Properly preparing yourself for a tattoo is important. Your skin is the canvas for the artist and the better the canvas, the better the end result.

Take vitamin C if you don’t already. This will help boost your immune system, and make the skin more firm and bright by promoting collagen synthesis, which overall will aid in better healing for your tattoo.

If you are getting tattooed in a more vascular area (head, neck, hands and feet) you can best prepare 2 weeks prior by eating more greens/leafy vegetables as they are high in vitamin k. This can help minimize chances of excess bleeding. 

1-2 week before:

• Exfoliate when you shower, focusing on the area of the tattoo. 

• Moisturize daily leading up to your appointment. 

• Keep skin hydrated by drinking more water than you usually would. This helps keep the skin plump and fresh.

• Avoid sunburns. If you show up with a sunburn, we will have to reschedule.

• Skip harsh products or anything sketchy. Better lines, smoother healing, and an all-around better experience.

24 hours before: 

• If you have long and/or thick hair in the tattoo area, please trim the area before the appointment. Avoid shaving to lessen any chances of cuts and irritation. 

• Avoid moisturizer 24 hours prior to the appointment.

• Avoid alcohol, ibuprofen and aspirin. It thins your blood, which can lead to extra bleeding, messier tattoos, and longer healing. 

• Avoid excessive caffeine intake as this can lead to jitters, and increased sensitivity.

• Get a good nights sleep. Proper rest can make a huge difference on how your body will handle the process.

Day of:

• Eat a solid meal. Fuel up for better stamina, less wooziness, and a much more pleasant time for everyone. Bring snacks and  electrolytes if it’s going to be a longer session to keep blood sugar levels at bay. With that being said, if you feel faint or dizzy at all during the appointment, please notify me immediately so we can take a break. 

• Shower and come fresh - hygiene is important. 

• Wear loose fitted clothing to keep comfortable, and dark in color to avoid any potential ink stains.

• Bring the things that will make you comfortable. Such as a fave pillow, blanket, or fidget toys.

• Stretch if you can - this will loosen you up, and calm some nerves you may have.

• Bring your ID. You’ll fill out a standard consent form on the day of your appointment and ID is needed.

Pro Tips: 

• Although I prefer the client to come with just themselves and their belongings, one support human is okay if that makes you more comfortable. Just please be mindful and refrain from talking too much during the process, as this can create involuntary movement, which can affect the tattoo.

• Good tattoos take time - Please block off more time than you think you’ll need. Good work can’t be rushed, and setup/tweaks often take longer than expected.

• Please don’t touch your tattoo during the process or anything in the work area. Let’s keep it clean and safe for everyone.

• If you’re on medication or have health concerns, Check in with your doctor before your appointment to be safe. Even if you get the medical green light, the artist still reserves the right to cancel if anything feels unsafe or complicated. This is due to some medication affecting the skin and how it could react with the tattoo process.

Thinking about numbing cream? Ask first. It’s not provided, and it’s not always appropriate for every piece or placement.