There are plenty of tips & tricks for what to do after you get a new tattoo. But don’t forget about tattoo preparation – it’s just as important as aftercare. Ink is a long-term commitment and prep work starts weeks before your session. You need to make sure your body and your mind are ready for the experience.

From picking a design to minimizing your pain in the chair, here’s exactly how to prepare for your next tattoo session.

The week of your tattoo session

1. Drink plenty of water
You should already be drinking water regularly. But if not, start to hydrate properly at least one week before your session. Drink at least 8 8-ounce glasses of water each day. Tea, coffee, and soda don't count.

2. Shave or wax
The artist needs a clean canvas to work on, so you have to shave before your session. Shave at least 2-3x for the week leading up to your tattoo. Don’t wait until the last minute to shave. Your skin will be extra sensitive, making the tattoo process even more painful.

If you choose to wax the area, make sure you do so at least 5-7 days before sitting. This should be enough time to let your irritable skin heal.

3. Exfoliate your skin
Exfoliation unclogs pores and stimulates blood flow which helps prepare your skin for the needle and ink. Not to mention, it helps prevent infections and speed up the healing process.

4. Moisturize your entire body
Moisturized skin is healthy skin. Moisturize the area at least twice per day to make sure your skin is in good shape for your session. This is especially important in the winter, when dry skin is most common. Pick a moisturizer that is alcohol-free, as they tend to dry skin out.

If you’ve been doing this for at least a few days before your session, your skin should be ready to go. Skip the lotion on the day of your session as it can make it difficult for your artist to work.

24 hours before your session

5. Sleep at least 6-8 hours
One of the best things you can do for your body is to get a good night’s sleep before your session. If you stay up late or show up for your session yawning, you’re not going to have a good time. Though the finished product may look great, your skin is going to be put under extreme stress. If you aren’t well rested, your skin will struggle to heal properly. Don’t stay up late or go out for drinks – get a full 8 hours of sleep.

6. Don't drink alcohol the night before
You’ve probably seen tattoo parlors open late in movies or even in real life. But as any artist or ink enthusiast will tell you, don’t drink alcohol before your tattoo.

Alcohol is a blood thinner, meaning that it prevents your blood from clotting. Unless you want to endure a very painful, bloody session, you should avoid it for at least 24-48 hours before sitting.

And if you ask anyone who’s ever gotten a tattoo while drunk, they’ll probably tell you that they regret it.

7. Drink more water
Hopefully you’ve been drinking plenty of water the past few days. That’s great, keep it up. Continue drinking plenty of water right up until your session and pack a bottle for the session itself.

The day of your session

Showers might be a bit tricky for the next few days, so make sure you take one before your session. Thoroughly scrub the area to remove any dirt and make sure your pores are clear before heading into the session to prevent infections.

8. Eat a balanced meal
Even if you’re feeling a bit anxious and don't have an appetite, you should try to eat a small meal beforehand.

What happens if you don't eat before a tattoo? If you don’t eat, you’ll likely feel dizzy or lightheaded during the session. This will make the experience far more painful.

Eat a balanced meal 1-2 hours before showing up to give your body the energy it needs to sit through the entire session. If possible, try to consume Vitamin C, which increases skin firmness and promotes healing.

For longer sessions like back pieces or leg sleeves, pack a few snacks and drinks. You need to keep your blood sugar elevated to avoid feeling weak and passing out. We recommend granola bars, fruit, or chocolate.

9. Dress comfortably
This should go without saying, but don’t show up wearing skinny jeans or constrictive clothing. You’re going to be in some pain and you don’t want to be any more uncomfortable than you already are.

If you’re getting an arm sleeve, wear a short sleeve shirt or tank top. For leg tattoos, wear shorts or loose pants that can easily be moved.

If your session is in the winter, you may have shown up in a jacket. But make sure you have some lighter layers underneath to avoid overheating.

10. Don’t show up drunk or high
Generally speaking, you shouldn’t show up intoxicated to your session. Liquid courage can be great for certain things, but tattoos aren’t one of them. It’s dangerous for you and can be disrespectful to the artist.

11. Avoid pain killers like aspirin & other blood thinners
Taking an aspirin might seem like a good idea if you’re nervous about the pain. Unfortunately, aspirins and blood thinners are incredibly dangerous to take within 24 hours of your session. Talk to your doctor to confirm that your other daily medications are safe to continue taking.

If you’re really worried about the pain, try a numbing cream. Even for ink veterans, these numbing ointments make the experience much more enjoyable.

12. Protect your skin
If you show up with any razor bumps, cuts, bruises, or scrapes, your artist is probably going to postpone your session. It isn’t safe to apply ink near open wounds or damaged skin – it will likely result in an infection.

13. Skip the workout
We’re big advocates of physical fitness, especially when your muscles are covered in ink. But on the day of your tattoo (and even a few days after), skip the gym.

Your muscles will be tired & sore from an intense workout, meaning they need rest & recovery. Well, so does your skin. If you workout the morning of your session, you’ll likely be in more pain and delay the healing process.

If you still want to exercise, go for a light walk or low-intensity workout. And in a few days, you'll be back in the gym!

14. Bring something to entertain yourself
It’s totally okay to talk to the artist during your session, but they won’t be offended if you bring headphones to listen to music or watch Netflix. If you’re distracted from the pain, it will be easier for them to work.

15. Bring a friend to keep you company
If you need someone to help you get through the pain or just someone’s hand to squeeze, bring a friend! Plus, it might be easier to talk to a friend than an artist who you’ve only met once or twice. Most tattoo shops will let you bring a friend to keep you company.

16. Ask questions
If you have any last minute questions or changes to the design or location that weren’t covered in your consultation, be sure to ask your artist before proceeding. Artists are there to help you, so don’t be afraid to ask.

This may seem like a lot to do just for some ink. But if you properly prepare your body for the session, the healing process will be so much easier. If not, you could be left with a long & painful healing experience.

So, you’ve landed here, which means you’ve either just had a new tattoo or are about to get one. Regardless of the situation, tattoo aftercare is incredibly important. There's a lot of advice out there on how to ensure your tattoo heals properly and stays vibrant.

However, much of this advice can be contradictory, especially when it comes to things like how often you should moisturise or when to remove the bandage, which might even clash with the instructions your artist gave you. It can be confusing trying to figure out who or what to trust, and this uncertainty can lead to serious issues with your tattoo.

At the moment, only a handful of countries legally require tattoo artists to provide aftercare instructions from public health authorities. While most artists do offer helpful advice, it can still be a bit unclear.

If this sounds familiar, then we understand your frustration, and you’ve come to the right place. We’re tired of all the conflicting information too. This guide will take you through all the key steps for proper tattoo care.

How to Prepare for Your Tattoo Appointment

Tattoos are exciting, whether it’s your first or your fiftieth. The way you prepare for your session is just as important as aftercare for achieving the best result. These tips will ensure you’re fully ready for your artist.

Eat, Hydrate, and Dress Comfortably

Before heading in for your tattoo, make sure you eat a good meal and drink plenty of water. Dress in loose, comfortable clothes that will give easy access to the area being tattooed. Also, steer clear of alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and caffeine, as these can affect how you tolerate the tattooing process. Tattoo artists are legally prohibited from tattooing anyone who’s intoxicated.

If your session is going to be long, bring a snack and a drink with electrolytes to keep you fuelled and hydrated. Tattooing puts stress on your body, so having a snack and a drink ready will help maintain your energy and keep your blood sugar levels stable.

Prepare Your Skin

To make sure your skin is ready for the tattoo, exfoliate and moisturise the morning of your appointment, and avoid sun exposure. Trust us – you don’t want to get tattooed on sunburnt skin! Avoid the sun for a few days before your appointment to prevent any painful or problematic healing.

Additionally, avoid intense workouts in the days leading up to your session. Excessive exercise can cause muscle soreness, which won’t mix well with tattoo needles, especially on certain parts of the body.

How to Care for Your New Tattoo

If you don’t care for your tattoo properly, you risk it fading, becoming infected, or needing touch-ups far more often. Fortunately, proper care isn’t difficult, but it is essential for ensuring your tattoo heals beautifully.

The time it takes for your tattoo to heal depends on the size and detail of the design. Larger tattoos tend to take longer to heal, sometimes up to three months, while smaller ones may take just two to three weeks. However, no matter the size, all tattoos require consistent care. Solid colour tattoos, in particular, tend to take a bit longer. With the right care, your tattoo will stay bold and fresh in no time.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your tattoo heals properly:

Keep the Tattoo Covered Your tattoo artist will clean the area and apply a bandage. You should keep the bandage on for at least a few hours, preferably a minimum of three. If your artist has used a product like Tegaderm or Saniderm, you can keep it on for up to three or four days, but always follow their specific instructions.

When you remove the bandage, wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap before you clean your tattoo.

Clean Your Tattoo Once the bandage is off, wash the tattoo gently using a mild, fragrance-free liquid soap, like Mad Rabbit Gentle Cleansing Tattoo Wash. Use lukewarm water and gently pat it dry with a clean paper towel. Don’t scrub or rub the area, as this can damage the healing skin.

Avoid using harsh soaps or exfoliating products.

Lukewarm water is ideal – hot water may irritate the skin, and cold water could slow the healing process.

For the first two weeks, wash your tattoo twice daily to remove plasma, excess ink, and bacteria.

If you see some ink running down the sink, don’t worry – this is just excess ink. Continue to treat your tattoo gently.

Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise after cleaning, moisturising your tattoo is vital. It keeps the skin hydrated and prevents it from drying out, cracking, or bleeding. Apply a soothing gel after each wash to keep the skin moisturised without clogging it.

Use a thin layer of moisturiser two to three times daily. Be careful not to over-apply, as this can suffocate the skin and delay the healing process.

Avoid petroleum-based products, as these can trap bacteria and hinder healing. Instead, use tattoo-specific products with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, or aloe vera.

For extra care, use a Balm Stick to lock in moisture without risking cross-contamination. Just make sure to wipe the stick after each use.

Once your tattoo has fully healed (usually within two to four weeks), switch to a Body Lotion for long-lasting hydration and to preserve the quality of your ink.

Keep Your Tattoo Out of the Sun Your tattoo is delicate and sensitive to UV rays. Exposure to the sun can cause it to fade and interfere with the healing process. Avoid direct sunlight for the first two to four weeks and cover your tattoo with loose clothing if you need to be outside.

Once healed, apply Sunscreen SPF 30 regularly to protect your tattoo from the sun and keep it looking fresh.

Avoid Intense Exercise Exercise can introduce bacteria to your new tattoo through sweat, overstretch healing skin, and cause scabs to tear. Wait at least 48 hours before engaging in light activity, such as walking or cycling. For the first four to six weeks, avoid strenuous exercise, and always clean your tattoo after any physical activity.

Wear Loose Clothing During the healing process, opt for loose, breathable fabrics over your tattoo. Tight clothing can stick to moisturisers or ointments, pull off scabs, and cause irritation or pain. Keep a few items of clothing reserved for this stage to avoid staining your wardrobe.

Don’t Pick at Scabs Scabbing is a natural part of the healing process. Picking at scabs can pull ink out of your skin, leading to patchy spots or even scarring. Resist the temptation to scratch, and apply moisturiser to soothe any itching.

Avoid Swimming Swimming in pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water can expose your fresh tattoo to bacteria and chemicals, increasing the risk of infection. Avoid swimming for the first two to three weeks, or until the scabs have fully healed. Showering is fine, as long as you’re gentle and avoid soaking the tattoo.

Final Thoughts

Looking after your tattoo doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right care – including proper washing, moisturising, and sun protection – your tattoo will heal quickly and stay bold for years.bGentle Cleansing Wash, Soothing Gel, Replenishing Body Lotion, and Tattoo Sunscreen SPF 30 are all you need for top-quality tattoo aftercare. Follow this guide, trust the process, and enjoy your stunning new ink!