Preparing for Your Tattoo
A calm, clean start leads to a better heal.
A tattoo involves controlled skin trauma. How you prepare—sleep, hydration, skin condition, and medication choices—can affect bleeding, comfort, line clarity, and overall healing quality.
This page is educational and not medical advice.
If you have medical conditions or take prescription medications, please consult your healthcare provider.
Table of Contents
Quick Checklist
Before your appointment:
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Sleep well and eat a full meal
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Stay hydrated (begin the day before)
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Avoid sunburn and skin irritation
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Wear comfortable clothing with easy access to the tattoo area
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Inform me in advance of your appointment if you have allergies (especially adhesives), medical conditions, or take blood thinners
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Reschedule if you are sick, feverish, or if the skin is irritated
7 Days Before
Protect your skin
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Avoid tanning and heavy sun exposure
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Tattooing over sunburned, peeling, or actively irritated skin is not permitted
Support healing
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Aim for consistent sleep and balanced nutrition
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If prone to dryness, lightly moisturize the area during the week
(Do not apply heavy lotions or oils on appointment day)
Please inform me early if you have:
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Diabetes
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Immune suppression or autoimmune conditions
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A history of keloids or raised scarring
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Eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis flare-ups in the tattoo area
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Pregnancy or breastfeeding (waiting is typically recommended)
48–24 Hours Before
Avoid alcohol (required)
Alcohol can increase dehydration and contribute to easier bleeding.
For best comfort and cleaner linework, avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours.
Avoid skin trauma
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No harsh scrubs, exfoliating acids, or aggressive shaving
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Avoid anything that leaves the skin raw, inflamed, or broken
Plan for a calm recovery window
Fine linework benefits from a gentle start:
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Keep your schedule light after the appointment
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Avoid intense workouts and heavy sweating immediately afterward
Appointment Day
Eat first (important)
Arrive having eaten a real meal. Low blood sugar can cause dizziness, nausea, or fainting.
Hydrate
Drink water and arrive well-hydrated.
Wear the right clothing
Choose loose, comfortable clothing that:
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Allows easy access to the tattoo area
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Will not rub the fresh tattoo on the way home
Arrive clean
Please shower and arrive with clean, dry skin.
Avoid heavy fragrance, lotion, or oil on the tattoo area.
Alcohol, Medications & Bleeding
Alcohol
Alcohol consumption within 24 hours of your appointment is not permitted, as it may increase bleeding and interfere with the tattooing process.
If I determine alcohol has been consumed, I reserve the right to refuse service. In such cases, the deposit will be forfeited.
Blood thinners / anti-platelet medications (prescription)
If you take prescription blood thinners or medications that affect clotting, do not stop or adjust them on your own.
Please consult your healthcare provider and inform me in advance of your appointment.
Over-the-counter pain relievers
Some OTC medications and supplements may affect bleeding, healing, or the tattooing process.
If unsure, consult your healthcare provider prior to your appointment.
I do not provide medical advice. Medication decisions are the responsibility of the client.
Skin Prep (Hair, Moisture, Sun)
Hair removal
If you plan to shave, do so carefully without nicking the skin.
If unsure, arrive unshaved—I will prep the area safely.
Lotion or oil on appointment day
Avoid heavy lotions, oils, or body butter on the tattoo area.
Clean, dry skin allows for precise work and proper bandage adhesion.
No sunburn
Tattooing over sunburned or peeling skin is not permitted.
What to Bring
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Government-issued photo ID
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Headphones or music if you like (silence is welcome)
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Your chosen payment method
When to Reschedule
Please reschedule for safety and best results if you have:
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Fever, flu, stomach illness, or active infection
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Sunburn, peeling, or significant irritation in the tattoo area
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Open cuts, rash, inflamed acne, or dermatitis flare-ups
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Recent skin-sensitizing procedures (laser, strong chemical treatments, etc.)
Aftercare Preview
Aftercare instructions will be provided following your appointment.
Use of Second Skin is determined case-by-case, with guidance provided if applicable.
FAQs
1. How far in advance should I prepare?
Begin preparing 3–7 days before your appointment, focusing on hydration, rest, and skin care.
2. Can I get tattooed if I’m sick, pregnant, or breastfeeding?
In these situations, it’s best to wait.
3. What should I eat beforehand?
Have a balanced meal 1–2 hours before your session (protein, carbohydrates, and water).
4. Can I drink coffee or alcohol?
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Alcohol: avoid for 24 hours
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Coffee: small amounts are okay; avoid excess if you’re caffeine-sensitive
5. Should I shave beforehand?
Please do not shave unless you’re experienced. Incorrect shaving can cause micro-cuts. I can prep the area safely if needed.
6. What should I wear?
Loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access. Dark colors are recommended.
7. Can I bring someone with me?
Only the client receiving services is permitted inside the tattoo suite.
Guests may wait in designated common areas only.
8. How should I prepare my skin?
Keep the skin clean, moisturized, and irritation-free.
Avoid tanning, sunburn, exfoliating acids, and harsh scrubs for 3–5 days prior.
9. Should I moisturize before my appointment?
Yes—light daily moisturizing for 2–3 days helps.
On appointment day: arrive with clean, dry skin and no lotion.
10. Can I work out before or after?
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Before: light exercise is okay
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After: avoid heavy sweating and stretching for 48–72 hours
11. Planning with Second Skin?
Most clients wear it for 3–5 days unless sensitivity occurs.
Avoid swimming, sauna, hot yoga, and long showers during this time.
12. Eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin?
Often yes, depending on severity and location.
Tattooing over active flare-ups or broken skin is not permitted.
I reserve the right to decline service if the skin is unsuitable.
13. Allergies to adhesives or skincare?
Please inform me in advance. Aftercare methods may be adjusted, or service declined if safety concerns arise.
14. Travel, swimming, or sun exposure?
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No swimming for 2–3 weeks
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Minimize sun exposure for 4 weeks
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Avoid travel within the first 7 days if hygiene is limited
15. How long will my appointment take?
Duration varies by design and placement.
Time estimates are provided before booking but are not guaranteed.
16. Can I request breaks?
Yes. Breaks may be requested at any time. I work at a calm, steady pace.
17. Is numbing cream allowed?
Numbing creams are not recommended or applied.
Use without prior consultation may result in refusal of service and forfeiture of the deposit.
18. Payment methods?
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Card and mobile payments are accepted.
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Deposits are submitted through the booking system.
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Cash is accepted but not required.
19. Walk-ins or appointment only?
I work by appointment only to maintain a quiet and focused environment.
20. How long does healing take?
Surface healing usually takes 2–4 weeks.
Deeper healing can take up to 6 months, depending on placement, size, and care.
Healing commonly follows this pattern:
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Days 1–3: redness, swelling, tenderness
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Days 3–7: peeling and itching
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Days 7–14: continued flaking
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Days 14–30: surface healing completes
A cloudy or “milky” appearance during healing is normal.
Do not scratch or pick—allow flakes to fall naturally.
Preparation or Healing inquiries: