How to prepare for a tattoo?

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    Is this your first tattoo? We know the emotions and doubts you're feeling. Don't worry, in this case, the saying "fear has big eyes" is perfectly true. If you choose a good studio and a decent tattoo artist, you have nothing to fear. However, it's worth taking care of proper preparation for your tattoo. For some tips, check out our article.

    Do not drink alcohol 24 hours before the session

    Once you have your tattooing day scheduled, remember to abstain from alcohol for at least 24 hours. Yes, even a small beer. Alcohol thins the blood, which can lead to increased bleeding during the session and make the tattoo artist's job more difficult. Also, don't plan any partying before the session itself – being "hungover" will make you feel bad, which, combined with the stress of tattooing, can lead to very unpleasant consequences, both for you and the tattoo artist.

    Remember:

    Every professional tattoo artist will refuse to give you a tattoo if they realize you are under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

    Get enough sleep and eat a light meal

    It's best to schedule the session on a day when you don't have to go to work or university. Get a good night's sleep and come to the studio with a positive attitude. A rested body will better tolerate the tattooing process, which – let's face it – is invasive to some extent. It's very important not to come to the studio "on an empty stomach." Eat a proper but light meal. A rumbling stomach is irritating, which can make you impatient, rush the tattoo artist, or be less willing to cooperate, spoiling the atmosphere and potentially affecting the quality of the design.

    Consult the design with the tattoo artist

    Actually, we should have started with this, as it is a crucial stage of tattoo preparation. Before you finally sit in the studio chair, talk to the tattoo artist and together choose the right design. It doesn't have to be a small one at all – if you dream of, for example, a full sleeve, go for it, but discuss it with the tattoo artist, who will determine the time required to complete the design.

    The choice of tattoo placement is also important. If you are extremely afraid of pain, for your first time, do not choose highly innervated areas of the body, such as the ankles, elbows, knees, ribs, or neck.

    Take care of your skin

    Tattooing is nothing more than breaking the skin barrier – technically speaking, the tattoo artist will be hurting you. Therefore, it is worth preparing the skin for the procedure, and hydration is key here. About 4-5 days before your studio visit, start applying a good moisturizing product, such as a cream or lotion based on natural oils (they don't have to be tattoo creams, although these indeed have excellent moisturizing properties – similar to, for example, Tattoo Eazer Butter).

    Do I need to shave my skin before getting a tattoo?

    Opinions are divided, and it really depends on your tattoo artist's preferences. Consult them and ask if you should shave your skin the day before the session, or if the tattoo artist will do it themselves. It is usually recommended to shave the skin in particularly sensitive areas beforehand to avoid additional irritation on the day of the session.

    Bring water

    In a professional studio, there will certainly be no shortage of water, but to be sure, it's best to bring a bottle of clean, still water with you. During tattooing, stay hydrated from the inside. Drinking water can also have a relaxing effect on you and help avoid an unpleasant dry mouth, which is a symptom of stress.

    Should I take painkillers before getting a tattoo?

    This is not necessary, and may even be inadvisable. Taking aspirin, which thins the blood, is especially ruled out. If you are afraid of pain, be sure to ask your tattoo artist about tattoo numbing cream – a professional will certainly have an appropriate product on hand and will use it to improve your comfort during the procedure. You already know how to prepare for a tattoo, but do you know how to care for a fresh tattoo? We discuss this important topic in more detail in a separate article on the Ars Tattoo blog.

    Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

    Can you drink alcohol before a tattoo?

    No, it is not recommended. Abstain from alcohol for at least 24 hours before the procedure to avoid blood thinning and increased bleeding during the procedure. Also, do not come for a tattoo after consuming alcohol.

    Can you eat before a tattoo?

    Yes, it is even recommended. Getting tattooed on an empty stomach can not only increase the risk of fainting but also lead to irritation and difficulty cooperating with the tattoo artist.

    Where does a tattoo hurt the most?

    The most painful areas are the most innervated parts of the body, such as the ankles, knees, elbows, ribs, and neck. How to moisturize the skin before tattooing? You can use your favorite cream or lotion, or reach for a special cream, or even tattoo butter.

    Can you take a painkiller before a tattoo?

    We advise against it – a much better choice is to use a tattoo numbing cream, which every professional tattoo artist should have. Just say that you are afraid of pain and ask for numbing cream to be used.