Things you can do to prepare for your tattoo appointment:
1. Drink plenty of water leading up to your tattoo appointment. If you are hydrated, your skin will be hydrated and will be easier to tattoo, heal and withstand longer sessions.2. For at least 2 weeks prior to your tattoo session lotion the area to be tattooed 1 to 2 times daily. This will help hydrate and soften the skin making it easier to tattoo. Shaving the area and lightly exfoliating 2 times a week will help remove dead skin cells and make it easier for the lotion to work to it's fullest. Exfoliation should be done lightly with a loofah or body scrub making sure you're not irritating or causing abrasions to the area. If you experience razor burn stop shaving the area immediately.
3. DO NOT shave or exfoliate the area to be tattooed on the day of your tattoo session. I have to shave the area to be tattooed (even the finest peach fuzz) during the skin prep... Not just because it's "in the way," but because also holds bacteria. If I shave you shortly after you've already shaved and exfoliated it could cause extra irritation to the skin.
- If you are sensitive and prone to breakouts to certain razors please let me know so that I can plan accordingly and get a disposable razor specified by you that is safe for your skin.
4. Get plenty of sleep the night before your appointment. If your body is run down it will be harder to sit through your session.
5. EAT a good meal before your appointment (not just a light snack). your body's natural reaction to pain and being nervous will kick in adrenalin. When this happens, if you have not eaten it is more likely that you will pass out due to your blood sugar dropping. I've seen some of the biggest, toughest guys go out like a light because they didn't prior to their tattoo. It is also bring something to drink and snacks with you.
6. If you receive a serious injury, get sick, are put on antibiotics or other medications for an illness leading up to your appointment PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP. If your body is currently fighting an injury or illness it may complicate the healing process of your tattoo.
Things NOT to do prior to your tattoo appointment:
1. No tanning, fake tanning, chemical peels, sunburns, major cuts, scrapes or burns in the area to be tattooed. Working on freshly damaged skin can make the tattoo process difficult, cause excessive trauma to the skin and will make the tattoo heal poorly.
2. DO NOT go out drinking the night before. It is recommended not to drink alcohol for 2 days prior to your appointment. Alcohol thins the blood and can cause excessive bleeding which will make the tattoo process A LOT harder. The excessive bleeding can make it harder to get the ink in the skin can result in excessive trauma to the skin and poorly healed tattoo.
