What not to do before getting a tattoo?

Drink a lot of water during the week; avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting tattooed. Please do not shave the area; we will do it for you at your appointment. Avoid aspirin or blood thinning medication at least 24 hours before your tattoo; ibuprofen, acetaminophen, & other NSAID pain relievers are OK.


Do and don'ts of getting a tattoo?

Tattoo Etiquette – Dos and Don'ts of Getting a Tattoo
  • DO: Think Before You Get Inked. ...
  • DO: Schedule Your Appointment. ...
  • DO: Have Your Design Ready. ...
  • DO: Use Proper Hygiene. ...
  • DO: Tip. ...
  • DO: Discuss Medical Issues. ...
  • DON'T: Be Under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol. ...
  • DON'T: Get Upset When the Artist Improves on Your Design.


What should I do before getting a tattoo?

What to do before getting a Tattoo
  • Get a Good Night's Sleep. The last thing you want is to come in and be completely exhausted for your tattoo session. ...
  • Stay Hydrated. ...
  • Shave. ...
  • Shower. ...
  • Moisturize your Skin. ...
  • Eat and Bring Snacks. ...
  • Dress for you Session. ...
  • Do not show up Intoxicated.


What should you not eat before a tattoo?

Unhealthy meals, such as those with a high fat and sugar content, should be avoided before, during, and after getting a tattoo since they can cause skin irritation, bleeding, and lots of scarring. Also, there are lots of activities that may also slow down the healing process.

Can I shower before a tattoo?

Shower. This one might be obvious but we wanted to mention it just in case. You should be showering every day (hopefully), but please remember to do so before your appointment. You want to keep your skin as clean as possible since tattooing creates small cuts and opens the skin up.


Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Tattoo | Dos and Don'ts



How much do you tip for a tattoo?

“A suggested percentage of 20% to 25% for personal services is an accepted standard, especially in these post-COVID times.” Cornolo puts the range between 15% to 20%, but says that it really varies. “Some tip less, and some are very generous."

What I wish I knew before getting my first tattoo?

It's all about the research before your first tattoo

Find the right artist and style of tattoo for you. For starters, make sure that you're 100% sold on your tattoo's design. Think of all the details you want it to include. Always, always have the finished outcome in mind before the tattoo artist gets to work.

Is caffeine okay before tattoo?

Don't drink a bunch of caffeine or energy drinks before coming in. It will thin your blood and make you less likely to sit still. You may need a doctor's note if you have medical conditions like a bleeding disorder, a heart condition, or are on antibiotics.


Should I drink Gatorade before a tattoo?

Don't: Consume Alcohol, Coffee, and Energy Drinks

Like alcohol, caffeine intake and energy drinks also thin out your blood. So, skip that morning cup of coffee the day you get your tattoo.

How can I make my tattoo less painful?

To reduce tattoo pain, follow these tips before and during your appointment:
  1. Choose a licensed tattoo artist. ...
  2. Pick a less sensitive body part. ...
  3. Get enough sleep. ...
  4. Avoid pain relievers. ...
  5. Don't get a tattoo when you're sick. ...
  6. Stay hydrated. ...
  7. Eat a meal. ...
  8. Avoid alcohol.


What are 3 things you should consider before getting a tattoo?

8 important things to consider before you get a tattoo
  • Expect to be waitlisted. ...
  • Tattoos are expensive. ...
  • Do a recce of the shop. ...
  • Consult your dermatologist. ...
  • Proofread. ...
  • Getting inked hurts. ...
  • Tattoos do need touch-ups. ...
  • Post-tattoo care is crucial.


What to do in the first 24 hours of getting a tattoo?

Be sure your artist covers your new tattoo in a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a bandage. Remove the bandage after 24 hours. Gently wash the tattoo with antimicrobial soap and water and be sure to pat dry. Apply a layer of antibacterial/Vaseline ointment twice a day, but don't put on another bandage.

Should I drink a lot of water before a tattoo?

Drink plenty of water. Your skin thins when you're dehydrated, so chugging water, starting the day before your appointment, will make your body a better canvas for the tattoo. It will also keep your energy up, so bring a bottle or two to sip during your session.

What not to say to a tattoo artist?

Here are some things you should never say in a tattoo shop:
  • I Let My Dog Sleep In My Bed With Me. ...
  • How Much For A Sleeve? ...
  • Can You Draw Something, And If I Like It, I Book An Appointment? ...
  • I Am Just 17, But My Parents Approve. ...
  • Can You Hurry Up, Please? ...
  • I Had A Few Beers To Man Up.


What not to do at tattoo appointment?

Please do not shave the area; we will do it for you at your appointment. Avoid aspirin or blood thinning medication at least 24 hours before your tattoo; ibuprofen, acetaminophen, & other NSAID pain relievers are OK. Antibiotic treatments must be finished at least 1 week beforehand.

How much money should I bring to my tattoo appointment?

It doesn't matter what you're getting, you have to leave a tip. Think of this beforehand and make sure you bring enough cash or be prepared to add it onto your card. Also, give a fair tip – something between 20-25% will do.

What to do during tattoo session?

How to Survive an All-Day Tattooing Session
  1. Take care of the placement area. ...
  2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! ...
  3. Sleep the night before your tattoo session. ...
  4. Eat a good meal. ...
  5. Stay hydrated. ...
  6. Bring snacks and drinks for the session. ...
  7. Headphones, please. ...
  8. Prepare for hot or cold.


What should I eat during a tattoo session?

Top Snacks for a Long Tattoo Session
  • RXBAR, Banana Chocolate Walnut, Protein Bar. ...
  • Larabar Strawberry Spinach Cashew Real Fruit Bars, Vegan. ...
  • V8 Healthy Greens. ...
  • The Better Chip Whole Grain Chips, Spinach & Kale. ...
  • PLANTERS Roasted Pecans. ...
  • BariWise Fat-Free Cream of Broccoli. ...
  • Bobo's Oat Bites. ...
  • No Cow Vegan Protein Bars.


What should I bring to a tattoo appointment?

Bring a phone charger, headphones, portable game device, book – whatever will keep you busy and help time go by faster for you. It's also a good idea to bring a water or beverage with you. Some shops will recommend a beverage with a good amount of sugar in it to help your body endure the tattoo.

Do and don'ts before and after tattoo?

Drink plenty of water to keep your skin moisturized. Watch what you wear. Wear SPF clothing so the sun won't fade your tattoo. Avoid scratchy fabrics, such as wool, which can damage the art.


Can I take Tylenol before tattoo?

Acetaminophen may potentially be fine to take, but should be discussed with the artist beforehand. It's best to avoid these as well the prior day and the day of the appointment.

Why shouldnt you drink the night before a tattoo?

Alcohol thins your blood, which can make the tattooing process trickier for your artist, and can worsen your healing too. Excess blood while you are being tattooed could mean more ink gets pushed out of your skin, leaving you with a lackluster tattoo.

How much should a first tattoo cost?

There is a lot that goes into figuring out the cost of your new tattoo. It isn't a straight forward answer. Things like materials, size, location, and type of tattoo affect the price. On average you can expect to charge $50-100 for a small tattoo, up to $200 for a medium tattoo and over $250 for a large tattoo.


Where do tattoos hurt the most?

Pain in these areas may be high to severe.
  • Armpit. The armpit is among the most painful places, if not the most painful place, to get tattooed. ...
  • Rib cage. ...
  • Ankles and shins. ...
  • Nipples and breasts. ...
  • Groin. ...
  • Elbows or kneecap. ...
  • Behind the knees. ...
  • Hips.


How do you sleep when you first get a tattoo?

A lot of tattoo artists recommend sleeping with the wrap that was put on. Others recommend re-wrapping, or just applying healing ointment and keeping the tattoo clean. The important thing is avoiding infection.
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