THE ULTIMATE TATTOO PREPARATION GUIDE

 

Everything you should know before your tattoo appointment.

 

Getting tattooed isn't just about showing up on the day.

A little preparation beforehand can make a huge difference to your comfort, your healing, and your overall experience.

Here's everything we recommend before your appointment.

 

---

1. Eat a Proper Meal

One of the biggest mistakes we see is clients arriving without eating.

Tattooing places stress on the body. If your blood sugar drops, you're much more likely to feel dizzy, nauseous or shaky during your appointment.

We recommend eating a balanced meal 1–2 hours before your session.

Even if you're nervous, try to eat something.

---

2. Stay Hydrated

Healthy skin starts before you arrive.

Drink plenty of water the day before your appointment and continue drinking water throughout the day of your tattoo.

Well-hydrated skin is generally easier to tattoo and supports healthy healing.

---

2. Stay Hydrated

A good night's sleep makes more difference than most people realise.

Being well rested helps your body manage discomfort better and makes long sessions much easier.

Aim for at least 7–8 hours of sleep before your appointment.

---

4. Avoid Alcohol

Please don't drink alcohol the night before or before your appointment.

Alcohol can thin your blood, increase bleeding and make the tattooing process more difficult.

Save the celebrations until after your tattoo.

---

5. Tell Your Artist About Any Changes

Please let us know if you:

• Have started antibiotics

• Are feeling sick

• Have a fever

• Have recently become sunburnt

• Are pregnant

• Have started any new medication

Sometimes the safest decision is simply to reschedule.

Your health always comes first.

---

6. Moisturise Your Skin

Healthy skin tattoos better.

Apply moisturiser daily during the week leading up to your appointment.

Avoid arriving with dry, cracked or peeling skin.

(Please don't moisturise immediately before your appointment.)

---

7. Don't Arrive Sunburnt

Fresh sunburn and tattoos don't mix.

If you've been sunburnt in the area being tattooed, your appointment may need to be postponed.

Protect your skin in the weeks leading up to your booking.

---

8. Wear Comfortable Clothing

Wear clothes that allow easy access to the area being tattooed.

Remember that clothing may come into contact with excess ink, stencil marks or ointment.

Avoid wearing your favourite white shirt.

---

9. Bring Entertainment

Long sessions can feel even longer.

Bring:

• Headphones

• Netflix

• Music

• Podcasts

• A fully charged phone

• A charger

We'll keep you comfortable.

---

10. Bring Snacks

Especially for appointments over three hours.

Great options include:

• Muesli bars

• Fruit

• Lollies

• Sandwiches

• Electrolyte drinks

Keeping your energy up makes a huge difference.

---

11. Bring Photo ID

If required, please bring valid photo identification.

We may need to verify your age before tattooing.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT AT REVERENCE TATTOO

Our goal isn't just to give you an incredible tattoo.

It's to make sure you have an incredible experience from start to finish.

Preparing properly helps your artist produce their best work and helps your tattoo heal beautifully.

If you're ever unsure about anything before your appointment, please ask.

We're always happy to help.

 

Ready to BOOK?

Whether it's your first tattoo or your fiftieth, we're here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact Reverence Tattoo today to discuss your next piece or ask any questions before your appointment.

REquest A FREE CONSULTATION