Time for some ink?

8 essential tips for how to prepare for your upcoming tattoo session!

Whether you are getting your first tattoo or you're a seasoned tattoo collector, preparing properly for that long-awaited tattoo session can make all the difference! Taking action to prepare yourself - and your skin - ensures a smooth tattoo process and an powerful head start on the aftercare. Here's what you need to know and what to do before hopping up onto that tattoo chair!

“I'd rather trust and regret than doubt and regret” - Kirito, SAO

1. Stay Hydrated and Well-rested.

The condition of your body plays a massive role in how your skin handles getting tattooed and how it later recovers from the resulting trauma. For the week leading up to your session, drink plenty of water - doing so is not only great for your general health, but it also hydrates your skin! When hydrated, the outer top layer of skin has a more resilient "bounce" to it, making it spring back against the thrum of the tattoo needle. It's like the difference between fluffy bread and stale croutons - don't be a crouton!

Similarly, proper rest will help with your endurance and recovery - strive to get proper shut-eye and rest before the big day! I know, I know - it's easier said than done; the nervousness and excitement the night before is quite energizing.

2. Eat a Meal Before You Go!

Tattoo sessions can take hours, and the last thing you want is to feel lightheaded and weak. Eating a balanced meal rich in protein and slow-burning carbs keeps your energy up and prevents needle shock!

Needle shock is tattoo slang for when clients experience symptoms like nausea, lightheadedness, shaking, and sweating. Needle shock can lead to fainting - and so the best way to prevent this is to eat well and stay hydrated. Bringing little snacks for munching on during short breaks can also add a little more fuel to keep energy levels up and consistent! During especially long sessions, you should plan for a lunch/dinner break to refuel.

Pro Tip: Quick sugars like candy and soda are good for fast-acting blood sugar recovery during the tattoo or when experiencing needle-shock, but slow-burning carbs like oats, potatoes, fruits, and veggies are best for the long haul! Stay balanced!

3. Limit Caffeine, Avoid Alcohol and Blood Thinners.

While a cup of coffee or a single energy drink won't hinder the tattoo process, excessive consumption during the days leading up to and on the day of the tattoo session can be harmful.

Remember: we want happy-fluffy bread...not sleep-deprived, java-marinated croutons.

Caffeine, alcohol, and certain medications will dehydrate you and thin the blood, making it more difficult for your tattoo artist to properly work. If you have a prescription medication that thins blood, consult your physician before your tattoo and get their professional advice before proceeding - your health and safety comes first!

To ensure your tattoo investment, don't drink alcohol for the 2-3 days leading up to your session, avoid taking take blood thinners like Aspirin or Ibuprofen the day of the session, and be sure to control how much caffeine you are drinking.

4. Moisturize Your Skin!

Water is not the only thing that will help the condition of your skin - prep your skin with your favorite moisturizer! Lotions keep your skin supple and smooth and ultimately help it to retain moisture, so start applying it well in advance - your artist will thank you! Butter that bread!

If you are prone to dry skin, this is especially important for you to do during your session preparation!

5. Dress Comfortably.

No need to wear that formal suit or dinosaur costume to your tattoo session - wear loose comfortable clothing. Now's the time to rock those sweats or pajamas without shame! Depending on where you are getting tattooed, you'll need to wear clothing that allows easy access to the location-to-be tattooed, so loose and stretchy clothing is mighty helpful.

On that note, hygiene is key! Bathe beforehand and wear clean clothes - you're gonna be in close contact with your artist. If you end up having to kick off your shoes, you don't want to taint the studio with a sour musk and knock your artist out.

Pro tip: when under the stress of a long session, you may get cold - bring a sweater or blanket! Even bringing along your favorite pillow or plushie can make a difference.

6. Communicate with Your Artist.

An awesome tattoo session begins with proper communication - be upfront about your pain tolerance and concerns, and if you need a break, be sure to ask! Follow the tattoo preparation advice your artist gives you, and reach out to them with any questions that arise - they'd much rather you ask than assume and arrive unprepared.

7. Have Aftercare Products at Home!

Don't procrastinate on collecting supplies before hand - scrambling to collect supplies after getting tattooed is stressful and risky! Reach out in advance to ask your artist about what products they recommend and get to shopping. You don't have to wait until after that tattoo session to think about the aftercare - your artist will be stoked that you are already preparing for it! Give yourself ample time to collect and/or order products online before the big day so you are ready! Be aware of shipping times for online orders - you want products ready and accessible.

Pro tip: this is also a good time to test new products like moisturizers or second skin bandages on your skin to make sure you don't have any sensitivities or reactions before applying them directly to your fresh tattoo later! Make sure you have your artist's approval first though - many artists avoid specific products for a reason, so make use of their knowledge!

8. Bring Entertainment and Distractions

Bring comfort items! Immerse yourself in your music or favorite podcasts by bringing a headset to help pass the time and distract you. Read that book you've been neglecting, or finally watch that movie your friend has been pestering you about. Engaging distractions will make the experience more enjoyable when your artist is zoned in on intricate details! Of course, conversation is always a great way to pass the time, but understand some artists work better when focused - it's not personal. If permitted, bring along a friend for support!

Bonus Tips for after the Tattoo Session!

Trust the Healing Process!

Once your tattoo is complete, follow your artist's tattoo aftercare instructions! A professional tattoo artist will know the tried and true methods that have worked best for their clients - trust they want the best for your tattoo. If you have any concerns, reach out to them for advice; the internet and/or will tell you that you are on the brink of death, ain't nobody got time for that nonsense. Follow the aftercare and use common sense - your tattoo is an open wound, treat it as such. A properly cared for tattoo will last a lifetime - so give it the attention it deserves!

Pro Tip: Avoid outdoor activities or things that will get you sweating during the first week of healing - sun exposure, extreme temperatures, excessive sweat, and exposure to unclean surroundings can and will harm your tattoo. Skipping the gym for a few days isn't going to harm your progress, and your tattoo will appreciate you holding off on swimming and theme parks! The first few days are the most critical in the heal - don't biff it up!

In It for the Long Term!

Once you are fully healed, long-term skincare should become a normal part of your daily routine - do you want your tattoo to last? Follow these long term tips for the best longevity possible!

The sun is your tattoo’s worst enemy! Apply at least 30 spf sunscreen to your tattoos before sun exposure to preserve the vibrancy of the ink. Many don’t realize that for prolonged sun exposure, you must re-apply sunscreen every 1-2 hours. Alternatively, covering your tattoo with clothing or with UV-protective clothing is of course the best way to avoid sun damage and is a great alternative should you prefer avoiding sunscreen.

Additionally, moisturizing your skin regularly is critical for overall skin health - which of course includes the health of your tattoos. Don't stop just cause your tattoo finished healing - keep using your moisturizer!

Sometimes, we can't avoid injuries that may occur on our tattoos. Do not pick at bug bites, scratches, ingrown hairs, or other injuries that may occur on your tattoo - this can pull ink and leave scars! Keep it clean, and let injuries heal naturally.

Photo depicts a fully healed upper thigh, and mostly healed calf piece. This client prepared well for every session, and then rocked the aftercare!

Ren Behan INK

When my clients book with me, I send them detailed preparation tips and aftercare instructions 2 weeks prior to their tattoo session. Since doing this, I feel most of my clients have been well-prepared, resulting in very fulfilling and successful sessions. I especially love seeing when they arrive with a "tattoo bag" of goodies for their appointments because it tells me they took time to prepare!

Interested in seeing what pieces my clients and I have powered through? Most of my clients book 8 hour sessions! Follow the link below to check out my portfolio and see the results! Should you choose me for your anime tattoo ideas, trust that my excitement for your tattoo will match yours, and I can't wait to brainstorm and help bring your vision to skin!

Tattoo Portfolio

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