Preparing for Your Tattoo
How to Set Yourself Up for the Best Healing and Results
Getting a tattoo is more than just showing up to your appointment. It's a collaboration between your artist's craft and your body's readiness to receive and heal the work. The days leading up to your tattoo are just as important as the aftercare that follows—especially if you're investing in something custom, meaningful, and built to last.
Here’s how to prepare for your upcoming tattoo so your skin heals beautifully and your tattoo stays crisp and vibrant for years to come.
✦ One Week Before:
Nourish, Rest, and Hydrate
Your skin is the canvas. When it’s healthy, well-hydrated, and calm, the ink takes better and heals cleaner.
Hydrate daily. Aim for plenty of water in the week leading up to your tattoo. Well-hydrated skin bleeds less and heals faster.
Avoid alcohol, smoking, and heavy sun exposure. These can thin your blood or stress your skin, making the tattoo process harder on your body.
Moisturize your skin. Keep the area lightly moisturized daily (avoid heavily scented lotions). If your skin is cracked, flaky, or dry, it won’t take ink as well.
Get quality rest. Your body heals best when you’re rested and relaxed, both before and after your session.
✦ The Day Before:
Calm Preparation
This is the time to ground yourself, gather anything you’ll need, and set your body up to be calm and nourished.
Eat nourishing food. Focus on whole foods with protein and healthy fats to support your immune system and stamina.
Avoid blood thinners. Unless otherwise advised by a doctor, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, or alcohol the day before your appointment—they can increase bleeding.
Charge your headphones, pack snacks, and wear comfortable clothes. Especially for longer sessions, little comforts go a long way.
Shave the area only if requested. I’ll take care of shaving at the studio unless otherwise specified—don’t risk cutting yourself.
✦ The Day Of:
Show Up Steady and Ready
Your body is about to go through a controlled form of trauma—so the goal is to show up with stable blood sugar, a regulated nervous system, and calm energy.
Eat a full, nourishing meal beforehand. Low blood sugar can lead to dizziness, nausea, and a tougher experience.
Wear soft, loose-fitting clothing that gives me access to the area while keeping you warm and covered where possible.
Avoid caffeine if you’re anxious. If you’re sensitive to stimulants, coffee can amplify nervousness and make it harder to sit still.
Bring water, a snack, and headphones. These little things can help ground you during longer sessions.
Trust the Process…
And Your Artist
Once you're in the chair, let go of the need to control or overthink. You've chosen your artist for a reason. Trust the flow, communicate your needs (whether it's breaks, repositioning, or comfort), and remember: healing starts the moment we begin.
Final Thoughts
Preparation is an act of self-respect. It honors both your body and the art you’re about to carry. When you come into your session grounded, nourished, and present, you’re not only setting yourself up for the best possible results—you’re also creating a more connected, sacred, and intentional tattoo experience.
If you ever have questions or need clarity before your appointment, reach out. I’m here to help guide you every step of the way.