February 15, 2026
February 15, 2026
February 15, 2026
How to Prepare for Your Tattoo Session: A Checklist.
Arriving prepared affects how much it hurts and how well it heals. Here is exactly what you need to do 24 hours before your appointment.
Arriving prepared affects how much it hurts and how well it heals. Here is exactly what you need to do 24 hours before your appointment.
Most clients focus entirely on the design, but your physical state determines 50% of the outcome. If you arrive hungry, dehydrated, or hungover, your blood sugar will drop, pain tolerance will decrease, and the tattoo will bleed more—making it harder to pack solid ink. This guide covers the essential 24-hour checklist, from what to eat to what to wear, ensuring your session runs smoothly and hurts less.
1. No Alcohol or Blood Thinners (24 Hours Before)
Do not drink alcohol the night before. Alcohol thins your blood. This causes excess bleeding during the session, which pushes ink out of the skin and makes it harder to pack solid color. Avoid Aspirin or Ibuprofen for the same reason unless prescribed.
2. Eat a Solid Meal
Never come on an empty stomach. Your body needs fuel to manage the adrenaline and pain. Eat a high-carb, protein-rich meal (pasta, rice, eggs) 1-2 hours before coming. This prevents fainting and dizziness.
3. Hydration is Key
Start drinking water 2 days before. Hydrated skin is easier to tattoo and accepts ink better. Dry skin is tough and can result in more trauma.
4. Clothing Choice
Wear loose, black clothing. Ink can splatter, and tight clothes will irritate the fresh tattoo afterwards. If you are getting a leg tattoo, wear shorts. If it's an arm tattoo, wear a tank top.
5. Shaving
Do not shave the area yourself if you have razor burn issues. I will shave the area at the studio with sterile equipment to avoid irritation or cuts.
Most clients focus entirely on the design, but your physical state determines 50% of the outcome. If you arrive hungry, dehydrated, or hungover, your blood sugar will drop, pain tolerance will decrease, and the tattoo will bleed more—making it harder to pack solid ink. This guide covers the essential 24-hour checklist, from what to eat to what to wear, ensuring your session runs smoothly and hurts less.
1. No Alcohol or Blood Thinners (24 Hours Before)
Do not drink alcohol the night before. Alcohol thins your blood. This causes excess bleeding during the session, which pushes ink out of the skin and makes it harder to pack solid color. Avoid Aspirin or Ibuprofen for the same reason unless prescribed.
2. Eat a Solid Meal
Never come on an empty stomach. Your body needs fuel to manage the adrenaline and pain. Eat a high-carb, protein-rich meal (pasta, rice, eggs) 1-2 hours before coming. This prevents fainting and dizziness.
3. Hydration is Key
Start drinking water 2 days before. Hydrated skin is easier to tattoo and accepts ink better. Dry skin is tough and can result in more trauma.
4. Clothing Choice
Wear loose, black clothing. Ink can splatter, and tight clothes will irritate the fresh tattoo afterwards. If you are getting a leg tattoo, wear shorts. If it's an arm tattoo, wear a tank top.
5. Shaving
Do not shave the area yourself if you have razor burn issues. I will shave the area at the studio with sterile equipment to avoid irritation or cuts.
