A calm, clean start supports a smoother tattoo experience.

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Good preparation helps support your comfort, your skin, and the healing process. Please follow these instructions before your appointment.

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If you have a medical condition, take prescription medication, or are unsure whether tattooing is appropriate for you, consult a qualified healthcare professional before your appointment.

 

3–7 Days Before

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Protect Your Skin

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• Avoid tanning and prolonged sun exposure on the tattoo area.

• Avoid waxing, chemical hair removal, harsh scrubs, exfoliating acids, and skin treatments that may cause irritation.

• If the area is dry, you may apply a light, fragrance-free moisturizer during the days before your appointment.

 

Support Your Body

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Aim for consistent sleep, balanced meals, and normal hydration during the days leading up to your appointment.

 

24 Hours Before

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• Do not consume alcohol.

• Avoid anything that causes sunburn, skin irritation, dehydration, or exhaustion.

• Get a full night’s sleep.

• Continue drinking water normally. Excessive water intake is not necessary.

• Plan a calm schedule after your appointment and avoid activities likely to cause heavy sweating, friction, contamination, or sun exposure around the fresh tattoo.

 

Appointment Day

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Eat and Hydrate

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Eat a balanced meal containing protein and carbohydrates approximately 1–2 hours before your appointment. Do not arrive on an empty stomach.

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Drink water and arrive normally hydrated. A moderate amount of your usual caffeine is generally acceptable, but avoid excessive caffeine or energy drinks if they make you anxious, shaky, or uncomfortable.

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Arrive with Clean, Dry Skin

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Shower before your appointment if possible. Do not apply the following to the tattoo area:

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• Lotion, body oil, or body butter

• Perfume or fragranced body spray

• Numbing cream, gel, spray, or patches unless approved in advance

 

Clothing

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Wear loose, comfortable clothing that provides easy access to the placement and will not press or rub against the fresh tattoo afterward.

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Dark or neutral clothing is recommended because tattoo ink or other products may cause staining.

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Arrive Sober and Ready

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Please arrive on time and free from alcohol or recreational substances. The appointment will not proceed if you appear impaired or are unable to provide informed consent.

 

Health, Medications, and Allergies

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Tell me before your appointment about any condition or medication that may affect bleeding, healing, immunity, or skin sensitivity. This includes:

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• Diabetes, cancer, autoimmune conditions, heart conditions, sarcoidosis, or bleeding disorders

• Blood thinners, immunosuppressants, antibiotics, or other relevant medication

• Eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, sensitive skin, or a history of keloids or raised scarring

• Allergies or sensitivities to adhesives, medical tape, latex, or skincare products

• A current infection, recent diagnosis, or medication change

 

Never stop, skip, reduce, or change prescribed medication for a tattoo appointment unless your prescribing healthcare professional specifically instructs you to do so.

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Depending on the circumstances, I may ask you to consult your healthcare professional before proceeding.

Tattooing will be postponed during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

 

Numbing Products

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Do not apply numbing cream, gel, spray, or patches unless the specific product has been discussed and approved in advance.

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Numbing products may irritate the skin, change how it responds during tattooing, or create additional risks when used incorrectly. Arriving with an unapproved product already applied may require the appointment to be postponed.

 

Skin Readiness

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You do not need to shave the tattoo area. If hair removal is necessary, I will prepare the area safely.

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The tattoo area must be healthy, calm, and fully intact. I cannot tattoo over:

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• Sunburned, peeling, cut, scraped, or broken skin

• Active rashes or skin infections

• Inflamed acne

• Active eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis flare-ups

• Unexplained redness, swelling, tenderness, or irritation

• Skin that has not fully healed after waxing, laser treatment, a chemical peel, or another skin procedure

 

I reserve the right to postpone the appointment if the skin is not in a suitable condition for safe tattooing or may affect the quality or healing of the tattoo.

 

When to Reschedule

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Please contact me as soon as possible if you have:

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• A fever, flu, contagious illness, or active infection

• Vomiting, significant weakness, or feel generally unwell

• Sunburn, broken skin, a rash, infection, or significant irritation near the placement

• An active skin-condition flare

• A recent skin procedure that has not completely healed

• A new diagnosis or medication change that may affect the appointment

• Any concern about your ability to heal safely

 

Please do not conceal an illness, medication, allergy, pregnancy, breastfeeding status, or skin condition. Accurate information helps me choose the safest approach for you.

 

What to Bring

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• A valid government-issued photo ID

• Your usual method of payment

• Water

• A light snack for a longer appointment, if needed

• Any medically necessary personal items, such as an inhaler or glucose supplies

 

You may bring one guest. Your guest may wait in the waiting area immediately outside the tattoo room while the tattoo is being performed.

 

Aftercare Preview

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I will select the most appropriate aftercare method based on your tattoo, placement, skin condition, and adhesive sensitivity.

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When appropriate, a transparent film dressing may remain in place for 3–5 days if it stays fully sealed, clean, undamaged, and comfortable.

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If an adhesive film is not appropriate, a temporary non-adherent dressing may be used for short-term protection before Open Healing.

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Complete aftercare instructions will be provided at your appointment. Please tell me in advance if you have reacted to medical tape, adhesive bandages, or transparent film dressings.

 

Questions Before Your Appointment?

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Email: ink@jindhamma.com

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These instructions provide general preparation guidance and do not replace professional medical advice.