Get a good night's sleep, have a proper meal a couple of hours before the session and skip alcohol the day before. Wear comfortable clothes that make the tattoo area easy to reach, and bring water, a snack and a charger. If you fall ill, reschedule rather than pushing through.
A few days before the session
Preparation starts a few days before your session. The main thing is to avoid irritating or damaging the skin where the tattoo will go.
- don't tan the area you're getting tattooed, either in the sun or on a sunbed;
- don't exfoliate the area or have it waxed or sugared: irritated skin doesn't take pigment as well;
- if your skin is dry, moisturise it with an ordinary fragrance-free cream;
- if you feel you're coming down with something, message your artist straight away.
The day before
The evening before your session is the time for an early night. A tired body feels pain more sharply, and a long session on too little sleep is hard going.
Don't drink alcohol the day before, and don't take aspirin “just in case”: you'll bleed more and the pigment won't hold as well. Don't stop taking prescribed medication without medical advice: tell your artist what you're taking and check with your doctor.
The full list of things that can get in the way of a session is in “Restrictions and contraindications”.
On the day: food and water
Have a proper meal an hour or two before you start. On an empty stomach you may feel dizzy, even if you usually skip breakfast without a second thought.
Drink water as you normally would. Go easy on the coffee: an extra cup makes you jittery, and sitting still is hard enough as it is.
What to wear
Your clothes should give easy access to the tattoo area and not press on it after the session.
- Arm or shoulder: a T-shirt or vest top, or a shirt with wide sleeves.
- Leg: shorts or loose trousers that are easy to roll up.
- Back, ribs, stomach: something that's easy to take off or that fastens at the front.
- Colour: choose dark clothes or something you don't mind staining, as ointment and pigment can get on the fabric.
What to bring
If your session is longer than an hour, a bag of little essentials really helps. Check before you leave:
Getting into the right frame of mind
It's normal to feel nervous before a session, especially your first. It helps to plan in advance how you'll keep your mind busy: a podcast, music, conversation. The session is described step by step in “How a tattoo session works”.
If you're nervous, tell me at the start. I'll explain what I'm doing at each stage, and you can ask for a break at any moment.
Plan the days after your session
For the first few days afterwards, don't plan trips to the beach, pool or sauna, or hard workouts that strain the tattooed area. Buy the aftercare products your artist recommends in advance, so you're not hunting for an open pharmacy in the evening. For when you can get back to your usual routine, see “Back to normal after a tattoo”.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask the day before a session. Can't find your question? Message me on Telegram or Instagram. I reply personally.
Should I shave the area beforehand?
The artist usually shaves the area with a disposable razor just before starting. If you'd rather do it at home, shave gently the day before to avoid irritating the skin.
Can I use numbing cream?
Only after talking it over with your artist. Some creams change the surface of the skin and make the work harder.
Can I bring a friend?
Ask your artist in advance. A small studio doesn't have much room, and an extra person nearby can be a distraction.
Can I work out on the day of my session?
A gentle walk, yes. After a hard workout your skin is red, you're tired and you sweat more, so it's better to move it to another day.
What if I fall ill the day before?
Message your artist and reschedule. How this usually works is explained in “Deposit and booking rules”.
