Proper preparation is one of the most important steps in ensuring a smooth, safe, and successful tattoo or piercing experience. Whether you’re receiving a small piercing or starting a detailed tattoo session, how you prepare your body and your mindset directly impacts comfort, healing, and the overall quality of the final result. Arriving well-rested, nourished, hydrated, and informed helps your artist work at their highest level while giving you the confidence and stability needed for the process.
​
Our goal is to create an environment where you feel supported, prepared, and ready for your session. By following a few simple guidelines before your appointment, you help us deliver the cleanest lines, the safest piercings, and the best possible outcome for your body art. Your preparation is the foundation for exceptional results.
Tattoos
REST
Get a good night’s sleep the night before your appointment. This will increase your pain tolerance, energy level, and ability to sit well for your session
BIG BOY BREAKFAST
Whether you normally have breakfast or not, eating a decent breakfast the morning of your tattoo appointment is extremely beneficial. It’s going to give your body the fuel it needs for a solid start to the day.
BRING SNACKS
Bring snacks! It’s crucial to maintain an optimal blood sugar level throughout your session. Sugary snacks and drinks are actually beneficial during your session, but so is water. Stay hydrated!
MOISTURIZE AND EXFOLIATE
Starting about a week prior to your appointment (if you dont normally do this), begin to regularly moisturize and exfoliate the area to be tattooed. The better condition your skin is in, the better the results of your tattoo will be.
SHAVING
Unless you regularly shave the area to be tattooed, shaving prior to the session is not advisable. Abstaining from shaving ensures no irritation on the area to be tattooed. Your artist will make sure to shave the area for you, even if you already have shaved.
HYDRATION
It’s super important to drink plenty of water during the few days prior to your session. Hydration affects the skin and therefore can affect the tattoo. Water will also help with overall well-being and thus increase your pain tolerance.
HYGEINE
Make sure to come in clean…you’ll be spending a lot of time in close proximity to your artist and no one likes stinky.
BRING COMFORT ITEMS
If you have a long session booked, feel free to bring anything to pass the time or make you more comfortable. This includes earbuds, chargers, throw blankets (getting chilly is common during long sessions), snacks, water, books, fidget items or anything else you feel may help keep your mind occupied.
WEAR APPROPRIATE CLOTHING
Wear loose clothing or clothing that will make the area to be tattooed easily accessible. Light colored clothes, expensive clothing items, or brand new clothes are not recommended.
MENTAL PREPARATION
Mentally prepare yourself prior to your appointment. Understand that you may be sitting in awkward positions and for a long period of time. Meditation and practicing controlled breathing will also be beneficial during your session to reduce discomfort and help you stay still.
ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS
Avoid alcohol the day prior to your appointment. Alcohol thins the blood and may make it harder for ink to saturate. Alcohol also dehydrates your body and skin. Definitely not fun to get tattooed while hungover, either.
While it is at the discretion of the client, it is advisable to abstain from products containing THC or nicotine as these drugs decrease your pain tolerance and may heighten anxiety. Anyone suspected to be under the influence of any narcotic or alcohol will not be tattooed.
Piercings
-
Rest and Hydration:
-
Get a good night's sleep and drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment. Avoid alcohol, as it can thin your blood.
-
-
Food and Drink:
-
Eat a light, nutritious meal or snack a few hours before your piercing. Avoid getting pierced on an empty stomach or after a heavy, greasy meal.
-
-
Clothing:
-
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that won't irritate the area of the piercing.
-
-
Health:
-
If you are feeling sick or under the weather, contact the piercing studio to reschedule; this protects both you and the piercer/other clients.
-
Esthetics
To prepare for waxing services:
-
Shower and exfoliate 1hr prior to appointment for body waxing
For Brazillians:
-
No sex, exercise or showers for 24hrs post appointment
-
At 24 hours take a shower
-
Exfoliation is key
For all other body waxing:
-
Wait 24 hours post service before showering and exfoliating
Facials
-
No makeup prior to appointment
-
Drink lots of water post appointment
-
Wait minimum 4 hours to wash face to allow for serums to have time on the skin
-
Wear high SPF during the daytime to prevent skin from burning