Getting your first tattoo is a significant personal milestone. It’s the moment you choose a unique piece of art to become a permanent part of your story, which brings both excitement and a natural touch of nerves.
You’ve spent ages picking the perfect design and finding the right artist, but what should you do before getting your first tattoo? Proper preparation is key to ensuring a smooth session, better healing, and a more vibrant final tattoo. Simple steps like staying hydrated, eating well, and avoiding certain substances can dramatically improve your comfort and results.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about what to do before your first tattoo, ensuring your experience is safe and results in artwork you’ll love forever.
What to Do Before Getting Your First Tattoo?
Proper preparation starts in the days leading up to your tattoo appointment. Focusing on your physical well-being can significantly impact your pain tolerance and how well your body accepts the ink.
Drink lots of water
Proper hydration is one of the most effective ways to prepare for your first tattoo. Start increasing your water intake a few days before your session to ensure your skin is in optimal condition. While drinking water is always important, it becomes critical in the days leading up to your session for two main reasons: your comfort and the quality of the artwork.
During your tattoo session, you won’t drink a lot of water, which can make you feel faint, dizzy, or unwell, especially during a long session. Staying well-hydrated helps regulate your blood sugar and ensures you feel your best, allowing you to remain calm and comfortable in the chair.
Hydration also transforms your skin into the perfect canvas. Well-hydrated skin is more supple and resilient, which helps it accept the ink more evenly. This makes the tattooing process easier for your artist, resulting in cleaner lines and a smoother final design.
Prepare your skin
Healthy skin is the best canvas for a tattoo. In the week leading up to your appointment, keep the designated area well-moisturized. Use a quality, unscented lotion daily to prevent dryness and flakiness. However, do not apply any lotion or moisturizer on the day of your appointment, as any residue on your skin could interfere with the tattooing process.
Skip perfumed body washes, strong deodorants, or any products containing alcohol near the tattoo site. These substances can dry out or irritate your skin. You should also avoid any cuts, scrapes, or bruises on the area you plan to get tattooed. If you have any skin irritation or sunburn, it’s crucial to reschedule your appointment, as tattooing over damaged skin is not safe or effective.
Get a good night’s sleep
A good night’s sleep is one of the most effective things you can do to prepare, especially for your first tattoo. Getting at least eight hours of sleep the night before your tattoo session helps your body and mind relax. Arriving well-rested directly impacts your pain tolerance, your mental state, and your body’s ability to heal.
For someone new to the experience, managing the sensation is a primary concern. When you are rested, your body’s natural ability to handle pain is higher, and your mind is calmer, which helps you relax during the session. Tattooing also requires you to remain still for an extended period; good sleep gives you the physical stamina to do this comfortably, which is essential for the artist to create precise, steady lines. Finally, sleep strengthens your immune system, giving your body the best start to heal your new tattoo efficiently. Aim for a full eight hours of quality sleep to ensure you are physically and mentally ready.
Eat a balanced meal
From our experience here at the shop, one of the biggest mistakes a client can make, especially a first-timer, is showing up on an empty stomach. Your body uses a lot of energy during a tattoo session. The combination of adrenaline and your body’s natural response can cause your blood sugar to drop, which leads to feeling shaky, dizzy, or even fainting. A balanced meal is your best defense, giving you the steady fuel you need to handle the process with confidence.
Plan to have a solid meal about one to two hours before you come to the shop, as this gives your body time to digest while ensuring your energy levels are high. Focus on a mix of lean protein like chicken or eggs, complex carbohydrates like oatmeal or vegetables, and a bit of healthy fat from sources like avocado or nuts. This combination is crucial because it provides sustained, slow-release energy, helping you feel full and strong while preventing the sudden sugar crashes you’d get from candy or soda.
Just as important is knowing what to avoid. Steer clear of extremely heavy or greasy foods, as they can cause an upset stomach—the last thing you want when you need to sit still. While your normal morning coffee is fine, avoid excessive caffeine right before your appointment, as it can heighten anxiety and make you jittery. By eating a smart, balanced meal, you’re setting yourself and your artist up for a successful and smooth session.
What not to do before getting your first tattoo?
Just as important as knowing what to do is knowing what not to do before getting your first tattoo. Certain activities can negatively impact your tattoo experience and the final result.
Avoid sunburned skin
Your first tattoo appointment is an exciting day you’ve likely been looking forward to for a long time. The fastest way to have it disappointingly postponed is to show up with a sunburn. Artists simply cannot tattoo over burned or freshly tanned skin. A sunburn makes your skin inflamed, overly sensitive, and damaged, which not only makes the process incredibly painful but also guarantees a poor heal. It can even affect how the colors look. The last thing you want is for your first tattoo to be compromised before it even begins. In the weeks before your session, protect the area with clothing or a high-SPF sunscreen to ensure your skin is in perfect condition.
Don’t drink alcohol or consume blood-thinning medication
It is critical to avoid alcohol for at least 24-48 hours before your tattoo session. Alcohol thins your blood, which can lead to excessive bleeding during the tattooing process. This not only makes it harder for your artist to see what they are doing but can also dilute the ink, resulting in a faded or uneven tattoo. Similarly, avoid blood-thinning medications like aspirin or ibuprofen, unless prescribed by a doctor. If you are on any medication, it is essential to discuss it with both your doctor and your tattoo artist beforehand.
What to do during your first tattoo session
You’ve done all the prep work and now you’re in the chair. Here’s what to do to make the tattoo session as comfortable as possible:
- Arrive on time: Punctuality shows respect for your artist’s schedule.
- Wear comfortable clothing: Choose loose, comfortable clothing that provides easy access to the area being tattooed.
- Trust your artist: You chose them for their skill and expertise. Trust their process and their professional judgment.
- Stay Still: Movement can compromise the quality of your tattoo. Find a comfortable position and try to remain as still as possible.
- Communicate: If you need a break, feel dizzy, or are in excessive pain, tell your artist. They are professionals and will accommodate your needs.
- Bring distractions: Feel free to bring headphones to listen to music or a podcast, or a book to read, especially for longer sessions.
Book a Tattoo Consultation with Hyper Inkers in San Antonio, TX
Feeling prepared and ready for your first tattoo? The next step is to find a studio that prioritizes quality, safety, and artistry. Hyper Inkers in San Antonio, Texas, is a top-tier tattoo and piercing studio established in 2023. We offer a wide range of services, from walk-in tattoos to custom designs, portraits, and black and gray tattoos.
Our team of award-winning artists is here to turn your vision into a reality in a clean, safe, and professional environment that adheres to the strictest sanitation standards. We are here to answer all your questions and guide you through the process, ensuring your first tattoo is a masterpiece you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our San Antonio, TX studio and let’s start planning your first piece of body art together!
- Website: hyperinkers.com
- Hotline: (210) 997-9737
- Address: 8045 Callaghan Rd, San Antonio, TX 78230
FAQs
What to do the night before your first tattoo?
The night before your first tattoo, you should focus on rest and hydration. Get a full eight hours of sleep to ensure you’re mentally and physically prepared. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol completely. Lay out comfortable clothes for the next day and have a good, nutritious dinner.
Can I use numbing cream before my tattoo?
It is generally not recommended to use numbing cream before a tattoo unless you have discussed it with your artist beforehand. Some numbing creams can change the texture of the skin, making it more difficult to tattoo and potentially affecting how the ink heals. Always consult with your artist first; they can recommend a product if they are comfortable working with it.
Is it okay to get a tattoo if I’m sick?
No, you should not get a tattoo if you are sick. Your immune system is already working hard to fight off the illness. Getting a tattoo puts additional stress on your body and immune system, which can prolong your sickness and hinder the tattoo’s healing process. Always call and reschedule if you are unwell.
Getting your first tattoo is an unforgettable experience. By following these guidelines, you ensure that the memory is a positive one, from the initial preparation to the moment you walk out with your new art. At Hyper Inkers, we are dedicated to making that happen. We look forward to welcoming you to our studio and creating something beautiful together.
