How many times, before getting a tattoo, have you asked yourself: ‘Do I need to do anything beforehand?’ or ‘Should I prepare in some way?’ without really knowing what to do? And how often have you turned to experienced friends or family members, or searched online for answers, only to find conflicting information?
This article was created specifically to address the most common questions about how to prepare for a tattoo session. What to do before getting a tattoo and what to avoid in the 24-48 hours leading up to your appointment—helping you feel more comfortable and even significantly reducing the perception of pain during the session. Let’s get started!
What to Do Before Getting a Tattoo.
1. Be Honest with Your Tattoo Artist
Your health is the most important thing, which is why it is ESSENTIAL to be clear and honest with your tattoo artist. Make sure to inform them about any health conditions you may have. This includes skin disorders, the use of anticoagulant or antibiotic medications, diabetes, low blood pressure, allergies, intolerances, or any other significant physical or psychological conditions.
Bottom line—take care of your health, it’s the one thing you don’t want to gamble with.
2. Make Sure the Tattoo Area is Smooth and Hair-Free
Let’s bust a myth: ‘You shouldn’t shave before getting a tattoo because the artist will do it for you.’ Sure, your tattoo artist can shave the area, but let’s be real—how awkward is that? It’s definitely uncomfortable for most women, and even for some guys.
With how fast-paced life is today, showing up at the studio with the tattoo area (and the surrounding skin) already smooth and hair-free can actually save a good 20 minutes or more. The result? More time to focus on your tattoo and an earlier escape if needed!
And if your tattoo is going on a particularly painful spot, shaving in advance might just be the small win you need.
Now, when it comes to shaving, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Not all hair removal methods are created equal, and choosing the right one matters. Here are the three main ways to remove unwanted hair before your tattoo session:
– Shaving with a razor or blade. If you go this route, make sure to shave the day before your appointment, and be EXTREMELY careful to avoid cuts or nicks. This is crucial because if you show up with a wound or scab, your artist won’t be able to tattoo over that area. So take your time and be extra cautious if you choose this method!
– Waxing. A great option for removing hair of various lengths, leaving the skin smooth and clean. However, let’s be honest—if the hair is too long and thick, especially for guys who aren’t used to this, waxing can be a painful experience.
That said, it remains one of the best choices since it eliminates the risk of cuts or nicks. If you decide to go with waxing, make sure to do it about five days before your tattoo session. This gives your skin time to recover in case of minor irritation or sensitivity, ensuring you’re fully ready when the needle hits the skin.
– Hair removal cream or foam. This might just be the best option for men who aren’t too familiar with hair removal. No pain, no risk of cuts, and it can be done easily at home in just a few minutes.
That said, if you have sensitive skin or allergies, always check the ingredients before applying the product. A little caution goes a long way!
3. Hydration
– Keeping your skin hydrated with the right creams is always a great habit, but when it comes to getting a tattoo, it’s almost a must. In the days leading up to your appointment, we recommend applying a moisturizer to the area that will be tattooed—especially if your skin tends to dry out easily. This will help strengthen your skin and prepare it for the stress it will endure during the session.
– Drink plenty of water at least 24 hours before your appointment. If you can start 48 hours in advance, even better! Proper hydration means drinking around 2 liters (half a gallon) of water per day, so make sure to keep up with it.
– Avoid direct sun exposure during the hottest months of the year and stay away from tanning treatments like sunbeds or spray tans. These can make your skin drier and more sensitive, which is the last thing you want before getting a tattoo.
4. If Possible, Avoid Blood Thinners
Be mindful of substances that can interfere with your blood’s ability to clot. Whether it’s unnecessary anticoagulant medications like Aspirin or alcoholic beverages, it’s strongly advised to avoid them in the 24 hours before your appointment. Otherwise, you risk excessive bleeding during the tattoo session.
For more details on medications, check the FAQ section at the end of this article.
5. No Alcohol, No Drugs – Seriously, Don’t.
The reasons are simple:
– It’s illegal to tattoo someone who is not in a clear state of mind.
– Alcohol and drugs thin the blood, which leads to excessive bleeding during the session. This means your skin will push out more ink, making the tattooing process harder, more painful, and in some cases, even impossible.
6. Rest Up – Your Body Will Thank You
Experience teaches us that getting a tattoo after a good night’s sleep can significantly reduce your perception of pain. The golden rule is eight hours of sleep, but even a quick nap before your appointment isn’t a bad idea.
Keep in mind that stress plays a huge role in how much discomfort you feel—so the more rested you are, the better your session will be.
7. Grab a Meal Before Your Appointment
Before heading to the studio, it’s highly recommended to have a good, balanced meal—not too heavy, but definitely not too light either.
Eating properly before your session helps prevent drops in blood sugar and energy levels, which can make a huge difference in how well you handle the pain. A well-fed body stays stronger, more focused, and better equipped to get through the tattooing process without unnecessary discomfort. So, do yourself a favor and fuel up before your appointment!
8. Dress Comfortably for Your Tattoo Session
The key word here is comfort, but quality matters too. When heading to the studio, keep in mind that there’s a high chance of ink stains on your clothes—so choose wisely!
Another crucial factor? Dress according to the area being tattooed. If you’re getting inked on your thigh, bring a pair of shorts to change into before the session. If it’s your arm, wear a tank top or something with loose sleeves. The easier it is for your artist to access the area, the smoother your session will be!
9. Getting Tattooed on Your Period? Think Twice
It’s not forbidden, of course, but it’s generally not recommended to get a tattoo during the first days of your period or the couple of days leading up to it, especially if you experience PMS symptoms. While there’s no health risk involved, your pain tolerance drops significantly during this time, making the experience far more uncomfortable than usual.
Ultimately, the choice is yours—but if you can, rescheduling might make for a much smoother session.
10. Must-Haves for Your Tattoo Appointment
To make yourself more comfortable during your session, we recommend bringing a snack, a bottle of water, and a pair of headphones so you can listen to your favorite music and keep your mind off the pain. If the position allows, a good book could also be a great distraction.
If you think you might need it, you can bring a painkiller to take at your discretion, in case the pain becomes too much to handle.
And most importantly—don’t forget your ID! You’ll need it to sign the informed consent form, which every client is required to complete before the session.
11. No Rush, No Stress!
Tattooing is a profession that requires maximum focus and a steady hand—one mistake, unfortunately, could stay with you for the rest of your life.
With this in mind, and out of respect for our craft, we kindly ask that you arrive with extra time to spare—a couple of hours should be enough.
Being in a rush benefits no one. If you’re racing against the clock, you’ll likely feel anxious and stressed, which won’t help your experience. And for the artist, working under pressure and tight deadlines increases the risk of distraction. After all, they’re human too!
12. Prepare Yourself Mentally
It might sound obvious, but mentally preparing yourself for the fact that getting a tattoo can be painful is key. The level of pain depends on the area, of course, but before you step into the studio, take a moment to accept that discomfort is part of the process.
Once you do, everything else will feel easier—and trust us, the final result will be more than worth it.
FAQ: Your Most Common Questions Answered
What to Eat Before Your Tattoo Appointment?
Sugary, protein-rich, and nutritious foods are the way to go. Avoid overeating, as digesting heavy meals can make you feel sluggish, but never show up on an empty stomach.
If you tend to have low blood pressure, bring some sugar, chocolate, or licorice with you—just in case.
Shaving Before a Tattoo: Yes or No?
Yes, shaving the entire area before getting a tattoo is necessary. It’s best to do it a few days in advance to avoid skin irritation.
If you’re using a razor or blade, shave the day before your appointment to prevent stubble from growing back too soon.
Can You Wax Before Getting a Tattoo?
Yes, you can wax 4 to 5 days before getting a tattoo. Doing it a few days in advance allows your skin to recover from any irritation or sensitivity caused by the waxing process, ensuring it’s in the best condition for your session.
Can You Get a Tattoo While on Your Period?
It’s not forbidden, but it’s generally not recommended to get a tattoo during the first days of your period or a few days before it starts. Pain tolerance tends to be much lower during this time, which can make the experience more uncomfortable.
Ultimately, it’s a personal choice—so consider whether you’d rather go through with it or reschedule your appointment.
Can You Get a Tattoo While Pregnant?
No, once you find out you’re pregnant, getting a tattoo is not recommended. You should wait until after you’ve finished breastfeeding before considering getting inked.
Is It Safe to Get a Tattoo While Breastfeeding?
No, you should not get a tattoo while breastfeeding naturally. However, if you are using formula feeding, then getting a tattoo is possible.
Can You Drink Alcohol Before Getting a Tattoo?
No, you should not drink alcohol before getting a tattoo, and it’s best to avoid excessive alcohol consumption the day before your appointment.
Alcohol thins the blood, which can lead to excessive bleeding during the tattoo session. This affects ink retention, causing more of the pigment to be pushed out, which can impact the final result.
Can You Use a Tanning Bed Before Getting a Tattoo?
No, it’s not recommended to use a tanning bed within 7 days before getting a tattoo.
Tanning can redden and sensitize the skin, making the tattooing process more painful and increasing the risk of excessive bleeding during the session.
Can You Sunbathe Before Getting a Tattoo?
No, excessive sun exposure in the days leading up to your tattoo is strongly discouraged.
Sunburned skin will make the tattooing process more painful, increase bleeding, and could even compromise the outcome of your tattoo.
If you plan on spending time in the sun before your session, make sure to fully protect the area with high SPF sunscreen to avoid any issues.
Do You Need an Allergy Test Before a Tattoo?
Allergy tests before getting a tattoo are only necessary if you have a history of food intolerances or allergies, especially to metal components or pigments found in tattoo ink.
If you are prone to allergic reactions, it’s always best to consult a doctor beforehand to ensure a safe tattooing experience.
Tattoos and Medications: Which Ones Should You Avoid?
Unless a medication is essential for a serious health condition and cannot be stopped, certain drugs should be avoided before getting a tattoo. These include:
– Blood thinners (anticoagulants)
– Chemotherapy drugs
– Medications that slow down skin healing
– Drugs that weaken the immune system
It’s always best to consult your doctor before your tattoo session to ensure a safe experience.
Can You Get a Tattoo While on Antibiotics?
Getting a tattoo while taking antibiotics can significantly slow down the healing process.
Antibiotics weaken the immune system, which can affect both the appearance of the tattoo and the healing process, making it more difficult and prolonged. For the best results, it’s recommended to wait until your antibiotic treatment is completed before getting inked.
Should You Take a Painkiller Before Getting a Tattoo?
No, taking painkillers before a tattoo is not necessary, especially if you’re unsure about how intense the pain will actually be.
That said, it’s not prohibited, as painkillers don’t affect the tattooing process in any way. Ultimately, the decision to take them before your session is entirely up to you.
Medical Exams Before a Tattoo: Are They Required?
In most cases, medical tests before getting a tattoo are not necessary. However, if you have existing or past health conditions, a specific medical history, or a tendency for severe allergies—whether food-related or not—it may be worth considering.
If you have any doubts, consulting a doctor is always a good idea.
Can You Work Out Before Getting a Tattoo?
Yes, you can work out both on the day of your tattoo and in the days leading up to it. However, avoid excessive muscle strain, especially in the area that will be tattooed.
On the day of your session, it’s best to skip intense workouts—particularly if you’re getting a large tattoo. Being well-rested will help you handle the process much better.
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