Getting Ready for your tattoo Appointment
You've booked your tattoo appointment. Now what?
Whether it's your first tattoo or your tenth, it's completely normal to have questions about what to expect and how to prepare for the day. A little planning beforehand can make your appointment more comfortable, help you sit better throughout the session, and ensure you're in the best possible condition for getting tattooed.
To help take the guesswork out of the process, our team has put together this guide based on the advice we give our own clients every day. Inside, you'll find practical recommendations for preparing before your appointment, what to bring, and what to expect during your session.
Think of this as a guide rather than a strict rulebook. Every client and every tattoo is different, so if you have any questions specific to your appointment, don't hesitate to get in touch. We're always happy to help.
The Week Before Getting Your Tattoo
A little preparation in the week leading up to your appointment can make a noticeable difference to both your tattooing experience and how well your tattoo heals afterwards. While none of these are strict requirements, they're recommendations we make to every client to help give your tattoo the best possible start.
Get Plenty of Rest
Try to get a good night's sleep in the days leading up to your appointment, especially the night before. Getting tattooed places extra stress on your body, and being well rested helps you feel your best throughout the session.
Applying the tattoo is only one half of the process. How your body heals over the following weeks has a huge impact on the final result, so arriving well rested gives your body the best possible start, particularly for larger pieces or full-day sessions.
Stay Hydrated & Eat Well
You've probably heard the saying "you are what you eat," and there's some truth to it when it comes to getting tattooed.
Staying well hydrated helps keep your skin in good condition, while eating a balanced diet gives your body the nutrients it needs to begin the healing process. Healthy, hydrated skin is easier to work with and helps put your body in the best position to begin healing afterwards.
Exfoliate & Moisturise
Healthy skin makes for a better tattoo.
Gently exfoliating your skin a few days before your appointment (not the day of) and moisturising regularly can improve your skin's condition. Dry, flaky or ashy skin can be more difficult to work with, and a build-up of dead skin may contribute to less consistent linework or colour saturation.
While minor touch-ups can usually address small inconsistencies, we'd rather get it right the first time than rely on a touch-up later.
Avoid Sunburn
One of the quickest ways to make your appointment more difficult is arriving with sunburn.
Sunburned or peeling skin is already damaged and often can't be tattooed safely. Even mild sunburn can make your skin far more sensitive than usual, leading to a noticeably more uncomfortable tattooing experience.
Even if the skin isn't badly burned, excessive sun exposure can affect how your tattoo looks from day one. If you're spending time outdoors before your appointment, wear sunscreen and do your best to avoid getting burned. Your skin, and your future tattoo, will thank you for it.
Let Us Know About Medications
We're not qualified to provide medical advice, but it's important to let us know if you're taking any long-term medications that could affect your tattoo session.
For example, some blood-thinning medications may increase bleeding during the tattoo process, which can make tattooing more challenging. If you're unsure whether a medication could affect your appointment, it's always best to speak with your doctor before your session.
Managing Expectations Around Discomfort
Let's be honest. A tattoo is going to hurt. It's completely normal to experience some level of discomfort, and it's something everyone should expect when getting tattooed.
That said, the experience is different for every person. Pain tolerance varies, and factors such as the placement of the tattoo, its size, and the length of the session can all influence how it feels. If it's your first tattoo, you won't have a frame of reference yet, so it's important not to overestimate or underestimate what the experience might be.
If discomfort is something you're concerned about, bring it up with your artist during your consultation or before your appointment. There's no stigma or taboo around asking about pain. In fact, we encourage it. We can talk you through what to expect for your specific tattoo, explain why certain areas tend to be more sensitive than others, and answer any questions you have before the day arrives.
Having an open conversation beforehand means you'll arrive knowing what to expect, rather than worrying about the unknown.
Plan Your Journey
Take a few minutes the night before to plan how you'll get to the studio. Whether you're driving, catching public transport, or getting dropped off, knowing your route ahead of time helps make the day much less stressful.
If you're driving, it's also worth checking parking options before you leave. Arriving a few minutes early is always better than feeling rushed because you couldn't find a park.
The Night Before Your Tattoo
The night before your appointment can be exciting, especially if you've been looking forward to it for a while. As tempting as it is to stay up thinking about your new tattoo, try to get a good night's sleep. You'll feel much better throughout your session if you're well rested.
Confirm Your Appointment
Double-check your appointment time, make sure you know how to get to the studio, and allow yourself plenty of time to arrive without feeling rushed.
It's also a good time to make sure you've packed everything you'll want to bring the next day.
Avoid Alcohol
Try to avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol the night before your appointment. Arriving well rested and feeling fresh will make your session far more enjoyable.
If you're taking any prescribed medications or have questions about how they might affect your appointment, it's always best to discuss them with your doctor beforehand and let your artist know.
Hair Removal
If the area being tattooed has a lot of hair, it can be helpful to carefully trim or shave it the night before your appointment. This saves a little time on the day and allows your artist to do a quick final touch-up before getting started.
If you're not confident shaving the area yourself, or it's somewhere difficult to reach, don't worry. We're more than happy to take care of it at the studio. The most important thing is to avoid any nicks, cuts, or razor burn before your appointment, as damaged skin can make tattooing more difficult.
The Morning of Your Tattoo
Have a Shower
Starting your day with a shower is never a bad idea, unless you somehow manage to slip over. Knock on wood.
Fresh, clean skin is always appreciated, particularly if you're in for a longer session.
Eat a Proper Meal
If you're getting tattooed, don't skip breakfast or lunch. We usually recommend having a generous meal before your appointment, especially if you're booked in for a longer session or starting later in the day.
Getting tattooed can be surprisingly physically demanding. Your body is working hard throughout the session and will immediately begin the healing process afterwards, so having a good meal beforehand can help keep your energy levels up and reduce the chances of feeling lightheaded or unwell during your appointment.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Choose clothing that gives your artist easy access to the area being tattooed. Soft, loose-fitting clothing is ideal, and darker colours are often a good choice since there's always a chance they could pick up a little ink during your appointment.
It's also worth wearing something you're not too precious about, just in case.
Bring Food and Snacks
If you're booked in for a full-day session, pack a few snacks and a drink to help keep your energy levels up throughout the day. Sharing is entirely optional, but always appreciated.
Taking a break for a meal is usually a good idea. We do however recommend keeping breaks brief as maintaining momentum often makes the day feel smoother for both you and your artist.
There are plenty of great cafés and restaurants around our studio on Swan Street if you'd rather grab something nearby. You're also more than welcome to bring your own food. We have a fridge and microwave in our pantry that you're welcome to use if you'd prefer a quick meal without leaving the studio.
Prepare Your Payment
Before heading to the studio, it's a good idea to have your payment organised ahead of time.
We prefer payment by cash where possible. Having it organised beforehand saves a last-minute trip to the ATM when all you'll probably want to do is admire your new tattoo and head home.
If you have any questions about pricing, deposits, or payment methods before your appointment, feel free to get in touch with your artist.
Arrive On Time
Aim to arrive on time for your appointment. This gives you a chance to settle in, go through any final questions, and start your session without feeling rushed.
If you're running late for any reason, just let us know as soon as you can.
You're Ready
If you've made it this far, you're about as prepared as you can be.
From here, it's our turn.
Our job is to make your tattoo experience as enjoyable as the tattoo itself. Whether you're here for a small one-shot piece or settling in for a full-day session, we'll guide you through every step, answer any questions, and make sure you're looked after from start to finish.
We genuinely love what we do. Every tattoo is different, every client has their own story, and it's a privilege to be trusted with something you'll wear for life.