Before you get tattooed
What you can and can 't do before getting a tattoo? Getting a tattoo can be filled with a nervous and tense feeling before getting a tattoo. How do you prepare? Is there anything you can do to make the tattoo artist's job easier? What can you do and, more importantly, what should you not do before getting a tattoo? Some of these considerations and questions we will try to answer in this article.
The Do's: What you can do before getting a tattoo
There are some precautions and things to do before you get a tattoo to ensure the smoothest experience and best results. Read on to find out what you can do!
1. Drink plenty of water:
It's important that you drink plenty of water before, during and after getting a tattoo. Staying hydrated makes your skin more supple, which has a positive impact on your tattoo. In addition, remembering to drink enough water during and before the tattooing process can also help with discomfort during the tattooing process. Not drinking enough water can make you feel dizzy and uncomfortable, so remember to drink water and don't hesitate to tell your tattoo artist if you need a water break. Keep up the good work; and remember to drink plenty of water after you've been tattooed, as it can speed up the healing process.
2. Do you have color allergies? Tell your tattoo artist:
If you have a color allergy - we can't stress enough - you need to inform your tattoo artist about this. If you have an allergy to certain colors, it's very important that your tattoo artist knows this so they don't use the color for your tattoo. If you have a color allergy and get the color you're allergic to stuck in your skin, it can have serious consequences.
3. Get a good night's sleep:
It's important that you are fresh and well-rested before getting a tattoo. Getting a tattoo is a major procedure for the body - especially if it's a larger tattoo you're getting. Being well-rested gives you the best chance to feel how you feel during the process, which can be important. If you haven't slept well, let your tattoo artist know and they can help you along the way.
4. Shave:
This is not a prerequisite. Your tattoo artist will shave where you're going to be inked before you start. But if you want to do it yourself - you know your skin best - then it might be a good idea to grab the razor yourself. If you have sensitive skin and are prone to rashes and the like when you shave, it may be a good idea to shave in the intended area two to three times a week leading up to your appointment - but remember to stop a few days before your appointment so that the rash can disappear beforehand.
5. Take a shower:
This may go without saying, but we choose to inform you that it's a good idea to shower before going to the tattoo artist - both for your tattoo artist's sake, but also for the sake of your skin.
6. Use moisturizer:
It's a good idea to get your skin in the best condition possible before getting a tattoo. Therefore, you may want to apply moisturizer in the weeks or days leading up to your tattoo appointment. This can be especially important in winter, as our skin tends to be drier during the cold seasons.
7. Eat a good meal before getting tattooed:
It's a very bad idea to show up for a long session under the needle without food in your stomach. As we said, getting a tattoo is a bit of a body procedure, so your body needs all the energy it can get. With a good meal in your stomach, you can prevent dizziness and a sugar crash along the way. Bring a snack to your appointment. If you're going to be tattooing for a long time, it's a good idea to bring a banana or something similar so you can quickly replenish your stores along the way.
8. Wear comfortable clothes:
It's important that you are as comfortable as possible when getting a tattoo. That's why it's also a good idea to wear clothes that fit comfortably on your body. Loose pants and a comfortable t-shirt or undershirt can do wonders. If you're getting a tattoo on your legs or stomach, you can either wear shorts or a shirt that you can pull up or down and that you don't mind getting ink stains on.
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The Don'ts: What not to do before getting a tattoo
It's normal to be a little nervous or excited before getting a tattoo, especially if it's your first tattoo. So below you'll find a list of things you shouldn't do before getting a tattoo, even though it might seem like a good idea!
1. Do not drink alcohol or take drugs before tattooing:
Don't drink alcohol or take drugs before getting a tattoo. Although it may calm any nerves you may have or maybe you think it will take away some of the pain associated with a tattoo. But that's a very bad idea. Alcohol thins the blood, which can be dangerous when you're getting a tattoo, but it can also give a much worse result as the ink doesn't stick as well when it goes out with the blood. Also, few tattoo artists bother tattooing people who are under the influence - for a number of reasons - so show up sober for your own sake and your tattoo artist's.
2. Don't show up with wounds or skin irritation where you are getting tattooed:
If you have cuts, scrapes, bruises or brand new brown/sunburned skin, you should tell your tattoo artist so you can arrange another date. Your skin should be in its best condition so that it can accept the ink and heal in the best possible way.
3. Avoid training too hard before getting a tattoo
It's fine to exercise before you get a tattoo, but we don't recommend a vigorous workout that drains your body of energy and leaves you with sore muscles. It's important to give your body the opportunity to use all its resources to handle the tattooing and healing process. It's best to avoid strenuous physical exercise before the tattoo as it can cause your body to spend energy recovering muscles instead of focusing on healing the tattoo.
As long as you use common sense and pay attention to how you and your body feel, it will go really well and the results will be great. Many people are surprised that it doesn't hurt as much as they thought it would and end up loving the process itself and not just the beautiful art it leaves behind.
Book an appointment for your next tattoo at Betty Zoo
If you want inspiration for your tattoo, read our blog post about tattoo inspiration.