How To Prepare For A Tattoo: A Complete Checklist

Getting a tattoo is a life-changing experience. It is a creative way to express your individuality and capture a piece of your story. However, incorrect and incomplete information can leave you with disappointing results and health complications. Hence, learning how to prepare for a tattoo is crucial to a smooth, safe, and satisfying process. In this article, we will learn the dos and don’ts of preparing for your tattoo session and debunk common myths for a flawless yet deeply meaningful experience. Do not wait anymore and scroll down to know more before embarking on your inking adventure!

What To Do Before Getting A Tattoo

• Finalize A Design

Spend several weeks, if not months, brainstorming before finalizing your tattoo design. Take the size and tattoo placement into consideration before booking your appointment. Make sure it resonates with your personality and is something you will cherish for life.

• Research Your Artist

Take the time to research and find a skilled tattoo artist whose style aligns with your vision. Check their portfolio, read online reviews, and visit several tattoo shops in-person before finalizing on the right one. Clearly express your expectations, ask questions, and trust their expertise. A collaborative approach ensures a more satisfying experience for both you and the artist.

• Sleep Well

Get a good night’s sleep before your tattoo session to prepare your body for the experience. A well-rested body is less likely to be sensitive to pain and more likely to interpret the body’s reactions correctly.

• Eat Well

Fuel your body with a balanced meal before heading to your appointment. It will help maintain your stable blood sugar levels and give you the energy to get through the session comfortably.

• Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water before and during the tattoo session to keep your skin hydrated. This will help the tattoo ink penetrate better, make the session more comfortable, and speed up the recovery process.

Quick Tip

You can also go for homemade fruit juices such as lemonade or orange juice before the tattoo appointment. Their rich vitamin C content can help boost your immune system and promote wound healing after your session (1).

• Prep Your Skin

Clean it with an antibacterial soap and lukewarm water and and moisturize the area properly before the session. This is vital to avoid dry and irritated skin and reduce the likelihood of bruises and infection.

• Know Your Pain Tolerance

While everyone’s pain threshold is different, keep yours in mind and select the appropriate area properly. Be mentally prepared for some discomfort. But remember, this pain is temporary and part of the tattoo process.

• Dress Comfortably

Opt for loose, comfortable clothing and avoid ones that will restrict access to the tattooed area. Plus, avoid sun exposure before your session as tanned skin may distort the final color and output.

• Bring A Friend

Ask a close friend to accompany you for your tattoo session. Choosing someone who understands you well will help you stay calm during the process.

Jasmine, a blogger, shared how she prepared for her tattoo session in her blog. She wrote, “I chose to watch a few youtube videos. I went for pancakes with my friends, which I think is a great fuel (i).”

As mentioned above, eating a healthy meal is crucial for a smooth and comfortable tattoo experience. Find out the foods you should eat before a tattoo session in the next section.

What To Eat Before A Tattoo Session

Opt for a high-protein over sugary snacks and processed foods for energy and stamina (2). A solid meal ensures you stay alert during the process. Low blood sugar can amplify your physical reaction to the pain, making it more likely for you to feel faint. Hence, consume high-protein foods to help prepare your body for the tattooing process.

Quick Tip

Eat green leafy vegetables before your big day as they are high in vitamin K. This vitamin may help decrease the risk of bleeding during the session (3).

Eating a healthy and balanced meal and staying hydrated is important for a smoother tattooing experience. However, there are some things one should avoid drinking before the session. Find out more in the next section.

Can You Drink Before Getting A Tattoo?

When it comes to getting a tattoo, what you drink matters just as much as what you eat. Hydration plays a crucial role in making your skin tattoo-friendly as dehydration can increase the risk of cuts. It can also cause headaches and make you feel unwell overall.

Stop drinking alcohol 24 to 48 hours before your tattoo day. Alcohol can impair the immune system and increase the risk of bleeding during the process (4).

Alcohol is one of the things you should avoid before a tattoo session. But that is not all. Check out the next section for some other things you should avoid before getting a tattoo.

What Not To Do Before Getting A Tattoo

Here are the following things you should not do before getting a tattoo:

• Stop taking blood-thinning medications 24 hours before the big day as it can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Avoid caffeine before the session as it can make you feel anxious and restless during the process.
• Avoid shaving and exfoliating the tattooed area a day prior to the appointment as it might not heal by then.
• Skip your workout session a day before the tattoo session to allow the body to completely rest and prepare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you take Advil before a tattoo?

No, avoid taking Advil before your session as it may thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding during the painful process (5). You can consult your tattoo artist or dermatologist and use a numbing cream to decrease the pain during the session.

Can you take Tylenol before a tattoo?

Yes, Tylenol is considered a safer option for pain relief before getting a tattoo as compared to Ibuprofen. However, consult your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional before taking any medication to ensure it will not interfere with the tattooing process or your health.

How big should a first tattoo be?

This depends on your personal preference. If this is your first time, opt for a smaller size or a smaller piece of a larger design. This will give you an idea of the tattooing process and help you understand your level of pain better.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Properly preparing for your tattoo session will ensure a smooth experience for both you and your tattoo artist. Check out this video for smart tips and interesting information to help you prepare well before getting inked.

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Anastasiia GatskoProfessional Tattoo Artist & Piercer

 

Anastasiia Gatsko is a professional tattoo artist and piercer with over five years of hands-on experience. She began her journey in tattooing with Permanent Makeup, which shaped her skills and perspective. Anastasiia combined her passion for art with formal business education and started G Tattoo & Piercing in Toronto, Ontario. She specializes in fine lines and micro realism, line work,...more

Manjari Uppal Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

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Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru. Her passion for writing and editing and her background in psychology help her create content that...more

Joyce JoysonBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Joyce Joyson is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over a year of experience crafting short-form content for the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle niches. She has a triple majors bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science, and Geography from IIS University and a master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kristu Jayanti College. Her academic foundation has equipped her with...more