Getting a Tattoo

20 items · Lifestyle · Easy difficulty · 30 min

Prepare, protect, and heal your new tattoo with confidence.

• Research tattoo artists and studios

  Focus on artists who specialize in your desired style.

• Review artist's portfolio for healed work

  Look for healed photos, not just fresh pieces.

• Check studio reviews and licensing

  Verify hygiene, licensing, and client feedback online.

• Finalize the tattoo design with the artist

  Agree on size, line weight, and color choices.

• Confirm placement, size, and pain expectations

  Ask about visibility, movement, and likely discomfort.

• Book the appointment and pay any deposit

  Confirm time, cancellation policy, and deposit amount.

• Prepare skin: hydrate and avoid sun for a week

  Use fragrance-free lotion and skip tanning.

• Avoid alcohol, aspirin, and blood thinners 24 hours before

  These increase bleeding and can affect tattoo quality.

• Eat a full meal and stay hydrated before your session

  Bring water and snacks for long sessions.

• Wear comfortable, accessible clothing for the area

  Choose dark, loose clothes you don't mind staining.

• Bring ID, payment, and reference images

  Have contact info for your artist and any medical notes.

• Follow the artist's immediate aftercare steps

  Adhere to the timing for first wash and bandage removal.

• Gently wash the tattoo with unscented soap

  Use lukewarm water and rinse away ointment residue.

• Pat dry and apply a thin layer of recommended ointment

  Use only what your artist recommends, thin coverage only.

• Apply recommended aftercare lotion as directed

  Switch to fragrance-free lotion once initial healing passes.

• Protect the tattoo from sun; use SPF after healed

  Avoid direct sun during healing; use high SPF once healed.

• Avoid swimming, soaking, and hot tubs until healed

  No pools, baths, or ocean until scabs fall and skin seals.

• Avoid picking, scratching, or removing scabs

  Let scabs fall naturally to prevent scarring and color loss.

• Monitor healing and contact pro for signs of infection

  Seek help for excessive redness, pus, or fever.

• Schedule a touch-up appointment after full healing if needed

  Assess after 6–8 weeks and book touch-up if color needs work.

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