Getting Your First Tattoo? What to Do Before Your Appointment

Booking a tattoo can be exciting, but choosing the artwork is only one part of the process.

What you do before your appointment can also affect how comfortable you feel on the day and how straightforward the experience is.

Good preparation doesn’t need to involve a complicated routine.

Giving yourself enough time to choose the right studio, looking after your skin, eating properly and understanding what to expect can make a significant difference.

Here are some of the most important things to think about before heading to the tattoo studio.

Give Your Tattoo Idea Time to Develop

A tattoo doesn’t have to carry a deep meaning, but it should be something you’re comfortable having on your body for the long term.

Instead of settling on the first image you see, spend some time considering the overall style you want.

Think about whether you prefer fine lines, bold traditional artwork, realism, lettering, geometric designs or something completely custom.

Placement matters too. A design that looks great on paper may need to be adapted to work with the shape and movement of a particular part of the body.

Bring references to your consultation, but allow your tattoo artist some creative freedom. An experienced artist can take the elements you like and turn them into a design that works effectively as a tattoo.

Choose an Artist for Their Style, Not Just Convenience

Finding a reputable tattoo artist is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Start by looking through artists’ recent work.

Pay particular attention to healed tattoos where these are available, as they can give you an idea of how an artist’s work looks after the initial healing period.

You should also consider whether the artist regularly works in the style you’re requesting.

Someone who produces excellent traditional tattoos won’t necessarily be the best choice for a highly detailed portrait, and vice versa.

The studio itself should feel professional and hygienic.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about hygiene procedures, equipment or anything else that makes you uncertain.

You should feel comfortable communicating with your artist.

A consultation is an excellent opportunity to discuss your design, placement, approximate size, expected appointment length, pricing and any concerns you have.

Look After the Area Being Tattooed

Healthy skin provides a better starting point for a tattoo than skin that is irritated, damaged or sunburned.

In the period leading up to your appointment, keep your normal skincare routine relatively simple.

Moisturising regularly can help prevent excessively dry or flaky skin, particularly on areas such as the arms and legs.

Make Your Schedule Tattoo-Friendly

Think about what you have planned immediately after your tattoo appointment.

Fresh tattoos need time and appropriate care, so a packed schedule can make the first few days unnecessarily awkward.

If possible, avoid arranging activities that could expose the new tattoo to excessive sweating, friction, dirt or prolonged sunlight.

Swimming and other activities that involve soaking the area will also usually need to wait while the tattoo begins to heal.

Planning ahead can be particularly useful when getting a larger piece or a tattoo in an area that regularly rubs against clothing.

Giving yourself a quieter day or two afterwards can make following your artist’s aftercare instructions much easier.

Before leaving the studio, make sure you understand any restrictions your artist recommends and roughly how long you’ll need to follow them.

Eat Before You Go

A tattoo appointment isn’t something you want to attend on an empty stomach, particularly if you’re booked in for several hours.

Have a normal, substantial meal beforehand. A combination of carbohydrates, protein and other nutritious foods can help you avoid becoming hungry halfway through the session.

For a longer appointment, consider taking a drink and a small snack with you, provided the studio allows food in an appropriate area.

There’s no need for an unusual “tattoo diet.” Eating normally and taking care of yourself is more useful than making dramatic dietary changes immediately before your appointment.

Keep Yourself Hydrated

Drink plenty of water in the period leading up to your tattoo.

You don’t need to consume excessive amounts immediately before the appointment. Instead, aim to remain normally hydrated throughout the preceding days and on the day itself.

It’s a small piece of preparation that’s particularly worthwhile if you’re expecting a long session.

Avoid Alcohol Before Getting Tattooed

A night of heavy drinking before a tattoo appointment is a bad combination.

Drinking heavily before your appointment may leave you feeling less prepared for a long tattoo session, so it’s best to avoid alcohol beforehand.

Many reputable studios therefore advise clients not to drink alcohol before their appointments.

Decide How You’ll Manage Discomfort

Different areas of the body can feel very different when tattooed, and people’s tolerance varies considerably.

Some clients consider using a Tattoo Numbing Cream, particularly for longer sessions or sensitive areas.

Dress for the Tattoo You’re Getting

Your clothing can make an appointment considerably easier.

Choose loose, comfortable clothes that provide easy access to the part of the body being tattooed.

For example, shorts may be useful for a thigh tattoo, while a loose or sleeveless top could be more practical for work around the shoulder or upper arm.

It’s also sensible to wear something you wouldn’t be devastated to accidentally stain.

Tattoo sessions involve ink and other liquids, so your favourite white outfit probably isn’t the best choice.

For a long appointment, prioritise comfort over fashion.

Get a Proper Night’s Sleep

Turning up exhausted can make an already demanding appointment feel much longer.

Try to get a normal night’s sleep beforehand and avoid scheduling a major tattoo session at a time when you already know you’ll be particularly tired or stressed.

If you’re nervous, remember that you can talk to your artist.

Professional tattooists regularly work with first-time clients and should be able to explain what will happen before they begin.

Plan for the Healing Period Beforehand

Tattoo preparation shouldn’t end when the artist puts down the machine. Before your appointment, consider what you’ll need during the first stages of healing.

Your artist should provide specific aftercare instructions, and those instructions should take priority over random advice you find online.

You may be advised to use an appropriate tattoo aftercare product or tattoo care balm, depending on your artist’s preferred aftercare method.

It can be convenient to have whatever you need at home before your appointment so you don’t have to go shopping immediately afterwards.

You should also consider your plans for the following days.

Activities involving swimming, heavy sun exposure or significant rubbing against the tattoo may not be appropriate while the area is healing.

What to Take to a Longer Tattoo Session

For a substantial appointment, a little preparation can make several hours in the chair much easier.

Consider bringing water, an approved snack, headphones and something to keep yourself entertained.

Make sure your phone is charged, especially if you’ll be using it for music, podcasts or films.

Ask the studio beforehand if you’re uncertain about what you’re permitted to bring.

Most importantly, don’t feel pressured to sit silently through significant discomfort. If you need a short break, tell your artist.

A Better Tattoo Experience Starts Before the Needle

The best preparation is mostly common sense: choose an artist you trust, arrive rested and fed, keep yourself hydrated and take good care of your skin.

Use your consultation to ask questions rather than relying on assumptions.

If you’re considering products such as numbing cream for tattoos, discuss them with the person actually doing your tattoo so you know what they recommend.

Once you’ve done the preparation, you can spend less time worrying about the appointment and more time looking forward to seeing the finished piece.