PRE-TATTOO PREPARATION
Getting a tattoo is a significant decision that requires careful planning and preparation. The following guide on how to prep for a tattoo and why it is important will help ensure that the experience is safe and enjoyable.
- Schedule your appointment wisely. Avoid scheduling your appointment when you are sick, hungover, or sleep-deprived. Schedule it at a time when you are feeling healthy and well-rested.
- If you wish to make changes to your tattoo design, be sure to let me know before the day of your appointment. This will help to ensure that I enough time to prepare and make any necessary adjustments to the design, leading to a better end result and a more positive experience for everyone involved. It will also help ensure other clients are able to make their appointments on time.
- Show up clean and showered to your tattoo appointment. Firstly, it is a sign of respect for the artist and their workspace. A clean and showered body reduces the risk of bacteria and germs on the skin, which can prevent infection and ensure that the tattoo heals properly. Additionally, a clean body makes it easier for me to apply the tattoo, as I will not have to work around any dirt or oils on the skin. It also makes the process more comfortable for both you and myself.
- Eat a healthy meal and stay hydrated. Eating a healthy meal and staying hydrated before the appointment can help avoid dizziness or fainting during the process. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and aspirin, which can thin the blood and increase the risk of excessive bleeding. If you are scheduled for a long session, feel free to bring snacks and a drink.
- Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area where the tattoo will be placed. Avoid tight-fitting clothes that may rub against the tattoo during the healing process. It's also a good idea to wear clothing that you don't mind getting dirty or stained with ink, as it's possible for ink and blood to splatter or smear onto your clothing.
- Do not shave the area prior to getting a tattoo. If the area does have a lot of hair on it, simply trim prior to your appointment. I may use a razor to remove any hair in the area, which can be less irritating and less likely to cause skin damage.
- It's important to understand that any last minute changes to your tattoo design or placement may result in a rescheduled appointment and potentially a new deposit. This is because I may need additional time to prepare or adjust the design, or may not have enough time available to complete the revised design within the scheduled appointment time. Additionally, last minute changes may result in me having to cancel or postpone other appointments, which can impact my business and other clients.
- It is essential to inform me if you plan to use numbing creams. These creams may cause an increase in bleeding and a change in the skin's texture, which can result in a deficiency, voiding your one free touch-up session.
- It's recommended that you attend your tattoo appointment alone if you can. Not only is the work area limited in space, but bringing a large group of people can also be distracting and disruptive to me and other clients in the studio. Tattooing is a personal experience and can be difficult for me to complete if there are too many people in the room.