Ready, Set, Tattoo

Diet

It is advised to consume food rich in vitamins, in particular vitamin C as this helps stimulate collagen and elastin which help to heal the skin.

Having nutritious food before getting a tattoo done can ensure you have the right amount of energy needed and will keep blood sugar levels stable.

Bring healthy snacks with you in case you get hungry. For longer tattoo sessions we factor in breaks to avoid the client and artist getting weary and light headed.

If you can, avoid dairy products, sweets, and processed meals. These tend to slow down the body’s healing process.

Stay hydrated

It is extremely important to drink enough water when having a tattoo. While you are being tattooed and the tattoo is healing, your body needs hydration. Staying hydrated also helps with the healing process. Drink plenty of water before, during and after the tattoo session. 

Comfortable clothing

You may be in a fixed posture for a long period throughout your tattoo session. This is why we advise you to dress in loose, comfortable clothing. It is good to wear anything that will reveal the area of your body that will be tattooed. Furthermore, make sure that your clothing is clean. Dirty clothes should be avoided since your fresh tattoo is prone to bacterial invasion. Bring an extra jacket or cover-up as it can get cold in the studio.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine

It is advisable to avoid alcohol and caffeine 24 to 48 hours before your tattoo session. Caffeine and alcohol thin your blood, making the tattoo process more painful. You may bleed more as a result and the tattoo may not heal as well as it should. Arriving to your appointment hungover or caffeinated may heighten the discomfort and cause irritability during the session.

Meditate

This is optional, but if you are nervous about getting a tattoo, you could try meditating. It may help you calm your anxieties and feel It could be a simple exercise of deep breathing or closing. Stretching during your break times within the session could help too. You have to be still and remain in the same position for an extended time. As a result, stretching before beginning the session is advised. You may feel more relaxed and comfortable after this.

Good night’s sleep

If you can, maintain a regular sleep routine for a week before and after your tattoo session. This will also help your tattoo heal faster. The body needs rest to heal.

The day before your tattoo, aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep.

Skin health

Ensure that you have showered before your tattoo appointment and, if you want to get the best out of the tattoo appointment, remove dead skin cells by exfoliating a few days in advance.

If you suffer with clammy skin, excessive sweating or have a skin disorder please let the artist know before they begin. We can apply stencil cream if needed; this will ensure the stencil ink stays in place for longer.