How to prep for
your tattoo.
A good tattoo day starts a few days early. Here's everything worth doing, in the order you'll need it.
Stay out of the sun
Sunburnt or peeling skin can't be tattooed, and we'll have to reschedule. Keep the area covered if you're out.
Moisturise daily
Well-hydrated skin takes ink better and heals faster. Start now, not the morning of.
Pause strong actives
Retinol, acids and exfoliants on the area – give them a week off.
Drink water
Hydration is a days-long thing, not a same-day fix. Your skin will thank you.
Skip the alcohol
For at least 24 hours. It thins your blood, which makes tattooing harder and healing slower.
Get a proper sleep
Sitting well is mostly about energy. A tired body finds a long session much harder.
Shave? Leave it to us
No need to prep the area – we'll do it at the studio with a fresh razor.
Lay out your clothes
Something comfortable that gives easy access to the area, and that you don't mind getting ink on.
Eat a real meal
The single most important one. Low blood sugar is the usual reason people feel faint in the chair.
Shower before you come
Turn up with clean skin. You can shower as normal while it heals – it's baths, pools and long soaks that are out for a couple of weeks.
Skip the caffeine
Like alcohol, caffeine thins your blood – best avoided on the day. It'll also leave you jittery, which makes for a harder sit.
Arrive on time
Not early, not late. Your artist will be setting up right until your slot.
Photo ID
We tattoo over-18s only, with no exceptions.
A water bottle & snacks
Bring a bottle and top it up with our filtered water. There's a microwave if you need it, and Uber Eats reaches us easily for longer sittings.
Headphones
Music, a podcast, a download. Long sessions go faster with something to sink into.
A friend or two
You're welcome to bring one or two people with you – just not a whole crowd, as the studio is a shared space.
Before you book – medication
If you take any medication that could affect the tattoo process, please tell us before scheduling rather than on the day. Accutane / isotretinoin is the main one, but blood thinners and anything affecting healing count too. We'll assess whether we can go ahead, and in some cases we'll need written approval from your doctor first. Never stop taking something you've been prescribed – just let us know so we can plan around it.
Anything you're unsure about?
Ask us before the day – we'd always rather you did.