Tattoo Care Tips - How to Prepare for a Tattoo Appointment
If you've landed on this page, we bet you're considering getting a tattoo and want to know if you can or should do anything to make your tattoo experience as enjoyable as possible. Fortunately, at Tiny Tatts Co, we're here to provide you with all the best pre-tattoo care tips and other things you should know before getting a tattoo.
The Importance of Tattoo Pre-Care
You probably already know the importance of tattoo aftercare and the role it plays in maintaining the appearance and longevity of your body art. While this is most certainly true, we're here to tell you that preparing your body and skin for the journey of getting inked is just as important.
Whether you're a first-timer or looking to add to your already beautiful collection of body art, it's essential to have some tips and tricks up your sleeve before getting inked. Fortunately, with our pre-care guide, your next tattoo experience will be as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
What to Do Before You Get a Tattoo --- All the Tips and Tricks
You don't grip the tattoo needle for years on end without learning the tricks of the trade. That's certainly true for the lovely team at Tiny Tatts Co. Sit back and relax as we share our insights and the best tattoo care tips for preparing your body and your skin for a tattoo appointment.
1. Get a Good Night's Rest
Getting a good night's sleep before your tattoo appointment is a game-changer! It'll have you waking up feeling refreshed and can also help you feel more relaxed and mentally prepared for your appointment. Plus, being well-rested will help you handle the tattooing process like a champ! So snuggle up, catch those Zs, and get ready to rock your tattoo appointment with confidence!
2. Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is essential for healthy skin. Drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment can help keep your skin hydrated. This makes it more pliable and easier for the artist's needle to glide smoothly, resulting in clean lines, vibrant colours, and intricate details. Staying hydrated also makes the tattooing experience more enjoyable both for you and for your artist. So, keep that water bottle handy — your skin and your artist will thank you!
3. Avoid Alcohol
When it comes to getting tattooed, it's best to leave the alcohol for later and focus on the ink. This is because alcohol can thin the blood, which can potentially increase the amount of bleeding during the tattooing process, in turn affecting the quality of the tattoo and its healing. Plus, being hungover during your tattoo appointment is not fun; you heard it here first. As a recommendation, we usually tell our clients to avoid consuming alcohol at least 24 hours prior to getting a tattoo. So save the celebration for after!
4. Wear Comfy Clothing
Comfort is key! When heading to your appointment, choose loose-fitting and comfortable clothing that provides easy access to the area being tattooed and won't rub on the area post-tattoo. It'll allow the tattoo artist to work more efficiently and also help you relax during the appointment, which at times can be quite lengthy depending on the complexity and size of the tattoo. Whether it's your favourite pair of shorts or a breezy shirt, prioritise comfort and let the good vibes flow.
5. Eat a Substantial Meal (Bring Snacks if Necessary)
Fueling up before your appointment can help you maintain your energy levels during the tattooing process and help you stay comfortable and focused. It's common for tattoo sessions to extend over several hours, so consider bringing some snacks as well. By fueling up before and during your appointment, you can ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.
6. Bring Entertainment
This step isn't entirely necessary as the team at Tiny Tatts Co are a HOOT, but depending on your tattoo's complexity and size, you may be in the studio for a few hours. So we recommend bringing a book, downloading a podcast, or curating a playlist to keep your mind occupied and your body relaxed. Audiobooks are also another great option, effectively diverting attention from any mild discomfort you may feel during the appointment.
7. Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise
When preparing for getting inked, a little TLC goes a long way as it contributes to better results and faster healing. Moisturise the area regularly in the days leading up to your appointment to ensure that your skin is hydrated and supple. However, on the day of your appointment, hold off on applying any creams or lotions to the area. You'll thank us later.
Some Other Quick Tattoo Care Tips
Explore these additional pre-care tips to help you get through your next tattoo appointment like a trooper!
- It is not recommended to tattoo whilst pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Avoid using harsh exfoliants or scrubs during the days leading up to the appointment.
- Avoid tanning or excessive sun exposure, and use sunscreen for at least four weeks before the appointment.
- Refrain from shaving the area you wish to have treated less than 48 hours prior. (However, if you are hairy in the area - definitely give this a go over 48 hours prior to help the tattoo session flow smoothly!)
- Apply numbing cream evenly to the area 30-40 mins before arrival (no longer than this!), cover with cling wrap, and leave it on until arrival. (This step is optional & completely non-judged).
- Skip intense workouts 48 hours prior to ensure your muscles aren't strained or sore during the appointment — you'll thank us later!
Please note that all of the above pre-treatment tips by our tattoo artists are just general recommendations. If you have any pressing enquiries, please don't hesitate to contact us or speak with your general practitioner or dermatologist.