How to prepare for a tattoo session: step by step

Good preparation is half the success. If you arrive tired, hungry or with a fresh tan, the result and how you handle the session both suffer. Here's what to do.

One week before

• Don't tan the tattoo area — no sun, no tanning bed
• Avoid aggressive scrubs and peels on the area
• Start moisturising daily — well-hydrated dermis takes pigment better
• Make sure there are no irritations, rashes or cuts in the tattoo zone

The day before

• Skip alcohol — it thins the blood and slows healing
• Minimise coffee and energy drinks
• Sleep well — it genuinely affects pain tolerance
• Don't take aspirin or ibuprofen (blood thinners)

Day of the session

• Eat 1–2 hours before — a full stomach keeps blood sugar steady and helps you get through the session
• Take a shower without applying creams to the tattoo area
• Wear comfortable clothes that reveal — or easily allow access to — the needed area
• Bring water and a small snack for long sessions
• Charge your phone — being able to zone out to the screen helps :)

What to bring?

• An ID document (for a first visit)
• Cash or card for payment (pricing questions — here)
• Snack and water (for sessions of 2 hours or more)
• Headphones, if you plan to listen to music

Worried about pain? It's normal — read the ranking of sensitive zones. On health, allergies and contraindications — separate article. Right after the session, aftercare is critical. If it's your first tattoo — read that one too.