What To Do Before Getting A Tattoo
Finalize A Design
If you have never been inked before, then the most important first tattoo tip is to find the right tattoo design for you. Spend several weeks, if not months, brainstorming before finalizing your tattoo design. Take the size and tattoo placement into consideration before booking your appointment. Make sure it resonates with your personality and is something you will cherish for life.
Research Your Artist
Look up the artist’s website, social media engagement, etc. – this is how to find a tattoo artist who is skilled and whose style aligns with your vision. Check their portfolio, read online reviews, and visit several tattoo shops in-person before finalizing on the right one. Clearly express your expectations, ask questions, and trust their expertise. A collaborative approach ensures a more satisfying experience for both you and the artist.
Sleep Well
Get a good night’s sleep before your tattoo session to prepare your body for the experience. A well-rested body is less likely to be sensitive to pain and more likely to interpret the body’s reactions correctly.
Eat Well
Fuel your body with a balanced meal before heading to your appointment. It will help maintain your stable blood sugar levels and give you the energy to get through the session comfortably.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water before and during the tattoo session to keep your skin hydrated. This will help the tattoo ink penetrate better, make the session more comfortable, and speed up the recovery process.
Prep Your Skin
Clean it with an antibacterial soap and lukewarm water and and moisturize the area properly before the session. This is vital to avoid dry and irritated skin and reduce the likelihood of bruises and infection.
Know Your Pain Tolerance
While everyone’s pain threshold is different, keep yours in mind and select the appropriate area properly. Be mentally prepared for some discomfort. But remember, this pain is temporary and part of the tattoo process.
Dress Comfortably
Opt for loose, comfortable clothing and avoid ones that will restrict access to the tattooed area. Plus, avoid sun exposure before your session as tanned skin may distort the final color and output.
Bring A Friend
Ask a close friend to accompany you for your tattoo session. Choosing someone who understands you well will help you stay calm during the process. Jasmine, a blogger, shared how she prepared for her tattoo session in her blog. She wrote, “I chose to watch a few youtube videos. I went for pancakes with my friends, which I think is a great fuel (i).” As mentioned above, eating a healthy meal is crucial for a smooth and comfortable tattoo experience. Find out the foods you should eat before a tattoo session in the next section.
What To Eat Before A Tattoo Session
Opt for a high-protein over sugary snacks and processed foods for energy and stamina (2). A solid meal ensures you stay alert during the process. Low blood sugar can amplify your physical reaction to the pain, making it more likely for you to feel faint. Hence, consume high-protein foods to help prepare your body for the tattooing process. Eating a healthy and balanced meal and staying hydrated is important for a smoother tattooing experience. It is important to know what to eat before a tattoo to ensure you’re well-nourished and maintain steady energy levels during the session. However, there are also some things one should avoid drinking before the session. Find out more in the next section.
Can You Drink Before Getting A Tattoo?
When it comes to getting a tattoo, what you drink matters just as much as what you eat. Hydration plays a crucial role in making your skin tattoo-friendly as dehydration can increase the risk of cuts. It can also cause headaches and make you feel unwell overall. Stop drinking alcohol 24 to 48 hours before your tattoo day. Alcohol can impair the immune system and increase the risk of bleeding during the process (4). Alcohol is one of the things you should avoid before a tattoo session. But that is not all. Check out the next section for some other things you should avoid before getting a tattoo.
What Not To Do Before Getting A Tattoo
Here are the following things you should not do before getting a tattoo:
Stop taking blood-thinning medications 24 hours before the big day as it can increase the risk of bleeding. Avoid caffeine before the session as it can make you feel anxious and restless during the process. Avoid shaving and exfoliating the tattooed area a day prior to the appointment as it might not heal by then. Skip your workout session a day before the tattoo session to allow the body to completely rest and prepare.
Can you take Advil before a tattoo? No, avoid taking Advil before your session as it may thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding during the painful process (5). You can consult your tattoo artist or dermatologist and use a numbing cream to decrease the pain during the session. Can you take Tylenol before a tattoo? Yes, Tylenol is considered a safer option for pain relief before getting a tattoo as compared to Ibuprofen. However, consult your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional before taking any medication to ensure it will not interfere with the tattooing process or your health. How big should a first tattoo be? This depends on your personal preference. If this is your first time, opt for a smaller size or a smaller piece of a larger design. This will give you an idea of the tattooing process and help you understand your level of pain better.
Illustration: How To Prepare For A Tattoo: A Complete Checklist
Properly preparing for your tattoo session will ensure a smooth experience for both you and your tattoo artist. Check out this video for smart tips and interesting information to help you prepare well before getting inked.
