tattoo preparation tips
1. DRINK WATER!
Skin that is moisturized is much easier to work with, and the healthiest skin is hydrated from the inside.
It helps tremendously to be well-rested before your appointment. Keeping your body still, while enduring the discomfort of the tattoo itself, can be challenging if you’re already exhausted. Lack of sleep can lower your pain tolerance as well as heighten your stress responses- both being possibly detrimental to your ability to tolerate the tattoo.
2. GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
Try to avoid excess amounts of caffeine, alcohol, or other substances before your appointment- too much caffeine can make you jittery, and everything always feels worse when you're hungover. Many drugs lower your pain sensitivity, as well as make your blood thinner. Consuming substances that thin your blood doesn’t necessarily mean you will “bleed out” when getting tattooed. While you may bleed more during the process, which can make it more difficult to complete your design accurately and efficiently, many of the issues that can arise would be during healing. Thinner blood makes it harder to clot, causing your tattoo to be an open wound for a longer time, which can result in an overall longer healing process, leaving more opportunity for irritation and infection. Additionally, the more you bleed during a tattoo, the more your blood dilutes the ink, which causes the risk of your tattoo looking faded once it heals. Of course, a clear head is important, so just as lack of sleep can hinder your resilience, any mind-altering substance can do the same.
3. AVOID SUBSTANCES
Nutrition is your energy source. You want to fuel your body before undergoing a process that can be very taxing on it. When getting tattooed, our adrenaline is pumping, and our bodies release endorphins as an inflammatory response. This is all energy being burned while we’re just trying to sit still. This heightened metabolic demand can inadvertently lead to a decrease in blood sugar levels as the body redirects its energies toward the restoration and healing process. So basically, when getting tattooed, your blood sugar tends to drop. This is often what makes people feel faint or lightheaded, or even pass out. Eating before you get tattooed, as well as in the middle of a long tattoo session, will prevent such a dramatic dip in your metabolism and offsets the chances of having to stop the session due to fainting or inability to handle the pain.
For longer sessions, especially full-day appointments, I always recommend taking a break midway to replenish. You're welcome to bring drinks, snacks, or candy to eat during your tattoo, a prepared meal (we have a mini-fridge to hold any food or drinks you need to keep cold), or you can always order takeout or delivery to the shop if you want something fresh. There's also a Wawa right down the street if you need to grab something quick before or during the session.
4. EAT
Dress comfortably and appropriately for the tattoo you're getting- if you're scheduled for a long session, you want to be comfortable. Wear something that makes the area you're getting worked on easily accessible so you won't have to strip down for the tattoo. Just as well, sometimes the process gets messy so I always advise not to wear anything you wouldn't want to get ink stains on. This also applies to shoes! If you've worked with me before, you've probably seen ink drops all over the floor of my station by the end of our session. Tattoo ink does not come out/off of most materials and there’s no sense ruining your freshest sneakers. I recommend wearing slides, crocs, or slippers- you can slip them off while you're in the chair for ultimate comfort.
5. DRESS COMFORTABLY
Carry a valid photo ID for verification during paperwork, and feel free to bring anything you may need to keep you entertained, occupied, or distracted during the tattoo session. While there are usually good conversations to be had, and we always have music playing in the background, I’m cool with whatever methods you prefer to calm your nerves while getting tattooed. I always offer to play whatever you'd like to listen to on our speaker but I won't be offended if you want to bring headphones. We have a TV with cable and a Firestick if you want to put something on there, or you can bring a laptop or tablet (or just your phone) if you'd like. I have pillows and a blanket available to clients to keep cozy, and you're welcome to bring anything of your own that can make you more comfortable.
You're more than welcome to bring your vape (nicotine or cannabis) inside and we don't mind you smoking it in the booth! While excessive breaks aren't recommended, you can take a smoke break anytime during the session for tobacco or cannabis to be lit outside.
6. BRING WHAT YOU NEED
If you have ANY questions or concerns, PLEASE speak up! There's nothing you can ask or request that will offend me, be it about your tattoo design, pricing, application, or any part of the process. I am a go-with-the-flow type of person, and I want you to be comfortable. My goal is to make your experience as relaxed and enjoyable as possible, as well as to meet or exceed any and all expectations you have for your tattoo.
7. COMMUNICATE
Please don't rush to get to your appointment early! Getting to the shop before I’m there or before I’m ready will only result in you having to wait. And if you're running late, just shoot me a text (my number is at the bottom of your confirmation and reminder email if you don't have it already) to give me a heads up, and take your time! My focus is on giving you the best work possible, so I like to ensure the whole process is casual and relaxed. You'll be spending some time in my chair, so no need to stress or rush!
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