Preparing for Your Tattoo Appointment
What should I do to prepare for my appointment?
A common question that I receive is “Is there anything that I can do to get ready for my appointment?”. Honestly, this is a great question, it shows me that my clients care about their appointment, (about to be) new tattoo, and want to keep it looking the best they can, as long as they can. (Which I love and am thankful for!)
I do have a few tips for my clients as they prepare for their appointment with me! Follow along and go through this checklist before your next tattoo appointment!
Dos
Shower/Bathe the day of your appointment.
Getting a tattoo is a serious endeavor! It requires medical-level sanitization because of the possibility of infection in performing your tattoo. Your tattoo becomes an open wound during the tattoo process, so being as clean as possible before your tattoo beginning is SUPER important; and don’t worry, here at Storyline Ink we follow every safety procedure to keep you and your tattoo healthy and clean.
Drink water and have a meal
Never underestimate the power of dehydration/hunger! Being hydrated is good for your skin when being tattooed. Did you know that your skin can get dehydrated from a lack of drinking water? Guess what? Your skin responds to tattooing better when you have had enough water to drink! So drink up! Water isn’t the only thing that can help you, having a full stomach can help your blood sugar levels and keep you from potentially getting dizzy or fainting during or after your tattoo.
Bring a snack and water with you
I don’t want you to be hangry and I am sure that you don’t want to be either! Joking aside, having water and a snack are super helpful and can help you stay focused and comfortable during your tattoo.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
Your tattoo appointment is not a fashion show. I wear what is comfortable while tattooing and I want you to as well! Not only should you wear loose-fitting clothing for your comfort, but you should also wear them so your new tattoo isn’t tightly covered after your session. It is important that you keep your new tattoo from being tightly covered until your tattoo is done healing.
Bring a valid ID with you
In my state, I am required to keep various detailed records for my local health department. One of those being who I tattoo, how I tattoo them, and proof that they are who they say they are. Also, most states have very strict age requirements, so bringing a valid ID is important to prove your ability to legally be tattooed.
Be Patient!
Good tattoos take time. Don’t be in a rush. Trust me, you want your tattoo artist to be relaxed and take their time! Try to keep an open schedule after your tattoo, your artist (or you) may need to take a break during your tattoo. Most artists stick pretty closely to their appointment time, but know that every artist wants to take their time to give you the best permanent art possible….and usually, that takes time.
Do Nots
Do not drink Alcohol 72 hours before appointment
Alcohol and tattoos do not mix. It can cause you to make poor impulsive decisions. Not only can Alcohol can cause you to experience excessive bleeding due to its effect of thinning the blood, but it can also slow the healing process.
Do not Tan or Sunbathe
Exposure to the sun or a tanning bed can harm and break down the cells in your skin causing you to be more sensitive to pain during your appointment, especially if you acquired a sunburn! Trust me, the last thing you want is for your tattoo appointment to be MORE painful! Take my advice and stay out of the sun.
Do not drink caffeine on the day of your tattoo
Even though we all enjoy our morning pick-me-up, caffeine can also cause you to feel jittery and even anxious. Neither are feelings you want to have while being tattooed. Avoid the caffeine, trust me, even if you are a little sleepy during your appointment, it will be worth it.
Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or blood thinners
Both of these medications thin the blood, which can lead to excessive bleeding and impair the healing process of your tattoo. So please avoid these OTC medicines and blood thinners before your appointment. Of course, if your doctor has prescribed you blood thinners, please continue to follow their advice in taking them, just please talk with your artist about this before your appointment.
