How to prepare for a tattoo: the quick checklist
| When | To do |
|---|---|
| 1–2 weeks before | Confirm design, size, placement and price; check the studio's policies; avoid sunburn on the area |
| 3–7 days before | Moisturise the area daily; buy aftercare supplies; plan time off sport and swimming |
| Day before | No alcohol; drink plenty of water; prepare clothes and your bag; sleep early |
| Morning of | Eat a proper meal; shower; no lotion on the area; leave plenty of time to arrive |
| At the studio | Check the stencil carefully; ask questions; speak up if you need a break |
1–2 weeks before your tattoo
- Confirm the details. Agree the final design, size and placement with your artist. Ask whether you will see the drawing before the day.
- Check the costs and policies. Ask about the price, deposit, cancellation rules and touch-ups. See our tattoo cost guide for typical prices.
- Look after the skin. Avoid sunburn, tanning beds, fake tan and new skincare products on the area. Tattooing over sunburnt or irritated skin is painful and may be refused.
- Plan your schedule. Avoid booking right before a beach holiday, a swimming event or heavy training; you will need a few weeks of careful aftercare. If you train hard, read going to the gym after a tattoo.
- Check your health. If you are pregnant, take blood-thinning medication, have a skin condition in the area or a condition that affects healing, talk to a doctor and tell your artist.
3–7 days before
- Moisturise the area once or twice a day. Healthy, hydrated skin takes ink more easily.
- Buy your aftercare supplies: a mild fragrance-free soap, clean paper towels and a fragrance-free tattoo balm or lotion.
- Get loose clothes ready that will not rub the tattoo during the first week.
- Prepare your bed with clean sheets you do not mind marking; see how to sleep with a new tattoo.
The day before your tattoo
- No alcohol. Skip drinks for at least 24 hours. Read why alcohol before a tattoo is a bad idea.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Eat well and avoid anything that usually upsets your stomach.
- Pack your bag (see the list below).
- Charge your phone and headphones.
- Get a good night's sleep. Being rested makes pain much easier to manage.
The morning of your appointment
- Eat a proper meal one to two hours before: some carbohydrates and protein. Low blood sugar is a common reason people feel faint during a tattoo.
- Shower and wash the area, but do not apply lotion, oil, perfume or makeup to it.
- Do not shave the area unless your artist told you to; most prefer to do it themselves.
- Dress for access: loose, comfortable, dark clothing that exposes the tattoo area easily.
- Leave early so you are not rushed or stressed when you arrive.
What to bring to a tattoo appointment
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Studios check age and identity |
| Payment (and cash for a tip if customary) | Some studios are cash only |
| Water bottle | Stay hydrated through the session |
| Sugary snack or juice | Keeps blood sugar up and helps prevent fainting |
| Headphones and a charger | Distraction for longer sessions |
| Reference images | Last-minute checks with your artist |
| A layer or blanket | Studios can feel cold when you sit still |
| Loose clothes for the journey home | Protect the wrapped tattoo |
At the studio: final checks
- Look around. The studio should be clean, needles should be single-use and opened in front of you, and your artist should wear fresh gloves. Our guide on choosing a tattoo artist covers what good hygiene looks like.
- Read the consent form properly.
- Check the stencil from every angle in a mirror, standing and moving naturally. Ask to move it until it feels right; this is your last chance.
- Check spelling twice for any lettering.
- Agree on breaks before you start, especially for long sessions. See how long a tattoo takes.
During the session
- Breathe slowly and try to relax the muscles in the area.
- Stay still, and warn your artist before you move, sneeze or need a break.
- Tell them straight away if you feel faint, sick or light-headed.
- Sip water and have your snack during breaks.
Curious how much it will hurt? See the tattoo pain chart.
Right after your tattoo
Listen carefully to your artist's aftercare instructions and ask questions before you leave. Keep the wrap on for as long as they say, then follow our day-by-day aftercare guide. It is your first tattoo? Read 25 first tattoo tips too.
Frequently asked questions
What should I eat before a tattoo?
Eat a balanced meal with some carbohydrates and protein one to two hours before your appointment, such as eggs on toast, a rice bowl or a sandwich. Bring a sugary snack and water for longer sessions.
Should I shave before a tattoo?
Usually not. Most artists prefer to shave the area themselves with a fresh, single-use razor to avoid nicks and irritation. If you want to shave it yourself, ask your artist first and do it a day or two before.
Can I moisturise before a tattoo?
Moisturising in the days before helps keep skin healthy, but do not apply lotion, oil or fake tan to the area on the day of your appointment, because the stencil needs clean, dry skin.
What should I wear to a tattoo appointment?
Wear loose, comfortable, dark clothing that gives easy access to the tattoo area and that you do not mind getting ink on. For a back or chest piece, a button-up or zip top worn backwards can help.
Can I get a tattoo if I am sick?
It is better to reschedule. Being ill can make the session harder and may slow healing, and you could pass an illness to your artist. Most artists would rather move your appointment.
