Tattoo Pre-care Guide

Proper preparation = better healing, better ink retention, and less chance of rescheduling. Here’s how to get your body (and skin) ready for your tattoo appointment.

1. Eat Before You Come

Tattooing burns energy — especially during longer sessions.

Eat a solid meal 1–3 hours before your appointment
For small tattoos, a healthy snack is fine
Protein helps stabilize blood sugar and supports healing
Avoid coming in hungry or fasted

2. Stay Hydrated + Bring Snacks

Hydration helps your skin stay plump and less reactive.

Drink water the day before and the day of your appointment
Bring water or juice and a snack (granola bar, fruit, etc.) — especially for sessions over 30 mins
Candy helps if you feel faint or jittery mid-appointment

3. Avoid Alcohol + Excess Caffeine

No alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment
Avoid being hungover — it increases pain and bleeding
Skip strong coffee or energy drinks the day of
Both alcohol and caffeine thin your blood and make the skin more sensitive

4. No Sunburns

I can’t tattoo over sunburned, peeling, or freshly tanned skin.

Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 3–5 days before your appointment
If you’re sunburned on the tattoo area, you’ll have to reschedule

5. Don’t Shave the Area

I’ll shave the tattoo area when you arrive using a sterile razor.

Shaving yourself can cause irritation, razor burn, or ingrown hairs
Any skin damage in the area = possible rescheduling
If you're very hairy and feel more comfortable shaving yourself, message me first for guidance

6. Planning to Use Numbing Cream?

I recommend Zensa for fine line tattoos
Apply it 1 hour before your appointment and cover with plastic wrap
Or let me know ahead of time so we can add extra time for application

Not all tattoos need numbing — most fine line designs are quick and tolerable.

7. Menstrual Cycle Sensitivity

If you’re on your period, you can still get tattooed — but be aware:

You may feel more sensitive than usual
Consider rescheduling if you know you're highly affected by hormonal changes

Extra Tips

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the tattoo area
Don’t schedule a workout, spray tan, or facial the same day
If you feel sick or have a breakout in the tattoo area — reschedule

Next Step:

→ Check out the Tattoo Healing & Aftercare Guide so you’re ready for what happens after the session.

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