How to Prepare for Your Tattoo Experience:

Get a good night’s sleep.

You might be feeling excited or even a little nervous the night before your appointment, but for the best possible outcome, you’ll want to focus on getting a good night’s sleep. Sleep is essential to the body and important to a successful tattoo session. A good night of zzz’s will help you have the endurance you need for a good session.

Don't party the day or night before your tattoo.

Yes, drugs and alcohol done responsibly can be fun, but the day before: just say no. They drain the body in a way that’s not helpful to your experience. Coming into your appointment hungover will 100% make the pain worse. Drugs and alcohol are also extremely dehydrating, and hydration is super important to the health and well-being of your skin. Alcohol, in particular, will keep the body from sleeping well and thus, increase the pain of tattooing.

As for parties, you're actively tasking your body’s immune system just by being around people you don't see regularly. To avoid catching colds, flus, and possibly other consequences, please don’t party the night before your appointment.

Stay hydrated.

This is a "word to the wise" for all time... stay hydrated! The body needs wate r. You will end up with a higher quality tattoo if you are hydrated throughout the process. Hydration also includes minerals so along with drinking water, consider adding a little extra electrolytes (salt, lemon/lime, or your favorite electrolyte powder) to your drink. Your body will thank you.

Moisturize.

Think of it as hydrating from the outside in. For at least a week before your appointment, moisturize daily. Your skin will be more supple and receptive to the tattoo ink if you do. Then, on the day of your appointment, skip the moisturizer.

Practice good hygiene.

We are together in close quarters for a while. So, please shower prior to your appointment, use some deodorant, clean your feet if we’ll be working down there, and remember to put on clean underwear/socks. Your artist will thank you.

Refrain from shaving.

Part of the process before tattooing is to shave the area. Leave this part up to your artist. They’re pros. If it happens to be in a large area covered in longer hair, feel free to use some guarded clippers to do a careful preliminary trim.

Eat and carb it up!

The meal before a tattoo should be carb rich. If you're always wanting Belgian waffles with blueberry pie filling and whipped cream, for breakfast, the morning of your tattoo appointment is the perfect time to splurge and treat yourself to your craving. You'll really be setting yourself up well for the tattoo.

Getting a tattoo is a marathon, but it's not likely to make your stomach ache as much as it will make you light headed and prone to passing out. Sugar is vital to have in the system so that the body has something to burn as it experiences the stresses of the tattoo.

*If you have diet restrictions that are worth noting, please communicate your needs ahead of time. The studio provides water and a few snack foods. If you have specific needs beyond what’s provided, know that the studio is equipped with a refrigerator and toaster oven.

What to wear:

Wear comfy and accessible clothing. Although it's never the aim of an artist, it is possible to get ink on clothing during a tattoo application. It's best to wear clothes that aren't sentimental or valuable to your appointment. Your artist needs you feeling relaxed and comfortable and doesn't care about you making a fashion statement.

A tank top is helpful if we are tattooing your arm. if we are tattooing your chest or back, you will remove your shirt. If we are tattooing your hip, wear a bathing suit that ties on the side.

Don’t forget to bring the important stuff.

Photo ID

Money in the form of cash or card. (Either is fine)

Bonus:

Bring something to read/watch, headphones, your phone charger, a hoodie, an extra layer or a blanket.

After Care

So fresh and so clean.

Once you get home from your session, you'll have to keep your tattoo clean. Make sure you have a good, fragrance-free soap to use on your tattoo. Dial or Dr. Bronner’s are good brands. As for aftercare ointments, your artist will be recommending Aquaphor; a great, over-the-counter healing ointment that works for most people.

Clear your schedule.

Getting tattooed is like having minor surgery. Allow your body and mind to rest and recover. Be sure to clear your schedule of any responsibilities as best you can the day of your visit, and think of having a lighter day, even the day after. Naps are your friend and help the body recover.

Thank you for doing your utmost to ensure the best tattoo appointment possible. Your body and your artist, salute you,

Anthony