Before your Tattoo Appointment
Here are a few important notes to help prepare you for your visit in & ensure your visit is as fun and comfortable as possible!*
♥
Make sure you bring a legal ID. Be ready to name any allergies you have, and know the names of any current medications you’re taking. You will need to share this information in a consent form before you start your tattoo.
Please bring any refreshments (water, snacks, etc) you may need during the visit (especially if your appointment will be 3+ hours). Eat a good meal about an hour before your appointment. Tattoos can be tiring, so staying hydrated and keeping your blood sugar up is always helpful.
Sometimes the studio or process may make you cold or chilly, so please bring a jacket if you tend to get cold.
Read through your artists’ healing guide to make sure you have everything you need (soap, lotion etc).
Plan your calendar and socializing after your tattoo appointment accordingly to ensure your tattoo heals beautifully (ie., no gym, big trips or sun exposure etc).
Wear comfortable, dark clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed. Depending on the area, your clothing may get stained so sometimes wearing an older item of clothing you don’t care too much about works well. If you do not wear clothing that allows adequate access to the area, a hospital gown you can change into can be provided (but be warned, they’re not the most comfortable!) For chest tattoos, wear a FRONT button up shirt or jacket. For upper leg tattoos, wear loose pants that can be rolled over the knee or shorts. For upper arm or top of the shoulder tattoos, wear a tank top. For back tattoos, wear a front or back button up shirt or jacket.
Try not to drink more caffeine or ibuprofen than usual. These can thin the blood and cause more bleeding during the process. Also, too much caffeine may cause you to shake and hinder the tattooing process.
You do not need to shave the area getting tattooed beforehand, it can be done at the studio.
A guest may accompany you if you feel you need support. We have space for two additional people (max) besides yourself to join you. We share a waiting area with other clients, so please be courteous of their experience as well. No one under the age of 18 may enter the studio during appointment hours.
Please note, any valuables brought with you to the studio and your tattoo appointment are your responsibility and not the responsibility of your tattoo artist.
Avoid harsh sun exposure the days before your appointment. You cannot be tattooed over a sunburn!
Avoid partying too hard and/or being hungover before an appointment. You will most likely be dehydrated, it can make the tattoo hurt more, and, overall, it’s just an awful experience.
Your tattoo design will not be shared with you before your appointment, unless your artist specifically lets you know otherwise. Artists usually have many tattoo appointments during the week, so to ensure effort and time are shared equally across clients, design edits and refinements are made the day of your appointment. This is why research and selecting the right artist is very important!
Different areas hurt differently, and everyone feels pain differently. Advice from this, and your loved ones in your life can be helpful, just remember this process and journey is yours! Your experience will be unique to you :)
*All of these tips are general recommendations by Love and Lani Tattoo. None of these are set in stone and following this guide will not make or break an experience. These guidelines also only pertain to Love and Lani Tattoo, we cannot speak for other studios’ or their policies, as every shop and studio is different. Love and Lani Tattoo is permitted to make tattoos, and will not provide medical advice. If you have any questions about what to expect, consult directly with your tattoo artist please, not scary Google or social media.