How to prepare for your first tattoo
If you’re here you’re the type that wants the real answers…
Why does this matter?
Let’s create the very best scenario for healing, after all something so permanent should require some precautions! What should you do? What shouldn’t you do? Only your tattoo artist should be telling you this! Sure your uncle’s been getting tatted since the 90’s, I’m sure they gave great advice that worked for them then but artists have tried and true tips that are sure to leave you feeling like you know what you’re getting into. Rest assured that after reading this, you’ll be prepared for anything on your big day. The more you take care of your skin, the better. Here’s some steps to the best session you can get. Get inspired by your family when it comes to designs and placement, leave the skin recommendations to the experts…
Before Your Tattoo Appointment
I'm gonna take you BACK
WAY BACK
Back into time…
Up to 1 month before your tattoo
If you can begin your skincare at this point, you are a step ahead of everyone! Start by applying sunscreen every morning. This is recommended daily but if you do not usually apply this daily, please begin to use it before your tattoo appointment, specially if you’re planning on spending time outside. We cannot tattoo on sunburned skin! Take this as a warning that your artist may reschedule if you show up with a sunburn! Tattooing a sunburn is painful, unsafe, and will not heal well. Using moisturizer daily is recommended by your tattoo artist. Are you in a rush? At least moisturize the area you plan on getting tattooed!
Speak with your tattoo artist about any medications you might be taking that may need a doctor’s approval. Ask you doctor when in doubt…
Blood thinners may need to be paused for a certain amount of time before your tattoo- aspirin, warfarin, plavix are some examples. There is a risk for increased bleeding, less color saturation, and may affect your healing process.
NSAIDS like ibuprofen, naproxen, etc can affect the blood and its ability to clot, leaving you at risk for bruising.
Steroid use can thin the skin, leaving it more prone to damage and less likely to heal as well.
Antibiotics can increase the sensitivity of your skin and may cause adverse reactions to some ink. If you have to take antibiotics for any infections, you should reschedule your tattoo until you are fully healed from the infection.
Immunosuppressants can increase the chance of infection and slow your healing time down.
Antidepressants may affect your tolerance to pain or anxiety during your session.
Always talk to your doctor about your medications and getting tattooed.
1 week before your tattoo
GENTLY exfoliate the area to remove any dead, flaky skin and continue to moisturize daily. Exfoliating should not occur on the day of your session! If your skin is healthy, hydrated, and exfoliated, it will accept ink better than skin that is not properly prepared. You can be sure you will heal wonderfully with these easy steps:
wash the area
gently exfoliate with a sugar scrub, storebought scrub, loofa, or hand towel
towel dry then lock in moisture with a body oil, body butter, or thick moisturizer. We recommend lotions such as Lubriderm, Cetaphil, Vanicream, Or Dove Sensitive.
DRINK WATER- this will keep your skin hydrated for your artist to believe they are really good at their job, but in reality you just have great skin! Keep reading to have the best first tattoo ever…
The Night Before
Rest is CRUCIAL! A good night’s rest will aid the body when it comes to pain management, communication between you & your artist, and helps you feel refreshed for a brand new experience. Get a lot of sleep knowing that you are in the hands of specialists, perfectionists that will take great care in each step of your tattoo.
On the Day of
Showering prior to the session will help prevent infection. Jump in the shower to ready yourself for your tattoo session. Reducing your risk of infection by reducing the bacteria on the skin is simple and easy. Please remember that exfoliating your skin is only recommended a week prior to your session NOT ON THE DAY OF. No moisturizer is needed for your session, as your artist will remove it when you arrive anyway. Shaving is unnecessary, specially if you aren’t experienced in shaving the area you will be getting tattooed, your artist would rather shave your skin themselves than find damaged skin from a you shaving it yourself.
Eat a big breakfast! Eating plenty before a tattoo session of any size will help stabilize your blood sugar. You can prevent dizziness, fatigue, and fainting by fueling your body to handle the stress of a tattoo and encourage healing. Eating at least an hour prior to your session will help you so much! We have small snacks and candy, but nothing is better than homemade, of course.
Wearing loose fitting clothing that is comfortable and allows the artist the access they need to the area will be optimal for a comfy tattoo session. If needed, we provided bulk shirts we can let you change into that we can cut to expose the area.
BACK AREA:
button down shirt (worn backwards
zip up sweater (worn backwards)
CHEST AREA:
tube top
sports bra
LEG AREA:
loose pant legs
shorts
flowy skirt
HIP AREA:
flow skirt
shorts
bikini bottom with side strings
Get A Babysitter
We know your children are perfect and would never do anything to get in trouble, but realistically, a tattoo shop is full of biohazardous materials. Please allow your artist to have the optimal focus on your appointment, come with a small group, your besite, or anyone that wants to show a little support and wants to make a tattoo memory with you (18+)!
Don’t forget an ID
A birth certificate does not count. You must present a government issued form of identification with a photo. Passports work! Please know you will be asked for this for every tattoo you get, even if you are just coming for another session, or even just for a touchup! No minors age 18 or younger may be tattooed in the state of Texas by penalty of law. No, you cannot have your parents sign for you if you are a minor. No exceptions.
Where to park
Along the sides of 6th street, you can find a lot of open parking. Usually we there are spots directly in front of the shop. There is a parking lot to the 6th Street Massacre building that is available for parking (unless it’s 4pm-11pm in October when they are open). Usually parking can be found only a short walk away from the shop, if not immediately in front of it. Find out more on our Location page! It shows maps to our shop so you can easily find your way to us.
Let us know if you need any special accommodations
If you have a physical disability, please let us know prior to your session. We can make arrangements as far as the chair you are tattooed in, a space for any equipment, etc.
Payment
Each artist’s rates are different so be sure that you fully understand the cost before your session. Some artists accept different forms of payment as well. Usually we find ourselves accepting Venmo and Apple Pay, but cash is encouraged. Tipping is optional but always appreciated!!
Inkologist Tattoos is a place where you can bring any questions and we will do our best to inform you to the best of our knowledge. Have any more questions? Contact us!