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Writer's pictureRomain Berg

Tattoo Appointment: How to Prepare for Your First Tattoo

Updated: Jun 10, 2023


choosing a tattoo design from the folder

Tattoos have undoubtedly grown in popularity in recent times. A recent IPSOS survey reveals that 30% of Americans have more than one tattoo, a 21% increase in the past decade. Tattoos are a powerful way to express your values, beliefs, principles, or memories.


However, getting your first tattoo is almost always a big deal. You could feel excited but also apprehensive and nervous about the entire process. Prior preparation can alleviate anxiety and make the entire process more comfortable for you and your artist.


The professional tattoo artists at Wingnut Tattoo and Piercing have completed a guide on preparing for a tattoo appointment. We offer a comfortable tattoo and piercing experience at an exceptional value. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.


Pick the Best Artist

Tattoo Appointment - Process of creating young woman's first tattoo by a professional tattoo artist after setting her first tattoo appointment.

You need to pick the right tattoo artist for your first tattoo. The ideal artist should be licensed, artistic, flexible, and have a solid work ethic. Choose a trusted tattoo shop known for high standards of sterilization, talented tattoo artists, and a comfortable environment.


The easiest way to find a tattoo artist is to ask a friend or relative with great past experience with the artist. You can also check out social media for artist bios and pictures of the work done by different artists in your locality.


Go through their portfolio to determine whether their style is what you are looking for. Be bold and ask questions or seek clarification. Reputable tattoo artists are typically open and friendly and will gladly address all your concerns.


Make an Appointment

The exact way to make a tattoo appointment depends on the artist you go with. While some shops provide links to online forms on their website and social media pages, others require clients to make appointments via email. Regardless of the method of appointment, ensure you include the following crucial information:

  • Preferred design: specify your desired design and attach reference images to help your artist understand your vision. There are thousands of different tattoo styles you can go for, from traditional tattoo designs to bold new options. No matter your preferred design, have realistic expectations about the final results. You should not expect your final design to look exactly like another artist's work.

  • Size and location: state the size and placement of the tattoo. Avoid generalizing sizes into small, medium, or large. Instead, put dimensions in inch estimates.

  • Choose dates and times: you also need to be specific about the dates and the times that work best for you. This will help the artist schedule your appointment appropriately.


Get a Good Night's Sleep

Young woman sleeping in bed at night. Sleeping time

It is crucial that you stay well-rested the night before your tattoo appointment. Adequate rest helps you stay alert and in tune with your body. You will read your body's signals effectively and react accordingly. Adequate sleep can also help relieve anxiety and boost self-confidence. Get into bed earlier than usual, so you can rest and fall asleep for more hours.


Stay Hydrated

Drink a lot of water 24 hours before your appointment. Staying hydrated is a great way to prepare your skin for your tattoo session. Generally, hydrated skin makes it easy for the ink to sink than dehydrated skin.


This can make the entire process smooth and comfortable for you and your artist. If you didn't get a chance to drink lots of water before your tattoo appointment, keep a water bottle with you during your session.


Shower and Moisturize Your Skin

This one seems so obvious, but many people ignore this crucial step. Showering before your appointment helps keep your skin as clean as possible. Tattoos create minor cuts and open the skin up, and excellent hygiene prevents contamination. You should also moisturize your skin on the day of your tattoo. Moisturizers increase your skin's resilience to make the ink application process seamless.


Dress Well for the Session

Ensure you are as comfortable as possible during your tattoo appointment. Wear a comfortable outfit and avoid restrictive jeans or dress shirts that could impact your flexibility.


Choose loose clothing that allows you to readjust your positioning while ensuring you don't get itchy or overheat. Loose clothing also gives your artist easy access to the area where you are getting tattooed.


What to Avoid Before Your Tattoo Appointment?

The following are some of the don'ts before getting a tattoo:


  • Avoid some medications: Don't take aspirin or other blood-thinning medicines at least 24 hours before your tattoo. These medications increase the risk of bleeding and jeopardize the healing process.

  • Avoid alcohol and other substances: Don't appear intoxicated for your tattoo session. Alcohol and drugs such as heroin and cocaine can thin your blood and put you in danger of several complications.

  • Avoid damaging your skin: You should not show up for your tattoo session with damaged skin. Cuts, bruises, burns, and fresh tans make it harder for your skin to heal due to the existing trauma. Further damage caused during the tattooing process could lead to complications.

  • Avoid intensive exercises: Although exercising before your session is fine, avoid strenuous activities that could drain your muscles. Any workout that strains your muscles makes the process a lot more painful.


Get Your Dream Tattoo at Wingnut Tattoo and Piercing

There is much more to get your favorite tattoo than meets the eye. You need to prepare a lot before your appointments, especially if it is your first tattoo. Thorough preparation makes the entire process comfortable and seamless.


A tattoo is a lifetime, so finding the right design and artist is of utmost importance. At Wingnut Tattoo and Piercing, our licensed artists provide you with the best tattoo and piercing services with exceptional results. Our goal is to create a great tattoo experience that actualizes your dream. Contact us today to schedule an exclusive tattoo appointment.

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