Preparing For Your Tattoo
A lot of people focus on the aftercare portion of getting tattooed, and while that’s very important, there are a few things you can do beforehand that will make the appointment easier and potentially more comfortable.
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Leading up to the appointment:
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Use sunscreen
​Exposing your skin to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds causes damage making it tougher to tattoo. In the grand scheme of things, it’s pretty minimal. Applying sunscreen or avoiding sun exposure/tanning on the area you want to get tattooed is a great way to keep the skin healthy and easier to tattoo. We recommend doing this for 4 weeks leading up to your appointment if possible. We cannot tattoo on sun-burnt skin and sometimes even 2 weeks after having a sunburn can make getting a tattoo more difficult for me, and potentially more painful for you.
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The day before your appointment:
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Drink plenty of water
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Don’t drink excessive amounts of alcohol
Being hungover for a tattoo is definitely not fun, but it actually has a similar affect to getting tattooed while drunk. Alcohol dehydrates the body and thins the blood and can potentially cause more pain while getting tattooed as well as the tattoo not healing properly and/or fading because the skin is unhealthy.
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Get plenty of sleep
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The day of your appointment:
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Eat a decent meal, but don’t eat too much
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Drink plenty of water
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Arrive on time
We are usually in the shop setting up prior to our appointment time and am ready for you when you come in. There is no need to come in early unless we contact you to do so. If you’re going to be late, that’s fine too, just give me a heads up if you can.
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Shave the area you want tattooed (if you can)
It’s not necessary, but it helps. 🙂
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Wear comfortable clothes that you won’t mind getting stained
While we try to be as careful as possible, ink spatter is always a hazard and will stain clothing.
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Wear easy-access clothes
We need to be able to access the area you want tattooed with ease and without making you feel uncomfortable.
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Things you can bring if you want...
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Sweaters/blankets/socks-
A lot of people get cold while getting tattooed so having the option to bundle up is always nice
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Cell phone, tablet, chargers, headphones, and/or other accessories
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Books
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Food and drink
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Feel free to bring lunch
We have a fridge, microwave, and toaster oven), snacks (granola bars, candy, chips, jerky, etc.), a bottle of water or other drink of choice. There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance so there are more options. Please note that food cannot be consumed in the tattoo rooms.
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Friends
Please no more than 2 (14 years of age or older)