BEFORE YOUR TATTOO
HOW BEST TO PREPARE FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT
@e.hayes.art
WHAT TO DO
01.
sleep well
02.
have a good meal
03.
hydrate
04.
limit caffeine &
alcohol
05.
monitor sun
exposure
UNDERSTAND WHY
keep reading
01
Sleep Well
When we are well slept, everything is just a bit easier! This much is true in day-to-day life, but also plays an important role in a more comfortable tattoo experience. Largely, a good sleep will influence your pain tolerance, so you are less likely (in general) to feel mentally/physically bothered by the feeling of receiving your tattoo (especially if embarking on a larger project). Try and get a good sleep in the nights leading into your appointment, if not at least the night before, and you'll feel worlds different on the day!
02
Eat a Good Meal
While it may seem as though getting a tattoo involves little energy (as you are sitting/laying for multiple hours), don't let its stationary nature deceive you. Tattoos involve (intentional) trauma to the skin, and our bodies are so clever that they proactively manage any pain, discomfort or inflammation throughout your session, so even if you feel fine, that's because your body is working overtime to do so! And to help your body help you, the best thing you can give it is the necessary fuel to prepare for your session with a nutritious & satisfying meal.
03
Hydrate
A good canvas facilitates a better finished product, and one of the easiest ways to help elevate your canvas is to remain hydrated before, during and after your session. The skin is an excellent marker of our general health, especially of our hydration levels, so before your appointment ensure you're drinking plenty of water, and using a gentle, fragrance free moisturiser daily. Not only will it make for a better tattoo, but you'll probably feel healthier too!
04
Limit Caffeine and Alcohol
I'm a firm believer in the concept of 'everything in moderation', so I too adore my daily coffee and occasional glass of vino (or two). However, before a tattoo, caffeine and alcohol are to be limited/avoided as they have a blood-thinning effect which can cause you to bleed more easily during your session. Excessive bleeding reduces your skin's ability to take & retain ink, increasing the likelihood of inflammation & drop out. So to make your experience seamless, I recommend staying away from caffeine/alcohol for the 24-48 hours before your appointment (remember, tattoos are forever, that coffee will be there tomorrow!).
05
Monitor Sun Exposure
Similar to hydration, sun exposure plays an important role in the quality & health of our skin. And in Australia, our sunshine is incredible, but makes over-exposure difficult to avoid. Skin that has been damaged by the sun is a bit tougher to tattoo, and limits the ability to push tattoo artistry to its full potential (though we'll always try our best!). So to maximise our time together, I recommend wearing sunscreen daily, limiting exposure during high UV periods of the day, and definitely avoiding getting burnt prior to your appointment.
