What Not to Do Before an Appointment

Preparing for Your Tattoo: What Not to Do Before an Appointment

Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience that blends creativity, precision, and personal expression. Whether you are preparing for your very first tattoo or adding to your growing collection, the way you prepare beforehand has a major impact on how well your session goes and how beautifully your tattoo heals. Most people focus on what to do before a tattoo, such as eating well, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest. However, what you should not do is just as important. Certain actions and habits can make your skin more sensitive, increase pain, and even interfere with how the ink sets into your skin. Understanding what to avoid before a tattoo helps you arrive at your appointment confident, comfortable, and ready for a smooth experience.

Do Not Drink Alcohol Before Your Tattoo

One of the most common mistakes people make before getting tattooed is having a drink to “calm their nerves.” While it might seem harmless, alcohol thins your blood, which can cause excessive bleeding during the tattoo process. This makes it harder for your artist to work cleanly, as the ink can mix with blood and blur the lines. It can also make the stencil lift or smudge, affecting the precision of your design.

Even small amounts of alcohol the night before your session can affect your blood for several hours. It is best to avoid drinking for at least 24 hours before your appointment. Arriving with clear judgment and a steady body helps both you and your artist have the best experience possible.

Avoid Taking Blood-Thinning Medications

Certain over-the-counter painkillers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can also thin the blood and lead to extra bleeding during a tattoo. This can cause more swelling and irritation, and it might make your artist need to wipe the area more often, increasing discomfort. If you need to take medication for a medical condition, always speak with your doctor before your appointment. Never stop prescription medication without medical advice, but do make your artist aware if you are on anything that could affect bleeding or healing.

Do Not Tan or Sunbathe Before a Tattoo

Tanning or spending long periods in the sun before a tattoo is one of the worst things you can do for your skin. UV exposure dries and weakens the skin, leaving it more prone to irritation and damage. Tattooing on tanned or sunburned skin can be painful and may lead to uneven ink distribution or delayed healing. Even if you are not visibly burned, your skin may still be inflamed beneath the surface, making the tattoo more uncomfortable and less predictable.

Always keep your skin protected from the sun in the weeks leading up to your appointment. Avoid sunbeds entirely, and if you plan to spend time outdoors, wear clothing that covers the area where you will be tattooed. Your skin should be healthy, hydrated, and natural in tone for the best results.

Avoid Using Fake Tan or Tanning Products

Fake tan can leave a residue on your skin that affects stencil application and ink absorption. Most tanning lotions and sprays contain ingredients that can react with tattoo ink or irritate freshly tattooed skin. Even if the colour has faded, there may still be leftover product on your skin that your artist needs to remove before working.

To avoid problems, stop applying fake tan at least one to two weeks before your appointment. Exfoliate gently to remove any product buildup, and let your natural skin tone show through. Your artist will be able to apply the stencil more precisely and work with a clean, smooth surface.

Do Not Shave or Exfoliate on the Day of Your Tattoo

While it is important to have hair-free, smooth skin before your tattoo, shaving or exfoliating too close to your appointment can cause irritation or micro-cuts that make tattooing more painful. Freshly shaved skin can feel raw and sensitive, which is not ideal when you are about to sit through a session involving hundreds of fine needle punctures.

If you choose to shave the area yourself, do it one to two days before your appointment. Use a clean, sharp razor and follow up with a fragrance-free moisturiser. Avoid exfoliating on the day of your tattoo; instead, do it two or three days before to gently remove dead skin cells without leaving the surface irritated.

Avoid Caffeine Before a Tattoo

Caffeine is a stimulant that can make your heart rate increase and your body feel more tense or jittery. This heightened state can make it harder for you to relax during the tattoo process. It can also contribute to dehydration, which makes your skin less supple and more sensitive.

While you do not need to completely give up your morning tea or coffee, it is best to limit caffeine intake on the day of your appointment. Instead, focus on staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Calm, hydrated skin is always easier to tattoo.

Do Not Arrive on an Empty Stomach

Tattooing can take a toll on your body, particularly during long sessions. It is important to eat a balanced meal before your appointment to keep your energy levels steady. Skipping food can lead to low blood sugar, dizziness, or fainting during the process. Your body needs fuel to stay comfortable and focused, especially since tattooing can cause mild stress responses.

Opt for a nutritious meal with complex carbohydrates, protein, and water about an hour or two before your appointment. You can also bring snacks if you are scheduled for a long session. Your artist will likely offer breaks where you can eat and rest.

Avoid Moisturising Right Before Your Appointment

Although moisturising regularly in the days before your tattoo helps keep your skin healthy and hydrated, applying lotion on the morning of your appointment can make your skin too slippery for the stencil to stick properly. It can also interfere with the disinfecting process.

Instead, moisturise the day before and arrive with clean, dry skin on the day of your tattoo. This gives your artist a smooth surface to apply the stencil and ensures that the tattoo process runs cleanly.

Do Not Exercise or Go to the Gym Before a Tattoo

While exercise is great for your overall health, it is best to skip your workout on the day of your tattoo. Physical activity increases your heart rate and circulation, which can make you bleed more during tattooing. Sweating also affects your skin’s surface, making it harder for the stencil to adhere and increasing the risk of bacteria on your skin.

It is better to rest before your appointment and save your workout for a few days after, once your tattoo has started to heal. Tattooed skin needs time to settle, and early sweating or stretching can interfere with the healing process.

Avoid Wearing Tight or Irritating Clothing

The clothing you choose for your appointment can make a big difference to your comfort. Avoid wearing tight, scratchy, or restrictive fabrics over the area where you will be tattooed. Friction can irritate the skin and make it more sensitive during the session.

Choose soft, loose-fitting clothes that allow easy access to the area being tattooed. If you are getting a leg tattoo, shorts are ideal. For upper-body tattoos, a vest, loose T-shirt, or button-up shirt will make things easier. Think comfort first; you might be sitting or lying in one position for a while.

Do Not Arrive Tired or Hungover

Getting a tattoo requires both physical and mental stamina. Arriving tired, dehydrated, or hungover can make the experience more difficult and unpleasant. Fatigue and dehydration increase pain sensitivity and make your body less resilient during tattooing. They can also affect your concentration and tolerance, especially during long sessions.

Get a full night’s sleep before your appointment, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours. The better you feel physically, the more relaxed and comfortable you will be throughout your session.

Avoid Touching or Picking at the Skin

Your tattoo artist needs a clean, healthy area to work on. If you have any scabs, spots, or irritation on the skin, do not pick or scratch them before your appointment. This can lead to open wounds or inflammation that make tattooing unsafe. Your artist may even reschedule your session if the skin is not in good condition.

If your skin is dry or flaky, use gentle moisturisers in the days before your appointment, but never use harsh scrubs or peel products. Healthy skin heals faster, holds ink better, and provides the best results for your tattoo.

The Importance of Rest and Hydration

Two of the most overlooked parts of tattoo preparation are rest and hydration. A well-rested, hydrated body handles the tattoo process more effectively. Dehydrated skin is tighter and less flexible, which can make tattooing more uncomfortable and increase recovery time. Aim to drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment and get a good night’s sleep beforehand.

Being properly hydrated also helps your artist by keeping your skin soft and elastic, allowing for smoother, more consistent work. This small preparation step makes a noticeable difference to both comfort and quality.

Conclusion

Knowing what not to do before a tattoo is just as essential as knowing what to do. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, blood thinners, tanning, and over-prepping your skin helps ensure that your tattoo experience is comfortable, safe, and successful. Your goal before a tattoo is to arrive with healthy, hydrated, and undamaged skin that your artist can work on confidently.

Taking the time to rest, eat well, and care for your skin will make a huge difference to your comfort during the session and how well your tattoo heals afterwards. A little preparation and awareness go a long way toward achieving a tattoo that looks great from the start and stays vibrant for years to come.