Day Of
🩺 Health Considerations
- If you’re diabetic, immunocompromised, or prone to infection, bring Polysporin for aftercare.
- If you’ve had recent surgery, pregnancy, or plan to tattoo over scars, moles, or stretch marks — check with your doctor first.
🎨 Design & Artwork
- Custom designs are begun 3–5 days before your appointment and sent as soon as ready.
- Script or copied designs will be reproduced directly — no preview.
- Minor tweaks are allowed, but major changes may require a new appointment and deposit.
- Color may appear differently on screens — reach out with concerns before your appointment.
🧊 Studio Etiquette
- Stay calm and still during tattooing.
- Excessive movement, texting, or disruptive behavior may pause or cancel the session. You will be required to pay for the time schedule for your apt even if you didn’t get all that time spent getting tattooed. A 15 min break is allotted for every 1.5-2hrs- additional time needed for breaks will be billed
- Respect the process — this is a collaboration.
🩹 Aftercare & Touch-Ups
- Healing takes 30–45 days minimum.
- Avoid swimming, sun exposure, tight clothing, and excessive exercise.
- Free touch-ups are offered for missing details or application flaws — not damage from poor aftercare.
- Notify within 6 months and book within 1 year for touch-ups.
Let your artist know if you have any concerns or special needs. We’re here to make this experience empowering, safe, and unforgettable.
