What Should I Bring to My Tattoo Appointment?
When you make your tattoo appointment, you will need to do a little preparation before you go. Keep in mind that getting a tattoo is in some ways like undergoing a medical procedure, albeit a minor one. This means that you will need to know what to wear, what to eat, and what to drink before heading off to get your new tattoo.
Learn the Basics
If this is your first tattoo, then you should talk to the tattoo artist when you make your appointment. You can meet with them face-to-face in their tattoo parlor, so you can check out their studio. It should be clean and presentable which will help ease your mind. However, there is another important reason in that you can discuss with the artist the tattoo you want.
If you have a photo or drawing, that would be the best. But otherwise, you should describe the tattoo as clearly as possible. This includes the shape, colors, size, and where you want the tattoo to go. Once your description is clear in the mind of the artist, you should get the following;
- Cost of the tattoo
- Time it will take to complete
- Length of each session
- Cost of deposit
If you agree, then you can set the appointment and start your preparation
Prepare
You’ll want to avoid any excess injury that the tattoo might cause, which means that you should do the following at least 24 hours before the first session.
- Do not drink alcohol, coffee, or take aspirin
- Avoid dairy, processed foods, and too much sugar
- Drink plenty of water
- Take in some Vitamin C
- Have a meal with garlic or onions
- Practice good personal hygiene
- shower and don’t over use perfumes
There are certain anti-microbial properties found in garlic and onions that helps the healing process. Consider your pre-tattoo meals a preparation much the same as before undergoing a minor medical procedure.
What to Wear
What to wear and take to your tattoo appointment is mostly common sense. Obviously, you’ll want to wear clothing that allows easy access to the body part where the tattoo will go. Other items include the following.
- Extra pair of clean socks
- Jacket in case you get cold
For long sessions of lying still, you may find yourself getting cold, so have a jacket or something warm to wear. In addition, you’ll want to take some music with earphones to listen, a water bottle if you get thirsty, and some breath mints just to be more presentable.
Although it might seem like a good idea but bringing a friend is typically not. Large groups of friends who are not getting tattooed that day causes congestion in the tattoo place and can be distracting and difficult for the artists to operate. Watching another person get tattooed can be very boring. But if you would like to have a single friend or family member come along they can sometimes watch from the counter. You have done your research and are in good hands. Try not to worry!
When you are finished, some ointment such as Aquaphor and a liquid non scented soap for the tattoo may be needed. You should consult with the artist about the proper care of your tattoo. This means how to wash the area without removing or dulling the inks, keeping it out of the sunlight, and basic care so that it becomes what you want it to be. This will make your tattoo appointment a positive experience.
