Most of what makes a tattoo appointment go smoothly happens before you ever sit in the chair. I've had clients show up dehydrated, hungover, starving, or covered in lotion five minutes before we start, and every one of those things makes the session harder than it needs to be. None of it is complicated. It just has to happen ahead of time.

Two Weeks Out

Start hydrating early, plain water, moisturizer twice a day if that's not already your routine. Skin that's well-hydrated holds ink better and heals faster, and it's the one piece of prep that actually needs lead time to work. If your skin runs dry, add exfoliating at the start of that window, then again the day before your appointment, followed by a good moisturizer.

The Night Before

Skip the alcohol and get real sleep. Both affect how your body handles the session: alcohol thins your blood, which means more bleeding and a harder time holding ink, and being exhausted makes a long sit feel a lot longer. You're welcome to trim the tattoo area yourself if you want to; I'll give it a proper shave once you're here either way.

Day Of

Don't put lotion on the area the day of your appointment. It's hard to fully remove before we start, and it can interfere with the stencil. Eat a real meal beforehand; protein helps more than you'd think. If it's a longer session, bring snacks. Wear something that gives easy access to the area without you having to fully undress. I'll never ask for more than necessary, and you're welcome to bring a blanket or something to keep you comfortable. Music, a book, a friend to text, whatever keeps you present is fine. Talking is welcome, never required

What About Numbing Cream?

Allowed, but I recommend against it. In my experience it tends to wear off early, right when you're deep into a longer piece, which makes the second half more intense, not less, and can lead to harder, less predictable healing. If it wears off mid-session, you're still charged for the time booked either way. I do have a numbing spray that takes the edge off slightly, used only after the linework is done.