Pre-Tattoo

The days leading up to your tattoo require some preparation on your part, and the following dos and don’ts will help you get in top physical and mental shape.

Don’t get sunburned

Then you step into the tattoo shop with a sunburn on the part of your body where your first tattoo will be done. Here’s a tattoo tip: turn around, leave the store, and don’t come back until your sunburn has healed absolutely. The trouble with tattooing over a sunburn is that the skin is already burned, any discomfort you experience during the tattooing process is amplified, and there is additional blood near the surface of the damaged skin, which will dilute the tattoo ink and make your artist’s job more difficult.

Because of the risk of sunburn, many men like to get their tattoos in the fall and winter. What is the reason for this? You’ll wear more clothing (and cover your skin) during certain seasons in many climates, lowering the chance of sunburn.
Your tattoo can fade prematurely if you expose it to too much intense sunlight.

Is your skin in good condition?

Cuts, bruises, scars, and other skin irregularities create a daunting surface for the tattoo artist to practise on. Make sure your skin is in the highest possible shape before the big day to do the artist and yourself a favour. Also, don’t be afraid to moisturise your skin for a week beforehand; in reality, we recommend it. Your skin will be a perfect backdrop for your new tattoo because it will be healthy, even, and moisturised.

The night before, abstain from consuming alcoholic beverages.

And if your friends have a tempting night of partying scheduled the night before your tattoo, resist temptation. Too much alcohol will thin your blood, resulting in excessive bleeding during your tattoo session, which is never healthy. Meanwhile, never turn up for your appointment drunk; tattoo artists are obliged by statute to refuse you “services” if they suspect you’ve had a few too many.

Take no aspirin the day before your appointment.

Since aspirin and ibuprofen will thin your blood, they are not allowed in the 24 hours leading up to your appointment. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) before your session if necessary, please check with your artist first.

Make sure you have a full night’s sleep.

During the tattoo session, you should be emotionally alert and well-rested, not grumpy and fidgety. The word “fidgety” will have an effect on the final result of your tattoo.

“Do I still want this tattoo?” ask yourself again.

Never have a tattoo until you’re absolutely certain it’s what you want. It’s too late to back out after you’ve got it, because you don’t want to live the rest of your life regretting your decision. Find a style that speaks to you – this is particularly relevant for first-timers. Look for a style that has a stronger connection to you – one you can look back on and admire every time you see it.

Is the tattoo artist up to date on everything?

Your tattoo artist will use all of your instructions in order to finish your tattoo exactly as you want it. Be sure to show them every potential reference tab, and the faster you can get the material to them, the better.

Consult the doctor if you have skin allergies.

If you have a skin allergy, no matter how mild, you can see your doctor before having a tattoo. Because any person’s skin reacts differently to tattoos, make sure you’re not aggravating any pre-existing skin conditions.