Pre-Tattoo: How To Prepare For Your Appointment?
Appointment Date And Time
Double check date and time of appointment and turn up on time (no more than 10 minutes before the time scheduled) Also keep in mind that sometimes an artist may be running a little behind. The person ahead of you might be taking longer than expected. You’ll be happy they take the extra time to make sure you’re happy once it’s your turn, so please try and be understanding. You can use this extra time to get comfortable with the atmosphere, find the restroom and smoking area, fill out paperwork etc.
Keep In Top Form
Do not drink heavily the night before your tattoo appointment. Even if it is not enough to make you hung-over, it could still thin your blood the next day. And if you are, your artist might refuse to tattoo you therefore risk forfeiting your deposit.
Get to bed on time and make sure to get plenty of sleep. Sure it might feel like Christmas Eve and be hard for you to get to sleep, but getting plenty of rest tends to make it easier to sit calmly the following day.
It might seem to go without saying, but please make sure you shower or bathe beforehand. Unless you’re getting an underarm tattoo, please also wear deodorant. You should consider wearing clothes that it won’t matter if you get ink stains on. It is best to be as comfortable as you can, we recommend wearing appropriate clothing that you won’t mind getting ink on (expensive/white garments are not a great idea!) Think about the placement of your tattoo. If you’re getting work on a sleeve, wearing a vest is useful. If it is a rib/backpiece you might want to bring a cardigan you can wear backwards to keep warm. If its your legs wear stretchy lounge pants etc. Even in the summer it’s a good idea to bring a sweatshirt or something warm to wear because getting tattooed can sometimes make you feel cold.
The area to be tattooed, and usually a large space surrounding it, will need to be shaved to prepare your skin for the tattoo. Some clients prefer to shave the area themselves beforehand and are welcome to do so especially if it is a very hairy area, so long as they know that if for any reason the artist is unhappy with the client’s shaving job, they will do it again themselves. Tattoo artists are used to shaving people for tattoo preparation so do not worry about being shy or embarrassed, they have seen it all.
If you tan, you will want to get one before getting tattooed because you should not be tanning again until your tattoo is completely healed. You will always need to wear sunblock on your tattoo. If you spray tan, do not do it before. Not only will you have a big spot scrubbed clean when they prep the area, but scrubbing it clean is a huge, messy, pain in the butt.
Always eat a full meal before heading in to get tattooed! Eating heavy and filling foods helps in particular because they tend to last longer. Not being hungry will make it easier for you to sit calmly.
Do not drink a bunch of caffeine or energy drinks before coming in! Not only thin your blood, it will make it harder to sit still. Do, however, drink lots of water to keep hydrated
What To Bring
Pack a bag with:
– bottled water/juice and a sugary drink
– fully charged mobile phone
– phone charger
– headphones if you want to listen to your own music or to play games
– snacks (particularly ones high in carbohydrates and protein like granola bars, nuts, chips, crackers, or fresh fruit)
– a pillow or small blanket
– your wallet/purse!
– anything you want to keep you entertained (books etc)
You might want to arrange for a ride home if you think there’s a chance you’ll need one.
Medication / Intoxication
We will not tattoo anyone under the influence. It is actually illegal. Even just being badly hung-over could get you turned away. If you have an appointment and are turned away for being intoxicated and/or under the influence, you may lose your deposit. If you feel you must take something beforehand, please ask your artist ahead of time if what you take will be an issue.
Aspirin, Ibuprofen or other similar products does not help with the tattoo pains and will thin your blood which could potentially make you harder to tattoo. If you are on any regular medications, you might need your doctor’s permission ahead of time.
Is It OK To Get A Tattoo When Sick?
Getting a tattoo when your immune system is not at 100% is not a good idea. You are going to need your strength and your white blood cells to heal your tattoo, something your body will not be able to do if it is already doing battle against virus and bacteria. Not to mention the fact that it is inconsiderate to bring your illness into the tattoo studio and risk passing the germs onto others, particularly your artist. If you are getting sick or are outright sick, please call the studio ahead of time to reschedule your appointment for when you’re feeling well again. If the artist notices you are sick, they have the right to not tattoo you at the moment, which could result in you losing your deposit.
Under 18 or look under 18
It is against the law to tattoo under 18’s. Check to ensure you have your Student ID, National ID, driver’s license, or passport. Other forms of identification might be accepted if it has your photograph and birthdate present. Please get in touch if unsure.