So, you're getting a brand spanking new tattoo? SWEET! We get asked a lot about what you can do to prepare before the day, so here is a short list of things that can help ensure you have the best experience possible:
1. Avoid Alcohol
Do not drink alcohol the night before. You may need some Dutch courage, but please refrain from drinking until after your tattoo is finished. Alcohol thins your blood, which can last for up to 24 hours after you finish drinking. This is a problem for tattoo artists as it means you are more likely to bleed heavily when getting tattooed. This can make it a lot harder for us to see the stencil and where we are tattooing. If you're getting a colour tattoo, the blood can mix with the ink and cause it to change colour—especially white, which can become a light pink when mixed with blood. This can also happen with any colour that is lighter than your blood tone, causing the colours to look murky.
2. Shaving
We are quite happy to shave the area for you on the day. However, it will be with a disposable razor and done dry, which is not fun for anyone! We suggest you shave the area you know is being tattooed the night before with your normal razor and shaving cream/gel. This is much better for your skin and saves time during the preparation process.
3. Food & Drink
When you're being tattooed, you may not see any blood, but your body is working hard and your skin will be releasing plasma, which depletes your blood sugar. So, splurge for the day and bring fizzy drinks, sweets, chocolate, and anything else that takes your fancy. This will keep your blood sugar levels up, stop you from feeling faint, and can actually relieve some of the pain. Make sure you have a good breakfast; you can go back to the smoothies or probiotic yoghurts the next day! This is your day to treat yourself, so bring in whatever you fancy.
4. Rest Up
You may not be doing much on your tattoo day apart from sitting, but being well-rested will help with your pain threshold and allow your mind to think clearly, helping you focus on something other than the tattoo.
5. Painkillers
If you're in the studio all day, you may want to pop some paracetamol (if you're not allergic) at lunchtime or another convenient time. It can help take the edge off a little bit once you get into hour 5 or 6. (Do not take Aspirin or Ibuprofen, as these thin the blood, giving you the same effect as drinking alcohol the night before).
6. Dress Accordingly
Getting your arm tattooed? Wear a vest. Getting your leg tattooed? Wear some shorts. Because your body is sitting still for a long time, you may become quite cold, so having comfortable layers you can put on or take off will help. Plus, although we do really like looking at tighty-whiteys, we would prefer you cover up!
Although we will do our best to cover your brand new ink in cling film or a second-skin wrap, this may move or leak. Wear clothes that you're not too bothered about, as you may get ink, Vaseline, and gunk on them that is rather hard to wash out! If you're getting your foot tattooed, we suggest wearing flip-flops, as this will stop your shoe from rubbing against your brand-new tattoo and causing it to heal badly.
If you have any questions or concerns before your appointment, just let us know or reach out to us on Facebook or Instagram.