Getting a tattoo takes a little more than just showing up to an appointment. You’ve probably heard of proper aftercare when getting inked, but preparing for the tattoo session is equally important.

There are things you need to do prior to that appointment, which we will discuss here in detail. These are crucial to making the session go smoothly and help make aftercare a breeze, too. 

Let’s get started!

Eat Before Your Appointment

For some reason, a lot of people tend not to eat prior to their tattoo appointment. That's actually not a smart move. Ideally, on the day of your tattoo appointment, you should have a pretty hearty breakfast or lunch. It plays a key role in helping the body heal well from the process.

You might not feel like eating if you’re nervous, but going to your appointment with an empty stomach will not do you any good. If you don’t eat, blood sugar levels may drop, and you may feel dizzy. So, try to eat a small snack before heading to the tattoo shop.

Sleep Well

Having a good night’s rest before the tattoo session will help you feel more relaxed. Getting inked can be nerve-wracking for most, and if you didn’t have enough sleep the night prior, that can make you tense and exhausted during the session. Imagine all that plus the actual physical pain of receiving tiny wounds on your skin—not a good combination. 

And in case there’s no option but to stay up late the night before your tattoo session, make sure to inform your artist right before getting inked.

Take Care of Your Skin

This likely goes without saying, but it has to be mentioned nonetheless. The skin needs to be in good condition and prepped well before the actual appointment. This will happen through:

• Moisturizing - Apply body lotion to moisturize your skin not just the day before your session, but a few weeks prior. Proper skin hydration also affects how ink is applied, so invest in weeks-worth of moisturization. It's much easier for a tattoo artist to get the job done when skin is healthy. It also allows the session to go by much quicker. That said, on the day of the appointment itself, using moisturizers or lotion is not recommended as it can interfere with the tattoo stencil.

• Proper Hydration - Apart from moisturizing your skin, you also have to hydrate your body. Stay well-hydrated weeks before your appointment since the skin also takes its moisture content from your water intake. However, avoid excessive intake of coffee, tea, and soda because they can do the opposite. 

Conclusion

Getting a tattoo is more than just arriving at the tattoo parlor and knowing what tattoo is wanted and where. It's vital for the body to be cared for well beforehand. Sleep well, eat before the appointment, and take good care of the skin through proper hydration. By following these tips, your body will be more prepared and relaxed, ready for that beautiful ink on your skin.

Now that you’re equipped to prep your skin, you’re probably wondering where to go for a custom tattoo in Denver. Look no further than Certified Tattoo! We’re Colorado’s premier tattoo destination with artists that can do blackwork tattoos, black and grey tattoos, full-color tattoos, and more. Schedule an appointment today!