TATTOO PRE-CARE GUIDE

Preparing for your new tattoo is crucial for hygiene, comfort, and quality. Proper preparation minimises the risk of infection, ensures a smoother tattooing process, optimal ink absorption and leads to better healing for a more vibrant, and longer-lasting tattoo.

 

Stay hydrated  

36 hours (3 days) before your appointment you should be drinking a lot of water. Hydrated skin takes ink a lot better than dehydrated skin which will make the entire process a lot smoother for you and your artist. If you didn’t have a chance to drink enough water before your appointment, we recommend you keep a water bottle with you during your session.  

Moisturise 

Moisturising your skin days and even weeks in advance is something you should be doing. Properly moisturised skin tends to be more supple and receptive to the tattooing process. Avoid products with fragrances or alcohol as they can irritate or dry out your skin.  

Shave 

We like clean canvases! If the area you are getting tattooed is hairy, please shave it as this will save time in the studio. It is important to avoid irritating the area so please do so carefully. If you forget, or don’t feel confident in shaving the area correctly, please leave it up to your tattoo artist.   

Shower/Exfoliate 

This one might be obvious, but we want to mention it just in case. You should be showering every day (hopefully), but please remember to do so before your appointment. You want to keep your skin as clean as possible since tattooing is breaking your skins barrier. Exfoliating every 3-4 days leading up to your tattoo will give your tattoo artist a smoother canvas to work on.  

Eat! 

Showing up to your appointment on an empty stomach is not the one, especially If you are about to sit through a lengthy session. Your body will want energy! A balanced healthy meal before your tattoo will help maintain stable blood sugar levels and you will be less likely to experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting during your session. 

Dress appropriately  

Choosing the right clothing when getting tattooed is important for your comfort and your tattoo artist’s convenience. We recommend opting for loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area where you’ll be getting tattooed. Dark clothing is also a good idea as you may get ink splatters or ink transfer. 

 

WHAT NOT TO DO BEFORE GETTING YOUR TATTOO

 

Do not show up under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Drugs and Alcohol can thin out your blood. Consuming drugs or alcohol before your session can lead to excessive bleeding during the tattooing process which can make it more difficult for our tattoo artists to work effectively. Drugs and alcohol can also slow down or interfere with the body’s natural healing processes and increase the risk of complications. 

Avoid blood thinners 24 hours prior  

This includes drugs, alcohol, asprin and other medications. Blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding, interfere with healing and potentially affect the outcome of your tattoo. 

Do not show up with damaged or broken skin 

If you have any cuts, grazes, burns or open wounds on the area you are about to get tattooed, you may be turned away. Damaged skin is more prone to infection and slower healing. If your skin is already damaged, tattooing can significantly increase the risk of infection. Damaged skin might not hold the ink as well as healthy skin. The ink may not settle evenly, leading to patchy areas, uneven colour distribution, or even ink rejection.  

Avoid sunburn 

In summer, apply an SPF50+ sunscreen daily and avoid sun exposure two weeks prior to your appointment. Please let your tattooist know if you have burnt skin as we will need to re-schedule your appointment. 

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us!

Now, let's get Inked!