What to do before getting a tattoo?

What to do before getting a Tattoo
  1. Get a Good Night's Sleep. The last thing you want is to come in and be completely exhausted for your tattoo session. ...
  2. Stay Hydrated. ...
  3. Shave. ...
  4. Shower. ...
  5. Moisturize your Skin. ...
  6. Eat and Bring Snacks. ...
  7. Dress for you Session. ...
  8. Do not show up Intoxicated.


What should you not do before getting a tattoo?

Drink a lot of water during the week; avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting tattooed. Please do not shave the area; we will do it for you at your appointment. Avoid aspirin or blood thinning medication at least 24 hours before your tattoo; ibuprofen, acetaminophen, & other NSAID pain relievers are OK.

What to do before getting a tattoo to ease the pain?

To reduce tattoo pain, follow these tips before and during your appointment:
  1. Choose a licensed tattoo artist. ...
  2. Pick a less sensitive body part. ...
  3. Get enough sleep. ...
  4. Avoid pain relievers. ...
  5. Don't get a tattoo when you're sick. ...
  6. Stay hydrated. ...
  7. Eat a meal. ...
  8. Avoid alcohol.


What are 3 things you should consider before getting a tattoo?

8 important things to consider before you get a tattoo
  • Expect to be waitlisted. ...
  • Tattoos are expensive. ...
  • Do a recce of the shop. ...
  • Consult your dermatologist. ...
  • Proofread. ...
  • Getting inked hurts. ...
  • Tattoos do need touch-ups. ...
  • Post-tattoo care is crucial.


How do I prepare my skin for a tattoo?

How to Prepare Your Skin for a Tattoo
  1. Get hydrated and moisturize. ...
  2. Shave and exfoliate. ...
  3. Eat before the session. ...
  4. Wear comfortable and appropriate clothes. ...
  5. Avoid using drugs and certain products before the session.


Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Tattoo | Dos and Don'ts



What I wish I knew before getting my first tattoo?

It's all about the research before your first tattoo

Find the right artist and style of tattoo for you. For starters, make sure that you're 100% sold on your tattoo's design. Think of all the details you want it to include. Always, always have the finished outcome in mind before the tattoo artist gets to work.

Do and don'ts before and after tattoo?

Drink plenty of water to keep your skin moisturized. Watch what you wear. Wear SPF clothing so the sun won't fade your tattoo. Avoid scratchy fabrics, such as wool, which can damage the art.

What should I do 2 hours before a tattoo?

What to do before getting a Tattoo
  1. Get a Good Night's Sleep. The last thing you want is to come in and be completely exhausted for your tattoo session. ...
  2. Stay Hydrated. Before you get in that chair, you want to make sure that your body is hydrated. ...
  3. Shave. ...
  4. Shower. ...
  5. Moisturize your Skin. ...
  6. Eat and Bring Snacks. ...
  7. Dress for you Session.


How do you survive a first tattoo?

Tips for Your First Tattoo
  1. Don't rush the process. You've drummed up the courage to get your first tattoo. ...
  2. Don't be afraid to ask questions. ...
  3. Consider placement. ...
  4. Don't be too thrifty. ...
  5. Come as your best self. ...
  6. Make yourself comfortable. ...
  7. Take good care. ...
  8. Relax!


What age should you not get a tattoo?

However, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have statutory laws requiring a person receiving a tattoo be at least 18 years old. This is partially based on the legal principle that a minor cannot enter into a legal contract or otherwise render informed consent for a procedure.

What hurts more linework or shading?

Tattoo Shading

Color and shading simply provide more dimension than line work. Contrary to what you might expect, many people report that the shading hurts significantly less than the outlining of the tattoo. If you've already made it through your line work, pat yourself on the back.


What does tattoo pain compare to?

Some people describe the pain as a pricking sensation. Others say it feels like bee stings or being scratched. A thin needle is piercing your skin, so you can expect at least a little pricking sensation. As the needle moves closer to the bone, it may feel like a painful vibration.

What part of the tattoo hurts the most?

Pain in these areas may be high to severe.
  • Armpit. The armpit is among the most painful places, if not the most painful place, to get tattooed. ...
  • Rib cage. ...
  • Ankles and shins. ...
  • Nipples and breasts. ...
  • Groin. ...
  • Elbows or kneecap. ...
  • Behind the knees. ...
  • Hips.


How much do you tip a tattoo artist?

“A suggested percentage of 20% to 25% for personal services is an accepted standard, especially in these post-COVID times.” Cornolo puts the range between 15% to 20%, but says that it really varies. “Some tip less, and some are very generous."


How long does a small tattoo take?

Expect about half an hour to an hour for a simple, small tattoo. Keep in mind, however, a small tattoo with lots of color, line work, details, or a tricky placement could take several hours. Small tattoos are great for people who don't want to go through a lengthy tattoo process, but still want some cool ink.

Is Caffeine OK before tattoo?

Don't drink a bunch of caffeine or energy drinks before coming in. It will thin your blood and make you less likely to sit still. You may need a doctor's note if you have medical conditions like a bleeding disorder, a heart condition, or are on antibiotics.

How painful is a first tattoo?

For those worried about pain, Lavriv says tattoo newbies should start small. "I always recommend getting a smaller piece — under an hour — as a first tattoo," she says. "Tattoo pain is a very subjective thing and while it can feel like not a big deal to some people, it can be excruciating for others.


How do you sleep when you first get a tattoo?

A lot of tattoo artists recommend sleeping with the wrap that was put on. Others recommend re-wrapping, or just applying healing ointment and keeping the tattoo clean. The important thing is avoiding infection.

Where should you not get your first tattoo?

“Tattoos on hands, fingers, knees, armpits, elbows, etc. often take longer to heal and they will often not last as long as tattoos in other places,” he says. Also, every area of the body is different and has a different kind of skin, explains Gutierrez.

Does drinking water before a tattoo help?

Drink plenty of water. Your skin thins when you're dehydrated, so chugging water, starting the day before your appointment, will make your body a better canvas for the tattoo. It will also keep your energy up, so bring a bottle or two to sip during your session.


Should I take ibuprofen before a tattoo?

With that said, don't take painkillers before getting a tattoo either. Painkillers like Advil and Ibuprofen also thin the blood, which will lead to similar issues that alcohol has. Acetaminophen may potentially be fine to take, but should be discussed with the artist beforehand.

Should I shave before my tattoo?

Although you can shave before your tattoo, it's not necessary. A tattoo artist will shave the area themselves if needed. If you're concerned about how hairy the area might be, you can always ask your tattooist if they need you to shave beforehand but generally, they'll do it themselves.

What you Cannot do after tattoo?

Choose clothing carefully. Don't wear anything that might stick to the tattoo. Allow up to 2 weeks for healing. Don't pick at any scabs, which increases the risk of infection and can damage the design and cause scarring.


Should you shower before a tattoo?

Shower. This one might be obvious but we wanted 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 creates small cuts and opens the skin up.

What should you not eat before a tattoo?

Unhealthy meals, such as those with a high fat and sugar content, should be avoided before, during, and after getting a tattoo since they can cause skin irritation, bleeding, and lots of scarring. Also, there are lots of activities that may also slow down the healing process.