Preparing for your tattoo
The last thing you want is to come in and be completely exhausted for your tattoo session. It is incredibly important to be well-rested so that you can be alert and in-tune with your body. I recommend getting into bed earlier than you normally do. This will give you extra time to rest and fall asleep, especially if you’re super nervous about your appointment.
This one might be obvious but we wanted to mention it just in case. You should be showering every day (hopefully), but please remember to do so before your appointment. You want to keep your skin as clean as possible since tattooing creates small cuts and opens the skin up. Do not show up after a hard gym session or after a game of basketball. Not only will your skin not be clean but your poor artist will have to sit through the smell of sweat and dirt as they get up and close to your skin.
24 hours before your appointment you should be drinking a lot of water. A good goal is to aim to drink eight 8oz glasses of water to fully ensure that your body is in the best shape possible. Not only is it good for your health, but it will make sure that your skin is hydrated and prepared for your tattoo session. Hydrated skin takes ink a lot better than dehydrated skin which will make the entire process a lot smoother for your artist. If you didn’t have a chance to drink a good amount of water before your appointment, I recommend keeping a water bottle with you during your session.
Showing up to your appointment starving is not a good move. You are going to need your energy especially if you are about to sit through a longer session. A balanced and healthy meal will help your body as it deals with the needle and it will help you mentally. By doing so, you will avoid getting light-headed and you won’t run the risk of passing out from exhaustion. I also recommend bringing snacks to your appointments. It can be especially helpful if you are someone who deals with low blood sugar. Having a piece of fruit, granola bar or cookies can really help with those 6-8 hour sessions. At Body Art Studio 13 , we have amazing food right across the street. We are constantly doing runs there so when we ask if you would like something please don’t be shy!
You want to be as comfortable as possible during your tattoo and that means wearing a comfortable outfit. You don’t want to be wearing restrictive jeans or a dress shirt while you’re getting tattooed. Loose clothing will help make sure that you aren’t randomly getting itchy, overheated and it will allow you to easily re-adjust your positioning in case you become uncomfortable. Lastly, it will allow your artist easy access to the area you are getting tattooed. I won’t be happy if you’re getting your lower leg tattooed and you show up wearing skinny jeans.
Oftentimes you will find that you get bored as you sit around waiting for your artist to work their magic, in these situations, it helps to bring your phone and headphones to watch some Netflix or music videos.
Aftercare
1. Remove the bandage in the shower after 1-3 days depending on your artist recommendation
2. Wash tattoo thoroughly with clean hands and a gentle unscented soap
3. Gently pat completely dry with a paper towel. DO NOT RUB!
4. Apply the thinnest layer possible of whatever aftercare product your artist recommends.
* Repeat this aftercare 2-3 times daily for 4-6 weeks until your tattoo is COMPLETELY healed. *
DO stick with your aftercare for the entire extent of the healing process!
DO ask your artist if you have any questions about your aftercare.
DO use only clean hands and paper towels to clean and dry your tattoo! No washcloths!
DON'T soak your tattoo or go swimming (ANYWHERE) until completely healed.
DON'T expose your healing tattoo to the sun
DON'T use sunscreen or any other product you would not use on an open wound until your tattoo is fully healed
DON'T shave or wax until your tattoo has formed a new layer of epidermis (MINIMUM 2-3 weeks)
DON'T scratch your tattoo! You may tap/slap the area lightly with a clean hand if the area itches excessively, though regular washing and moisturizing should help this
