What to Do Before a Tattoo
Short answer: Before a tattoo you should rest well, eat beforehand, avoid alcohol and stimulants, wear comfortable clothes that suit the placement, protect your skin from sunburn and irritation, and tell the artist about your health. This prep helps you manage the pain and makes healing easier.
How you prepare for appointment day affects both the experience and the result. This checklist sums up what to do from the days before your appointment right up to the moment it starts.
Note: For questions about your health, talk to your doctor. Your artist's specific instructions come first.
In the days before your appointment
1. Finalize the design
- Lock in the design, size and placement with the artist ahead of time.
- Don't make big changes at the last minute.
- Give the artist time to get the stencil approved.
2. Get your skin ready
- Avoid sunburn: Skin that is burned, peeling or irritated can't be tattooed.
- Moisturize: Well-moisturized skin makes the work easier.
- Don't irritate the area: Avoid exfoliation, harsh products and skin treatments before your appointment.
- Shaving: The artist usually shaves the area at the studio; avoid shaving at home and causing irritation. Ask your artist.
3. Consider your health
- If you're sick, have a fever or the flu, reschedule.
- It may be better not to book an appointment shortly after a vaccination; ask your doctor.
- Tell the artist about blood thinners, chronic illnesses, allergies and skin conditions.
4. Avoid alcohol and stimulants
- Alcohol: Avoiding alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment is generally recommended; it can increase bleeding.
- Caffeine and energy drinks: Don't overdo them; they can make you more tense and raise your heart rate.
- Drugs and similar substances: Stay away from them completely.
5. Medications
Talk to your artist and your doctor about taking painkillers and blood thinners. Some medications (aspirin, for example) can increase bleeding, but don't stop or start any medication on your own. Consult a healthcare professional.
Appointment day
1. Come well rested
Getting enough sleep the night before makes pain easier to manage.
2. Eat beforehand
If your blood sugar drops, you may feel dizzy or faint. Eat a balanced meal before your appointment. Bring a snack and water too.
3. Wear the right clothes
- Choose comfortable clothes that give easy access to the area.
- For a rib tattoo, discuss your choice of top and underwear with the artist.
- For a leg tattoo, shorts or loose pants.
- For an arm tattoo, short sleeves or clothes you can easily roll up.
- Also bring loose clothing to cover the tattoo and reduce friction while it heals.
4. What to bring
- ID
- Water and a small snack
- Your phone and charger (for long sessions)
- Headphones
- References to show the artist
5. Arrive on time
If you're late, your appointment gets shortened or canceled. Allow for travel time to the studio.
First steps at the studio
- You fill out the artist's form and consent; write down your health and allergy information honestly.
- You check the stencil (the drawing template) together: position, size and angle.
- Once you approve it, the tattooing begins.
- Don't hesitate to tell the artist about pain or discomfort.
What not to do before a tattoo
- Drinking alcohol or taking drugs
- Showing up hungry or sleep-deprived
- Getting tattooed on sunburned or irritated skin
- Going to your appointment while sick
- Hiding health information
- Changing the design at the last minute
- Wearing clothes that are too tight or unsuitable
Managing pain
For more on tattoo pain, read Do Tattoos Hurt?.
Your aftercare plan
Learn the aftercare instructions and get your products ready before your appointment. Tattoo Aftercare Plan ahead for afterward: adjust any sports, beach or pool plans around the healing process.
Choosing an artist
Preparation starts with a good artist. In the TattooVerseCo Artists section you can look through portfolios and reviews and ask artists questions about preparing.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drink alcohol before a tattoo?
Avoiding alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment is generally recommended; it can increase bleeding.
Can you take painkillers before a tattoo?
Talk to your artist and your doctor about medication. Some medications can increase bleeding.
Should I eat before a tattoo?
Yes; eating beforehand lowers the risk of dizziness and fainting.
Should I shave before a tattoo?
Ask your artist. Most artists prep the area at the studio.
Can you use numbing cream before a tattoo?
Some people do, but not every artist accepts it, and it can cause skin reactions. Ask your artist before using it.
Come prepared, get tattooed comfortably. Find the right name for you in the TattooVerseCo Artists section.