How to get ready for your tattoo appointment

Getting tattooed is a difficult, but often healing and transformative experience. I want my clients to be as prepared and comfortable as possible after they’ve set their appt to ensure their experience getting tattooed is the best it can be. 

4 weeks up to your appt:

• Keep the area you’re getting tattooed consistently moisturized. The better shape your skin is in, the easier it is to tattoo and heal. 

• Ask your doctor if any of your medications and/or skin issues should prevent you from getting tattooed and let me know immediately. 

• If possible, please avoid booking travel or camping trips immediately after getting tattooed.

• Discuss the use of numbing cream with me if you’re interested. I recommend the brands Painless Tattoo and Mad Rabbit. You can review numbing cream instructions at the bottom of this page.

2 weeks up to your appt:

• Keep the area of skin that you’re going to get tattooed safe and healthy, and let your artist know asap if you injure it or experience a rash, sunburn, or change in texture. 

• Begin to gently exfoliate the area you’re getting tattooed every couple of days and continue moisturizing. 

1 week up to your appt:

• Avoid getting tattooed in another area of your body as this can affect the healing of one or both tattoos.

• Let me know if you’re feeling under the weather so that we can get you rescheduled under the same deposit.

  
  
  The evening before your appt:

• Prioritize getting a good night’s sleep.

• Avoid alcohol. It disrupts sleep and may thin your blood enough to cause complications. 

• Gather things that you might want or need during your tattoo appt such as a clean throw blanket, snacks and drinks, headphones, etc.

  
  
  The day of your appt:

• Wear clean clothing that allows full and easy access to the area getting tattooed. 

• Wear clothing you don’t mind getting ink on if possible.

• Stop by the bank and withdraw cash if you don’t want to use our ATM. I only accept cash payments unless otherwise discussed.

• Eat a protein rich meal roughly 1-2 hours before coming in. 

• Apply numbing cream if your artist has suggested it.
  
  

  Numbing Cream
  I support the use of numbing cream. Please still clear it with me so that we can discuss any potential complications.
  
  I sell Painless Tattoo if I have it in stock, for less than the actual company does.
  
  If I’ve given you the go ahead, and you’ve obtained your numbing cream, here’s how to use it! 

• Roughly an hour before your appointment, thoroughly clean the area of your body you’re getting tattooed. Shave it if you’re comfortable doing so as the extra exfoliation helps. 

• Apply a thick layer of the cream over the tattooed area. 

• Completely wrap the area with cling wrap to ensure the cream doesn’t oxidize and lose efficacy.

• Bring any remaining cream with you in case it can/ needs to be reapplied.
  
  If you have any other questions leading up to your appointment, don’t hesitate to reach out to me!