Tattoo Prep Guide
A great tattoo starts with great preparation. Taking care of your skin and your body before your appointment helps make the tattooing process smoother, keeps you more comfortable, and gives your tattoo the best possible start to healing.
2 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Moisturize daily
Apply lotion to the area once a day. Well-hydrated skin is easier to tattoo and can heal more smoothly.
Avoid tanning
No tanning beds and no intentional tanning. Sunburned or heavily sun-damaged skin cannot be tattooed safely. If you get a sunburn within 2 weeks of your appointment, please contact me — we may need to reschedule.
1 WEEK BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Hydrate daily
We recommend drinking at least 64 oz (½ gallon) of water every day. Proper hydration helps your skin take the stencil and ink better and can make the tattooing and healing process smoother.
Continue moisturizing
Keep moisturizing the area daily, but do not moisturize the tattoo area on the day of your appointment.
Avoid unnecessary stimulants
When possible, avoid things that can increase bleeding, including alcohol, aspirin, excessive caffeine, energy drinks, and certain pre-workouts. Never stop a prescribed medication without talking to your doctor first.
Avoid intense workouts involving the tattoo area
Heavy exercise can cause irritation, swelling, bruising, or fatigue and may make a long tattoo session more difficult.
Do not wax, shave, or use hair-removal creams
Leave this to me. If the area needs to be shaved, I’ll safely prepare it before we begin.
48 HOURS BEFORE
Prioritize sleep
Get good, consistent sleep leading up to your appointment. Being rested helps your body handle the physical stress of a tattoo session.
Keep caffeine and alcohol under control
Avoid excessive caffeine and avoid alcohol. Both can affect hydration, and alcohol can increase bleeding.
Check your skin
Make sure the area is free of sunburns, cuts, rashes, bug bites, or other irritation. If something comes up, let me know before your appointment.
24 HOURS BEFORE
Eat well
Have a solid meal with protein and carbohydrates. Don’t show up running on an empty stomach.
Stay hydrated
Keep drinking water and make sure you’re meeting the 64 oz minimum.
Get a full night’s sleep
A well-rested body generally handles long tattoo sessions much better.
No alcohol
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment. It can increase bleeding and interfere with healing.
DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT
DO NOT moisturize the tattoo area
Lotion can prevent the stencil from properly sticking to your skin.
Eat a good meal about an hour before your appointment
This is especially important for longer sessions. Give your body some fuel before we start.
Bring snacks and drinks
Water, Gatorade, granola bars, fruit, or whatever keeps you comfortable and energized.
Dress comfortably
Wear clothing that gives easy access to the tattoo area without restricting movement.
Bring layers
Tattoo shops can get cold, especially during longer sessions. A hoodie or small blanket can make a big difference.
Limit caffeine
One cup of coffee is fine. Avoid loading up on caffeine right before your appointment.
Bring entertainment
Headphones, music, podcasts, movies, shows — whatever helps you relax and pass the time.
Charge your devices
Bring a charger if you need one. Outlets are available.
Keep your crew small
Please limit guests to one support person maximum. Extra people can make it harder to focus and can interfere with the tattooing process.
Arrive clean
Take a shower before your appointment and avoid heavy perfumes, colognes, or deodorants directly around the tattoo area.
Bring your payment
Cash, card, Venmo, Zelle, or a gift certificate are accepted.
Be on time — not early
Please arrive at your scheduled appointment time. I need the time before your appointment to mentally prepare, review your design, and set up your station. Arriving too early can interrupt that process and break concentration.
If we’re running behind, I’ll let you know. I respect your time, and I appreciate you respecting mine.
PLEASE DO NOT DO THESE THINGS BEFORE YOUR TATTOO
🚫 No alcohol for at least 24 hours
🚫 No unnecessary stimulants
🚫 No tanning or sunburn
🚫 No heavy exfoliating
🚫 No numbing or pain creams unless approved beforehand
🚫 No tight clothing over the tattoo area
🚫 No new skincare products on the tattoo area
OPTIONAL — BUT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Bring a pillow, small blanket, or hoodie
You want to be comfortable, and long sessions can get cold.
Bring headphones
Music, podcasts, or a show can help you relax and stay comfortable.
Have realistic expectations
Large or detailed tattoos take time. Good work shouldn’t be rushed.
Trust your artist
Once we’re in the chair, relax and let me do what you came for. The more comfortable and relaxed you are, the smoother the tattooing process can be.
ONE LAST THING
Come prepared, come fed, come hydrated, and come ready to get tattooed.
I’ll handle the rest.
Your friendly neighborhood tattoo artist,
Spidey Tats
