How To Prepare For Your Tattoo Session

Ensure your tattoo session is smooth, positive, and comfortable with these essential preparation tips.

Before Your Tattoo

Being well-prepared helps your body handle the tattoo process better and can make the whole experience more enjoyable.

Rest Well

Get 9–10 hours of good sleep the night before your appointment. A rested body handles discomfort and heals faster.

Eat a Proper Meal

Have a substantial meal around two hours before your session. This keeps your energy up and helps avoid dizziness or fatigue during the process.

Stay Clean

  • Personal hygiene is essential, especially around the area being tattooed. Please:
  • Shower before your appointment.
  • Wash and tie up long hair.
  • Avoid perfumes, aftershave, or body sprays.
  • Do not shave the area yourself — we’ll take care of that for you.


Dress Comfortably

Wear loose, clean clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area. Choose items you won’t mind possibly getting ink on.

Stay Energised

Bring healthy snacks such as sandwiches, fruit, or salads. Stay hydrated with water or natural juice. Avoid excessive caffeine or energy drinks, as they can heighten your sensitivity.

Bring Entertainment

Long sessions can get boring — bring something to pass the time:

  • Music or podcasts (with earphones)
  • A good book or magazine
  • A film or series on your phone/tablet (and don’t forget your charger)

When Not To Get Tattooed

We may need to reschedule your appointment if:

  • You’re feeling ill, run-down, or hungover.
  • You’ve consumed alcohol or drugs within 24 hours.
  • Your skin is sunburned or freshly tanned.
  • You have new scar tissue in the tattoo area (less than 6 months for solid colour or 3 years for detailed work).
  • The area has a raised birthmark.
  • You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or on your period.
  • You’ve taken any blood-thinning medications within 24 hours, including:
    • Aspirin (Bayer), Ibuprofen (Advil)
    • Clopidogrel, Dipyridamole, Prasugrel, Ticagrelor
    • Apixaban, Dabigatran, Edoxaban, Rivaroxaban
    • Heparin-based medications (e.g., Lovenox)
    • Warfarin, and similar anticoagulants


Still Unsure?

If you have any questions or are unsure whether you’re ready for your appointment, get in touch — we’re happy to help.

Seeking Medical Advice Before Getting a Tattoo

If you suffer from any of the medical conditions listed below — or have concerns about your health in general — it may affect your ability to be tattooed safely, as well as your body’s ability to heal. In these cases, we strongly recommend seeking medical advice before booking or attending your appointment.

Medical Conditions That May Require Caution:

  • Heart conditions (e.g. prosthetic heart valves, heart valve disease, angina, high or low blood pressure)
  • Neurological conditions (e.g. epilepsy, seizures, fainting, narcolepsy, panic attacks)
  • Bleeding disorders (e.g. haemophilia or any condition that affects blood clotting)
  • Bloodborne infections (e.g. hepatitis, HIV)
  • Autoimmune conditions (e.g. diabetes, lupus)
  • Skin conditions (e.g. eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, slow healing, or history of keloid scarring)
  • Severe allergies or sensitivities (e.g. reactions to plasters, creams, latex, pigments, dyes, soaps, or disinfectants)
  • Any other diagnosed health condition that may interfere with the tattooing or healing process


If in doubt, speak to your GP or healthcare provider.

Your safety is our top priority. Please let us know before your appointment if you have any concerns — all conversations are confidential, and we’ll do our best to guide you appropriately.