Before Booking a Session

• Choose the right time and date.
• Do not book a session before important events involving water exposure, sun exposure, or physical activity (beach vacation, sports competitions, etc.).
• It’s best to choose a day when you can rest after the session.
• Prepare your skin in advance—moisturize it for a week before the session, as dry skin absorbs ink poorly, which may affect healing.
• Avoid tanning—sunburned or tanned skin can be problematic since damaged upper layers do not hold pigment well.
• Avoid tanning beds at least 5–7 days before the procedure.
• Drink more water—hydrated skin is less prone to trauma.

The Day Before the Session

Rest and Body Care

• Get enough rest—fatigue makes pain harder to tolerate and slows recovery.
• Take a shower and thoroughly clean the area where the tattoo will be placed (but do not shave; your artist will do it).
• Avoid using lotions and oils on the day before the session—your skin should be clean and free of any greasy layer.
• Avoid alcohol and energy drinks—they increase blood pressure and may make the process more painful.
• Avoid aspirin and other blood-thinning medications.

On the Day of the Session

Starting Your Day Right

• Have a solid breakfast—pain is felt more intensely on an empty stomach, and long sessions may cause dizziness.
• Bring a snack and water, especially if the session is long.
• Wear or bring comfortable clothing that can be easily lifted or removed to allow the artist access to the tattoo area.
• Wear dark, non-new clothes—ink may stain them accidentally.
• Avoid tight elastic bands—wear clothes that do not press on the tattooed area.

What to Bring

• A valid ID (to confirm you are of legal age).
• Headphones or music to help you relax during the session.
• Chewing gum or candy to help distract from the pain.

Tattoo Aftercare

• Do not touch it with dirty hands.
• Follow all aftercare instructions given by your artist (washing, applying creams, etc.).
• Avoid water and sun exposure in the first few days.
• Do not pick scabs or scratch—it may damage the tattoo.