Tattoo Basics — Beginner Guide
How to Prepare for your Tattoo Appointment
Getting your first — or fiftieth — tattoo is an exciting milestone. But walking in unprepared can turn a great experience into a stressful one. This guide covers everything you need to do before your tattoo appointment: what to eat, how to prepare your skin, what to bring, and how to make sure your artist has everything they need to create the best possible result.
Eat a Proper Meal & Stay Hydrated
One of the most important things you can do before a tattoo appointment is eat a full meal 1–2 hours beforehand. Tattooing is a physical process — your body experiences mild stress, and low blood sugar can cause dizziness, nausea, or even fainting, especially during longer sessions.
Aim for a balanced meal rich in protein and complex carbohydrates — think eggs on toast, a chicken wrap, porridge, or a substantial salad. Avoid heavy, greasy foods right before your appointment, as they can make you feel sluggish.
Hydration is equally important
Well-hydrated skin accepts ink more evenly and is more resilient during the tattooing process. Drink plenty of water in the 24–48 hours before your session, not just on the morning of.
Pro Tip
Bring a snack and drinks for longer sessions — nuts, a cereal bar, or fruit are ideal. Your artist will usually be happy for you to eat during breaks.
Prepare Your Skin in the Days Before
The condition of your skin directly affects how well a tattoo heals and how cleanly the ink sits. Healthy, moisturised skin makes your artist's job easier and your healing smoother.
Moisturise daily (but not on the day)
Start applying an unscented moisturiser to the area being tattooed 1–2 weeks before your appointment. This keeps the skin soft and pliable. On the day itself, do not apply lotion — it can interfere with the stencil and make the skin slippery.
Avoid sunburn
Tattooing over sunburned or peeling skin is a no-go, and your artist will most likely refuse to work on damaged skin. Keep the area out of direct sun in the week before your appointment, and use sunscreen if necessary.
Do not shave the area yourself
Your artist will shave the area as part of their preparation process. Shaving at home risks razor burn or small cuts that can complicate the session.
Note: If you have a skin condition such as eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis in or near the area being tattooed, speak to your artist in advance. They may ask you to consult a GP before proceeding.
What to Avoid Before Your Appointment
Several things can negatively affect your tattoo session or the final result. Here's what to steer clear of:
| Things to Avoid | Why | How Long Before |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Thins the blood, causes excess bleeding, affects ink retention | At least 24 hrs |
| Blood thinners (aspirin, etc.) | Increases bleeding during tattooing | Check with your GP |
| Heavy exercise | Inflames skin and increases sensitivity | Day of & day after |
| Sunbathing or tanning beds | Burns or tans the skin unevenly, affecting the ink colour | 1–2 weeks before |
| Skipping meals | Causes low blood sugar, risk of fainting | Day of appointment |
| Caffeine overload | Can increase anxiety and skin sensitivity | Morning of |
Finalise Your Design & Placement
Before your appointment, make sure you have had a clear conversation with your artist about the design, size, and placement of your tattoo. Coming in with changes or indecision on the day delays the session and can frustrate both you and your artist.
Gather reference images — photos, sketches, screenshots — and send them ahead of your appointment if possible. A good reference isn't about copying something exactly; it helps your artist understand your style preferences, line weight, and level of detail.
Confirm the design before your appointment day
If your artist provides a digital mock-up or stencil preview, review it carefully. It is much easier to make changes before the session than after the ink is in your skin.
Worth Knowing
Trust your artist's professional guidance on sizing and placement. A piece that's too small may lose detail over time. Your artist sees tattooed skin every day — their input is valuable.
What to Wear to Your Tattoo Appointment
Clothing choice matters more than most people expect. The golden rules are: comfort, easy access, and dark colours.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that won't restrict movement or rub against the tattoo area.
- Choose clothing that gives easy access to the area being tattooed without having to fully undress. For a thigh tattoo, shorts are ideal. For a shoulder or back piece, a vest top, loose-strapped top, hoodie or robe on backwards works well.
- Wear dark-coloured fabrics— stencil transfer, ink, and aftercare products can stain light clothing permanently.
- Avoid tight waistbands, bra straps, or collars that sit directly over the tattoo area.
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What to Bring With You
Being well-prepared on the day keeps things running smoothly. Here's a practical checklist of what to bring:
- Photo ID— required by most reputable studios.
- Payment— confirm beforehand whether your studio takes cards, cash, or both. Bring a tip if you wish to leave one for your artist.
- A snack and water bottle— especially for sessions lasting over an hour.
- Headphones or entertainment— something to keep you relaxed and distracted during longer sessions.
- A light layer or blanket— studios can be cool, and many clients get cold during longer sessions.
- Your reference images— even if you've already sent them, having them on your phone for the artist to reference is helpful.
- A positive attitude— seriously. Arriving calm, fed, and prepared makes a huge difference to both the experience and the result.
Mental & Physical Preparation
Anxiety before a tattoo appointment is completely normal — even for people who already have multiple tattoos. Managing that anxiety makes a real difference to how you experience the session.
Get a good night's sleep
A well-rested body and mind cope better with the discomfort of tattooing. Aim for 7–8 hours the night before your appointment.
Breathe through discomfort
Slow, deep breathing is one of the most effective ways to manage pain during a tattoo. Inhale through the nose for four counts, hold briefly, and exhale slowly. Many experienced clients practise this ahead of time.
Communicate openly with your artist
Your artist wants you to have a good experience. If you need a break, feel dizzy, or are uncomfortable, tell them. A good artist will always pause and support you.
Get Your Aftercare Supplies Ready in Advance
Many clients leave their appointment and then scramble to find aftercare products — don't do this. Having supplies ready at home before your session means you can start proper aftercare immediately.
The essentials you'll typically need:
- Unscented, gentle soap(fragrance-free, non-antibacterial) for washing the tattoo.
- Tattoo-specific aftercare balm or unscented moisturiser— your artist will recommend their preferred product. We recommend Cocoa Butter.
- Loose, clean clothing to wear over the fresh tattoo that evening.
- Clean bedding— freshly laundered sheets reduce the risk of irritation and infection overnight.
Remember
Your artist will give you full aftercare instructions at the end of your session. Always follow their specific guidance over generic internet advice — different styles and skin types may call for slightly different routines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I eat before a tattoo appointment?
Eat a full, balanced meal 1–2 hours before your session — something rich in protein and complex carbohydrates like eggs on toast, a chicken wrap, or porridge. This stabilises your blood sugar and significantly reduces the risk of feeling faint during longer sessions.
How should I prepare my skin for a tattoo?
Moisturise the area daily for 1–2 weeks beforehand, protect it from sunburn, and avoid shaving it yourself. Arrive on the day with clean, lotion-free skin — your artist will handle any shaving required.
Can I drink alcohol before getting a tattoo?
No. Alcohol thins the blood, which causes excess bleeding during the session and can prevent ink from settling properly in the skin. Avoid excessive alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment. Many studios reserve the right to turn away clients who appear to have been drinking.
What should I wear to my tattoo appointment?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing in dark colours that gives easy access to the area being tattooed. Stencil transfer and ink can permanently stain light-coloured fabrics.
Should I shave before my tattoo appointment?
No — leave this to your artist. Shaving at home risks razor burn or small cuts, which can complicate the session. Your artist will prepare the skin safely as part of their standard process.
How long does a tattoo appointment take?
It depends entirely on the size, style, and complexity of the design. A small, simple tattoo might take 15–60 minutes, while larger pieces can run several hours or require multiple sessions. Your artist should be able to give you an estimate when booking.
Is it normal to feel nervous before a tattoo?
Completely normal, even for people with existing tattoos. Getting enough sleep, eating beforehand, and practising slow, deep breathing all help. Communicating openly with your artist makes a significant difference, too — they want the experience to be positive for you.
Your Complete Tattoo Preparation Checklist
Print this out or screenshot it before your appointment day:
- Moisturise the area daily for 1–2 weeks before the appointment
- Stay hydrated — drink plenty of water in the 24–48 hrs before
- Eat a full, balanced meal 1–2 hours before your session
- Avoid excessive alcohol for at least 24 hours before
- Avoid blood-thinning medications where possible (check with your GP)
- Get 7–8 hours of sleep the night before
- Confirm your design, placement, and any last-minute questions with your artist
- Wear loose, comfortable dark clothing that gives easy access to the area
- Don't apply lotion on the morning of your appointment
- Bring ID, payment, snacks, water, headphones, and a warm layer
- Have aftercare supplies waiting at home (gentle soap, balm, clean bedding)
- Arrive on time, calm, and ready to enjoy the experience
Ready to Book Your Appointment?
Now that you know exactly how to prepare, the next step is to choose your artist and lock in your date. Get in touch with our studio — we'd love to hear about your ideas.
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