Don’t Rawdog Your Tattoo Appointment: How to prepare for your tattoo
- Ava Luna
- May 7
- 4 min read
Getting tattooed isn’t just about showing up and sitting in the chair. A little preparation beforehand can make a huge difference in how comfortable your appointment feels, how well your skin takes the tattoo, and how smoothly the healing process goes afterward.
Here are a few simple things you can do before your appointment to help set yourself — and your artist — up for the best possible experience.
Start Moisturizing Your Skin in Advance
Healthy skin tattoos better. Dry, flaky, or irritated skin can make the tattooing process more difficult and may affect how cleanly the ink goes into the skin.
In the days leading up to your appointment, start applying an unscented moisturizer regularly to the area being tattooed. Well-hydrated skin tends to be smoother, more resilient, and easier to work with.
Try not to overdo it the day of your appointment though — freshly slathered lotion can make the skin greasy and harder to tattoo.
Why it matters:
Helps improve skin condition
Makes tattooing easier on the skin
Can help with smoother healing afterward
Gently Exfoliate Before Your Appointment
Light exfoliation a few days before your tattoo can help remove dry or dead skin buildup. This creates a cleaner surface for tattooing and can help your skin feel smoother overall.
Use a gentle exfoliant or soft washcloth — nothing harsh or aggressive. Avoid scrubbing the skin raw or irritating the area.
Do not exfoliate immediately before your appointment or if the skin is already sensitive.
Why it matters:
Removes flaky skin and buildup
Creates a smoother surface for tattooing
Helps improve overall skin condition
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Being overtired can make tattoo appointments feel much harder than they need to be. Tattoos are physically demanding on the body, especially longer sessions.
Getting a proper sleep the night before helps your body handle stress better, improves your mood, and can even increase your pain tolerance during the appointment.
Why it matters:
Helps regulate pain and stress
Reduces dizziness or fatigue during long sessions
Keeps your body functioning at its best
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is one of the easiest ways to help your skin and body prepare for tattooing.
Drink plenty of water in the day or two leading up to your appointment. Dehydrated skin can become more sensitive and harder to work with.
Why it matters:
Keeps skin healthier and more elastic
Helps your body handle the tattoo process better
Can reduce feelings of lightheadedness during your session
Eat Before Your Appointment
Never show up to a tattoo appointment on an empty stomach.
Tattooing can cause blood sugar levels to drop, especially during longer sessions. Arriving well-fed helps prevent shakiness, dizziness, nausea, and feeling faint.
Try to eat a solid meal with protein and carbs beforehand, and consider bringing snacks or a drink if you’re booked for a longer appointment.
Why it matters:
Helps stabilize blood sugar
Reduces chances of dizziness or nausea
Gives your body energy to sit through the session comfortably
Avoid Alcohol and Drugs Before Your Appointment
It’s important to avoid drinking alcohol or using recreational drugs before getting tattooed.
Alcohol can thin your blood, which may cause excess bleeding during the tattoo. Excessive bleeding can make it harder for your artist to work and may affect the tattooing process.
Being intoxicated can also impact your ability to sit still, communicate clearly, and properly consent to the procedure. Most professional tattoo studios will refuse service if a client appears intoxicated.
Why it matters:
Reduces excessive bleeding
Helps you sit better during the tattoo
Ensures a safer and smoother appointment overall
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Make sure you wear clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed. Keep in mind that ink, stencil products, and ointments can sometimes stain fabric.
For larger pieces, comfort matters too — you may be sitting for several hours.
Why it matters:
Makes the process easier for both you and your artist
Helps you stay comfortable during longer sessions
Prevents clothing from rubbing against fresh tattoos afterward
If Possible, Avoid Booking During Your Period
Everyone’s body is different, but many people find that getting tattooed during their period feels more uncomfortable than usual. Hormonal changes can increase sensitivity, make cramps or fatigue worse, and lower pain tolerance during the session.
Some people also notice they feel more lightheaded, emotionally drained, or generally uncomfortable during longer appointments while on their period.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t get tattooed during your period — plenty of people do without any issues. But if you have flexibility when booking, choosing a different week may make the experience more comfortable overall.
Why it matters:
Pain sensitivity can be higher during your cycle
Cramping and fatigue can make long sessions harder
You may feel more comfortable and relaxed at another time of the month
Show Up On Time (Your Artist Will Love You For It)
Try to arrive about 5–10 minutes early for your appointment. This gives you time to settle in, fill out any paperwork, use the washroom, and get comfortable before the tattoo starts.
Tattoo artists usually book their days very carefully, often with multiple appointments back-to-back. Showing up late can cut into your own tattoo time and throw off the rest of the day’s schedule.
Plus, nobody wants to start a tattoo while sprinting through the door stressed out and apologizing with an iced coffee in hand.
Why it matters:
Gives time to get settled before your session
Helps your artist stay on schedule
Ensures you get the full time booked for your tattoo
Makes the whole experience smoother and less rushed
Final Thoughts
A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to getting tattooed. Taking care of your skin, staying hydrated, eating properly, and arriving rested can make the entire experience smoother for both you and your artist.
Your tattoo appointment should be something you enjoy — not something you power through feeling exhausted, dehydrated, or unprepared.
Good preparation helps your tattoo go smoother, heal better, and leaves you with the best possible result.
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