Preparation is key when it comes to tattoos. It’s always best to make sure you are ready for your next tattoo appointment so that your tattooing experience is completed with ease. Whether you are getting your first tattoo and don’t know what to expect or you’re a keen tattoo enthusiast that wants to make the experience more enjoyable, here are our tips to prepare for a tattoo-
Stay Hydrated
It is recommended that you drink plenty of water before your tattoo appointment. In the weeks leading up to getting your tattoo, drinking water will help keep your skin healthy. Staying hydrated also makes the tattoo application easier and will help repair your skin so that your tattoo healing goes smoothly.
Get a good night’s sleep
Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Having a well-rested night allows your skin to heal itself better. When you are overtired it can lead to you being fidgety when you’re getting your tattoo and therefore making it more difficult for your tattoo artist. Ensuring you’re not overly tired will also make you feel more comfortable and confident when getting tattooed.
Eat beforehand
Eating a substantial meal before you get inked is a vital part of the healing process. When you are going through the pain of getting a tattoo it is important that your body is able to heal itself properly. Eating before a tattoo session will help keep your blood sugars up and prevent you from feeling faint.
Additionally, feel free to bring snacks with you for long sittings. Tattoo artists are usually more than happy to take a quick break so that you can stay nourished in order to get through the appointment. Eating will provide you with the energy and stamina you need to endure the discomfort.
Wear comfortable clothing
Wearing clothing that allows you to easily access the area you are getting tattooed is a massive benefit. For example, if you are getting a new piece of art on your leg, wearing shorts or skirts makes it easier for your tattoo artist. If this doesn’t work for you, make sure you are wearing something that you can quickly take on and off.
If you are going through long tattoo sessions, you want clothing that won’t irritate you and be comfy to sit in for a while. You also need to consider wearing clothing you don’t mind getting dirty as the ink from the stencil can easily transfer, especially when it comes to large statement pieces.
Finalise your design and placement
You should send over your tattoo ideas before you arrive so the tattoo artist can get to work mocking up the designs. If you have any changes, prefer the size to be different or have decided on a different placement area, don’t be afraid to politely speak up. Your tattoo artist will appreciate the feedback and would rather have a tattoo design that you are happy with as it is on your body for life! Your tattoo artist can also help you with pros and cons of the sizing and placement if you are unsure, they are the experts after all.
Apply tattoo numbing cream
Some areas of the body hurt more than others when getting a new tattoo. If you are worried about the pain that comes with getting a piece of body art, apply tattoo numbing cream before your appointment. It will numb your skin so you won’t feel any discomfort and you can enjoy the experience. Differing in strengths, you’ll be able to find a numbing cream that works for your skin type, length of session and pain tolerance.
At Official TKTX we have a tattoo survival kit to get you through the tattoo process. Included is 4x TKTX numbing creams, 1x INKIN signature contactless spray-on aftercare, 1x 14pck DEXTRO Glucose Energy + Vitamin Chewies, 1x HIGH 5 caffeine juice gel shot, 1x PVC sticker and 1x cream application glove. It’s the essential pack with everything you need for your next trip to the tattoo studio.
Please note, although TKTX numbing cream won’t affect your artists work, we always advise telling them that you are using it before you arrive at the tattoo shop.
Follow aftercare instructions
When it comes to tattoo aftercare, you need to follow your artist’s professional advice. A fresh tattoo is basically an open wound so you don’t want any bacteria affecting the healing process. Usually the tattoo healing process involves avoiding any picking, scratching or itching of your tattoo, even if your skin does start to flake. You also need to make sure you don’t expose it to direct sun or overwash your new tattoo as it can cause your skin to dry out.
An aftercare spray such as the Inkin signature aftercare is great for helping your tattoo heal perfectly. The formula instantly dries on your skin and you don’t have to touch it once you have applied the spray.