How to Prepare for Your Tattoo Session
- Kay De Los Muertos
- Mar 7
- 3 min read
Tattoos: the permanent accessory almost everyone has these days. You're finally ready to get your first piece but you have no clue what to expect! In the words of Drake "I'll keep my ting brief." Here is a general idea of how to prepare and what to anticipate:
EAT!
It is extremely important to eat within two hours of your appointment. Yes, even if you've never passed out while getting tattooed. Your body performs at its best when it has everything it needs. Although passing out during a tattoo is extremely unlikely, you will be able to sit more comfortably if you are not under strain and feeling lightheaded. You're more than welcome to bring snacks of your own, my studio usually has water available.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
For back pieces, it's a great idea to bring a zip-up hoodie or a button down top you can turn backwards. I would advise against wearing Sunday's best, as ink splatters do not always come out of clothing! For other areas I recommend wearing whatever feels comfortable and makes the area easily accessible.
Moisturize and Exfoliate
As humans we have many different textures along our skin, however having a smooth and hydrated canvas greatly improves how your tattoo heals. Color work and solid lining always holds up better when the moisture barrier of your skin is healthy. I do not tattoo over active breakouts of eczema, cystic acne, or other skin conditions because I cannot guarantee how it will heal, and I do not want to upset your skin! Continuing to hydrate during and after healing a tattoo are surefire ways to keep your tattoo vibrant for years to come. Healing is also internal, so drinking lots of water before and after are great ideas.
If you are concerned about scarring from body acne, I recommend using glycolic acid/ niacinamide body wash (Naturium is my personal favorite) a month before your appointment, paired with hydrating lotions/ body creams.
Be Confident in Your Design
Although not every piece has to be deeply meaningful, a tattoo is a permanent decision. A good starting place is thinking about whether you want your tattoo to be sentimental, aesthetically forward, or a mix of both. I can always help refine your concept, however it is very helpful if you have an idea of concept, placement, sizing, or style.
Ask Questions
It is always okay to ask to move a design, make it larger, or smaller, or change it. Although I cannot guarantee I will have availability for a last minute change if it is significantly different from the reference, I will try my best to accommodate you if you are decisive on a new piece. I do not work with latex products, and if concerned about red ink allergy, consult with your allergist/ primary care physician. For color work I recommend researching how color heals before deciding if its right for you, as the pigments take to everyone's skin differently.
Follow Aftercare Instructions
I send aftercare instructions to each client within 24 hours of your appointment. Whether you use Aquaphor, A&D, or Hustle Butter, proper healing comes from washing your tattoo twice a day with unscented antibacterial soap (Dial, Dettol, or Dove are great options), keeping it moisturized with a light layer of the ointment of your choice, only touching your tattoo with clean hands, and not picking/ peeling at your tattoo. I advise against going to the gym for the next 24 hours. Sunbathing/ tanning or getting in the pool with a healing tattoo risk improper healing at best, and infection at worst. It is completely normal for your tattoo to be itchy/peel during the process, but should not persist for longer than a few days. You can resume your usual bodycare after 30 days, or when your tattoo has fully peeled.
For a visual on how to remove second skin bandaging, click here on the reels tab:
Comments