What to Do the Day of Your Tattoo Appointment

Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience, whether it's your first piece of body art, or you're adding to a growing collection. The healing process plays a large role in how your tattoo turns out, but it's also important to prepare for your appointment. While healthy lifestyle habits can help you stay prepared for a tattoo appointment, there are a few pre-tattoo tips that you may be unaware of. Continue reading to learn more about the best way to prepare for your new tattoo.

How to Prepare for A Tattoo

One of the best things you can do the night before a tattoo appointment is get some high-quality sleep. The tattooing process puts your body through a significant amount of stress, which can be more difficult to bear if you aren't well-rested. Sleep can help heal and repair your body, so it's important to continue good sleep habits after your appointment.

Similarly, it's also crucial to eat a good, well-balanced meal before your tattoo appointment. This is a good wya to ensure that your blood sugar levels remain stable while you're getting tattooed. Low blood sugar can make you feel nauseous, which can make your appointment difficult to get through. Of course, it is highly recommended that you stay well hydrated before your tattoo appointment. Not only will this help you feel better, but it also makes your skin healthier and easier to tattoo for the artist. On the other hand, alcohol and caffeine should be avoided, as they thin your blood, and make it more difficult to tattoo you.

Tattoo artists generally appreciate if you take a shower before your tattoo appointment. Refrain from applying any lotions or creams from the area that you will be getting tattooed, though. Clean skin is the best, and easiest to tattoo. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing that allow the artist to easily access the area that they will be working on. Lastly, remember to bring a form of identification, and cash so you can tip your artist after the completion of your tattoo. A standard tip for a tattoo is 20% of the overall cost. You can always tip more if you truly appreciate the artist and their work, though.

Tattoo Appointment Checklist

To summarize, most of what you can do to prepare for a tattoo appointment is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Make sure to show up well-rested, hydrated, and with a full stomach. Take a shower, and don't drink any alcohol or caffeine  before you go to the shop. Wear comfortable clothes, and bring a valid ID. You can make your tattoo appointment much easier and more comfortable by following these simple steps.

Visit the American Vintage Tattoo website to learn more about tattooing, and different tattoo styles. You can check out our artists' portfolios, so you can figure out which style like you like, and who you'd like to be tattooed by. Book a tattoo appointment at American Vintage OC today!