PREPARING FOR YOUR TATTOO

Here is some advice for how best to prepare for your tattoo!

LEADING UP TO YOUR TATTOO:

It is important to avoid any use of alcohol or drugs for at least 24 hours prior to your tattoo. These can thin your blood therefore causing more bleeding during the tattoo process and can affect how easily your skin takes in ink.

If you are on medications that can thin your blood please make me aware prior to booking your appointment!

It is important that the area being tattooed is not damaged so if you have any wounds/ skin conditions etc then please let me know prior to your appointment. Scar tissue can only be tattooed over once it is at least one year old and I usually prefer to look at the scar tissue I'd be tattooing over prior to the appointment to assess whether I am able to go forward with the tattoo.

Some people choose to moisturise the area they will be getting tattooed for a couple of weeks leading up to the tattoo. This isn't 100% necessary but can help to keep the skin healthy and hydrated, therefore increasing the risk of a smoother tattooing process and improved healing. Although don't moisturise on the day of the tattoo if possible.

WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR APPOINTMENT:

These are some of my recommendations for what to wear for different areas. My main priority with this is prioritising my client's comfortability during an appointment whilst also being able to have no restrictions with accessing the placement area. If you have any further questions or concerns about what to wear please don't hesitate to email me or message me on any social media platform. I have a screen which is always available to have around you as you get tattooed so let me know if you would like this to be used prior to/ during your appointment.

- ARM/ LOWER LEGS: Arms and lower legs/ knees are usually pretty easy to access, I would recommend a short sleeved top for arms or if it is long sleeved it needs to be able to be rolled above the area that is being tattooed whilst leaving a gap around the area. Rolled sleeves shouldn't be too tight and restricting on the skin. This would also apply to trousers for leg tattoos. Shorts/ Baggy joggers that can easily roll up without restricting the skin would be best.

- THIGH/ HIP: It is usually best to wear shorts for thigh tattoos so that I can easily access the full top of the leg. For hip tattoos baggy trousers that are able to be pulled down past the hip on one side are usually useful to keep you covered whilst also being able to access the area that's being tattooed.

- RIBS: For ribs it is best to either wear a top that you can take one arm out of and for women most clients feel most comfortable in something similar to a bikini under the top which is fine as long as it doesn't directly cover the area that is being tattooed.

- STERNUM: For women I would recommend only wearing clothing under a top if it doesn't cover the area you want tattooed. Feel free to bring nipple covers etc to your appointment, if not I can provide you with tissue and tape for you to apply yourself in another room. Along with this I would recommend bringing something like a flannel or zipped hoody to wrap around you and over yourself but still allowing me to access the area being tattooed. I'm also able to provide a screen for these placements to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.

- BACK/ SPINE: For smaller back tattoos I would recommend a vest top or open back top to access the top of the back or a top that can be pulled up to access lower back. For larger back tattoos/ spine tattoos I would say to bring a flannel/ zipped hoody or something similar in which you would be able to wear backwards to keep your front torso covered but allow me to still access your spine.

If you are still unsure of what to wear feel free to message/ email me to ask any further questions.

WHAT TO BRING TO MY APPOINTMENT:

I recommend all clients to have a meal before their appointment and also to bring sugary snacks and a sugary drink to the appointment as backup! If you forget don't panic as there is usually a shop close by!

I recommend all clients to bring ID just in case, no matter your age! It is even more important that you bring it for your first tattoo! Unfortunately if you don't have physical proof at your appointment that you are over 18, I will be unable to tattoo you and the deposit won't be refunded. I accept passports, birth certificates and driving/ provisional licenses. College/ student IDs or photographic evidence of above IDs are not accepted.

NUMBING CREAM:

Numbing cream is down to personal preference. Unfortunately numbing cream needs to be provided by the client. If you are planning on using numbing cream than please let me know prior to your appointment. Numbing cream should be applied one hour before you're getting tattooed with generous layers over the area being tattooed and tightly wrapped in clingfilm to allow it time to work. I am able to remove numbing cream at the appointment.

Overall if you are nervous about your tattoo that is completely normal! I am always happy to answer any questions you may have leading up to your tattoo!