BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Getting tattooed is an exciting experience and being properly prepared helps ensure your session runs smoothly, comfortably, and safely. Please read the following guidelines before attending your appointment.
The Week Before Your Appointment
Stay Healthy
Your immune system plays a big role in healing.
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Avoid booking your appointment if you’re feeling unwell.
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Reschedule if you develop a cold, flu, infection, or fever.
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Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest in the days leading up to your session.
Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure
Do not tan or allow the area to become sunburnt before your appointment.
Tattooing over sunburnt or damaged skin:
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Is unsafe
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Affects ink retention
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May require rescheduling
Healthy, intact skin gives the best results.
48 Hours Before
Avoid Alcohol
Do not consume alcohol for at least 24–48 hours before your appointment.
Alcohol thins the blood, which:
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Increases bleeding
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Makes tattooing more difficult
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Can affect healing and final results
Avoid Blood-Thinning Substances
Unless prescribed by a medical professional:
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Avoid aspirin
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Avoid recreational drugs
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Limit excessive caffeine on the day
If you are on prescribed medication that affects bleeding, please inform your artist beforehand.
The Night Before
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Being well rested helps:
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Reduce pain sensitivity
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Improve your ability to sit comfortably
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Support your immune system
Eat Properly
Have a substantial meal before your appointment. Low blood sugar can make you feel faint, dizzy, or nauseous during the session.
On the Day of Your Appointment
Eat Before You Arrive
Even if your session is short, eat beforehand.
For longer appointments:
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Bring snacks (low-mess options are best)
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Bring a sugary drink just in case your blood sugar drops
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water before and during your session.
Well-hydrated skin:
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Takes ink better
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Heals more efficiently
Shower & Arrive Clean
Please arrive freshly showered and wearing clean clothing.
Do not apply:
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Heavy lotions
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Oils
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Self-tanner
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Fake tan
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Make-up
on the area being tattooed.
Shaving the Area
If the area needs shaving, your artist will do this safely at your appointment.
Please do not dry shave the area beforehand, as this can cause irritation or micro-cuts that may require rescheduling.
What to Wear
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed.
Examples:
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Sleeveless tops for arm tattoos
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Shorts for leg tattoos
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Button-down shirts for back or chest work
Avoid tight or restrictive clothing that may rub the fresh tattoo afterward.
Bring the Following
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Valid photo ID (if required)
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Payment method (check deposit balance if applicable)
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Snacks and drinks for longer sessions
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Headphones if you’d like to listen to music or watch something
Arrive On Time
Please arrive on time for your appointment.
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Arriving late may shorten your session.
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Significant lateness may result in cancellation and loss of deposit.
If you need to reschedule, provide as much notice as possible.
Health & Medical Conditions
Please inform your artist in advance if you:
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Are pregnant or breastfeeding
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Have diabetes
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Have epilepsy
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Have a heart condition
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Have any skin conditions in the tattoo area
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Are prone to fainting
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Are taking medication that affects healing or bleeding
Your safety is our priority.
Mental Preparation
It’s completely normal to feel nervous.
Remember:
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Stay relaxed and breathe normally.
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Communicate if you need a break.
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Trust the process — your artist is there to guide you.
When to Reschedule
You may need to reschedule if you:
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Are unwell
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Are sunburnt in the tattoo area
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Have a rash, cut, or irritation where the tattoo will be
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Have consumed alcohol beforehand
We’d always rather reschedule than compromise your health or the quality of your tattoo.
Final Reminder
Being prepared helps:
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Improve comfort during your session
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Reduce complications
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Improve healing
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Ensure the best possible result
If you have any questions before your appointment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We look forward to creating something amazing with you.