TickYouOff
Sign in
Back
🎨

Getting a Tattoo

Easy 20 items · 30 min
testuser's avatar
testuser Published 1 month ago
Lifestyle

A practical checklist to prepare for your tattoo session and care for it while it heals. Perfect for first-timers and experienced clients who want to avoid common mistakes and promote proper healing.

Progress
0 / 20
  1. Research tattoo artists and studios — Focus on artists who specialize in your desired style.
  2. Review artist's portfolio for healed work — Look for healed photos, not just fresh pieces.
  3. Check studio reviews and licensing — Verify hygiene, licensing, and client feedback online.
  4. Finalize the tattoo design with the artist — Agree on size, line weight, and color choices.
  5. Confirm placement, size, and pain expectations — Ask about visibility, movement, and likely discomfort.
  6. Book the appointment and pay any deposit — Confirm time, cancellation policy, and deposit amount.
  7. Prepare skin: hydrate and avoid sun for a week — Use fragrance-free lotion and skip tanning.
  8. Avoid alcohol, aspirin, and blood thinners 24 hours before — These increase bleeding and can affect tattoo quality.
  9. Eat a full meal and stay hydrated before your session — Bring water and snacks for long sessions.
  10. Wear comfortable, accessible clothing for the area — Choose dark, loose clothes you don't mind staining.
  11. Bring ID, payment, and reference images — Have contact info for your artist and any medical notes.
  12. Follow the artist's immediate aftercare steps — Adhere to the timing for first wash and bandage removal.
  13. Gently wash the tattoo with unscented soap — Use lukewarm water and rinse away ointment residue.
  14. Pat dry and apply a thin layer of recommended ointment — Use only what your artist recommends, thin coverage only.
  15. Apply recommended aftercare lotion as directed — Switch to fragrance-free lotion once initial healing passes.
  16. Protect the tattoo from sun; use SPF after healed — Avoid direct sun during healing; use high SPF once healed.
  17. Avoid swimming, soaking, and hot tubs until healed — No pools, baths, or ocean until scabs fall and skin seals.
  18. Avoid picking, scratching, or removing scabs — Let scabs fall naturally to prevent scarring and color loss.
  19. Monitor healing and contact pro for signs of infection — Seek help for excessive redness, pus, or fever.
  20. Schedule a touch-up appointment after full healing if needed — Assess after 6–8 weeks and book touch-up if color needs work.
Sign in to save
📝 My Notes