The day before
- Get a full night's sleep — being rested genuinely helps with pain tolerance and sitting still for longer sessions.
- Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment — it thins your blood and can affect how the tattoo takes.
- Moisturize the area lightly for a few days beforehand, but not on the day itself.
The day of
- Eat a real meal beforehand and stay hydrated — low blood sugar makes sessions feel much harder than they need to be.
- Wear clothing that gives easy access to the area being tattooed.
- Bring a snack and water for longer sessions, and headphones if you'd like a distraction.
What to bring
- A valid photo ID, and your deposit receipt or confirmation if your studio asks for it at check-in.