As the night before the tattoo session approaches, the anticipation builds, whether you’re a seasoned veteran or entering a tattoo shop for the first time. Yet, there are important tips to grasp before your session commences.
Being prepared before you arrive at the tattoo shop can greatly enhance your experience, for both you and your artist. Let’s start!
WHAT TO DO BEFORE A TATTOO
GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
Prioritize getting a good night’s sleep before your tattoo session. Being well rested is crucial for staying alert and in tune with your body during the tattooing process. You want to be able to interpret the signals your body sends and respond accordingly. Falling asleep during the session can disrupt the artist’s workflow and compromise the quality of your tattoo. Aim to go to bed earlier than usual, especially if you’re feeling nervous about the appointment. If you arrive at the session feeling tired, communicate this with your artist to ensure they understand your state and can adjust accordingly. Taking the time to rest properly will enhance your experience and make the session more comfortable.
STAY HYDRATED
Make sure your body is adequately hydrated before your tattoo session. Begin drinking water regularly at least a month before your appointment. Drinking plenty of water 24 hours prior to your appointment is essential! Hydrated skin accepts ink more effectively, resulting in a smoother tattooing process for your artist. Also bring a water bottle to your session to stay hydrated throughout. After your tattoo, continue prioritizing hydration to aid in the recovery and healing process. Your body will thank you for it.
SHOWER
While it may seem obvious, it’s essential to shower before your tattoo appointment. Maintaining clean skin is crucial, especially since tattooing involves creating small cuts and opening up the skin. Additionally, your artist will appreciate not having to work in close proximity to the smell of sweat and dirt. Therefore, if you are away from home for a long time before arriving at your appointment, take the time to plan a short detour to take a quick shower and, if necessary, change clothes and underwear. In particular, pay attention to your feet, armpits and intimate hygiene.
MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN
First of all it’s important to note that you should avoid moisturizing your skin on the day of your tattoo appointment to prevent any issues with the needle, tattoo machine, or ink.
Now that we’ve clarified that, moisturizing your skin in the days and weeks leading up to your appointment is crucial. In the days leading up to your session, aim to moisturize your skin 1-2 times a day for 5-7 days. During the winter months, when skin tends to be drier, pay extra attention to how your skin looks and feels.
EAT HEALTHY FOOD AND BRING SNACKS
Arriving at your appointment feeling hungry isn’t ideal. You’ll need energy, especially for longer sessions, so a balanced and healthy meal beforehand is key. It not only nourishes your body as it deals with the needle but also supports your mental well being. This helps prevent feeling light headed or risking exhaustion induced fainting. Hunger during your session may prompt your artist to suggest more frequent breaks to ensure your body copes well.
Bringing snacks to your appointments is also advisable, particularly if you’re prone to low blood sugar. Having a piece of fruit, a granola bar, or cookies can be immensely helpful during extended sessions.
DRESS CONFORTABLE
Comfort is key during your tattoo appointment, so opt for clothing that allows you to relax. Avoid restrictive clothing like tight jeans or dresses. Instead, choose loose, comfortable attire to prevent itching, overheating, and discomfort. Pressure points from bras, belts or socks can have a major impact on your tattoo and blood flow. Loose clothing also makes it easier to adjust your position if needed and provides your artist with easy access to the tattoo area. Also, do yourself a favor and avoid wearing your favorite t-shirt, white pants, or brand new sneakers. During the session, ink or blood may accidentally come into contact with clothing, and we are not responsible for any damage that may occur.
SPEAK ABOUT ALLERGIES OR DISEASES
If you have any medical conditions or are taking medication, it’s crucial to inform us in advance, before your scheduled tattoo appointment. Our “Declaration of Consent” form includes sections for this purpose. Please discuss any concerns, such as allergies (e.g., to latex, nickel) or the use of blood thinners, with us. If you feel unwell on the day of your appointment, be sure to note this on the form and speak directly with the tattoo artist before proceeding.
For the safety of both parties, we do not tattoo individuals with hepatitis or AIDS, and we refrain from tattooing pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. If you have upcoming surgery or medical examinations planned, it’s advisable to discuss this with us as well. In some cases, it may be better to schedule your tattoo appointment afterward. Your honesty is crucial for a positive tattoo experience for everyone involved.
WHAT NOT TO DO BEFORE A TATTOO
PARTY HARD / TAKE DRUGS / DRINK ALCOHOL
Feeling anxious before your tattoo session is completely normal, especially if it’s your first time. However, it’s crucial to remember that arriving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will result in being turned away. These substances aren’t effective solutions for managing fear of pain or needles during the tattoo process. Additionally, consuming alcohol before your appointment is highly risky as it thins your blood, increasing the risk of complications. It’s also important to avoid aspirin or any blood-thinning medication before your session. If you’re taking prescription medication, consult your healthcare provider beforehand to ensure it’s safe for you to get tattooed.
SHAVE
Please avoid shaving the area of your body to be tattooed before your appointment; we’ll take care of it in the studio. This helps prevent unnecessary irritation to the skin. Furthermore, please refrain from applying body lotions, perfumes, self-tanners, and makeup to the area, as these products can complicate the tattooing process.
DAMAGED SKIN
Showing up with cuts, bruises, burns, peeling, or recent tans might lead to rescheduling your tattoo appointment. Damaged skin can hinder the healing process and affect ink absorption, so it’s essential to ensure your skin is healthy and free from trauma before your session.
INTENSIVE TRAINING
Engaging in light exercise before your tattoo session is acceptable, but steer clear of rigorous activities that leave your muscles fatigued and sore. Straining your muscles could increase discomfort during the tattooing process, so opt for gentler workouts to ensure a more comfortable tattoo experience.
If you have any doubts or questions before your tattoo appointment, don’t hesitate to call the shop ☎️ 030 49080100 or send an email to 📧 info@goodoldtimestattoo.com. At Good Old Times Tattoo, we can’t wait to welcome you to our shop! ☺
AFTERCARE
