Before your tattoo
Healthy skin is important for longevity of your tattoos. We suggest starting a good routine of skin care in order to keep the ink as clear and legible for many years to come. Although there is no absolute rule for caretaking, we have described a few different ways to help out.
It is important for you to be hydrated before you start your sessions. Remember to drink water before, during, and after tattoo sessions, as well as the days before and after.
If you are prone to dry skin, one way to help stay hydrated is to use lotion. One to two times a day should work, but it depends on your skin type personally.
If you have hair on the area of skin being worked on, make sure to shave weekly. This will allow the use lotion to be more effective during your preparation. Although shaving will help, if you this starts irritation on the skin then it may be best to hold off until your scheduled session.
It is recommended to sleep well the night before. If you can avoid drinking alcohol or having a late night, this will help with endurance during the session and the irritation of skin.
There is always the occasional client who passes out due to not eating enough or dehydration. Make sure to have a good meal before sleeping as well as the day of. Food is energy for your body, this will also help with endurance during the tattoo.
It is always a good idea to bring snacks and water for long sessions. These will typical be larger pieces lasting longer than three hours. We have a restaurant or Natural Food store next door to our building as well as other options only minutes away.
Last thing to mention, if you happen to fall ill or have any health concerns please allow yourself to heal completely, even if that means you have to reschedule your appointment. The sooner you let your artist know, the more time they have to find new work. Clients who are pregnant should not get tattooed.