The Los Inks Guide to Proper Tattoo Prep
You’ve chosen the art, the placement, and your artist. You’re ready to get a new tattoo! But just as your artist needs to prepare, you also should prepare your body for the best possible result.
At Los Inks, we believe that proper client preparation is crucial for a successful session, minimal pain, and brilliant healing. This guide covers the 3 essential steps you should take in the days leading up to your appointment.
1. Catch Some Zzz
Whether you’re too excited or a little nervous, night before insomnia is common before getting a tattoo, however, going to your appointment sleep deprived is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.
Why is sleep so important when getting a tattoo?
Pain: When you’re tired, your pain receptors are often more sensitive. A well-rested body can handle the tattooing process much better, making the session more comfortable for you.
Reduced Fidgeting: Exhaustion can make you antsy, restless, and more prone to involuntary movements, increasing the risk of wobbly lines or misplaced ink.
Immune System Support: Sleep allows your body to perform cellular repair. A strong immune system is your best friend when it comes to the initial healing phase after the session, giving you the most beautiful tattoo possible.
Action Plan (The Night Before):
Aim for 7–9 Hours: Prioritize a full, uninterrupted night of sleep.
Avoid Late-Night Stimulants: Skip the energy drink, doom scrolling, heavy alcohol, or strenuous activity that could disrupt your rest.
2. Eat Well & Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
From how well your skin takes ink to how long your body can withstand the physical demands of sitting, your experience will greatly depend on how you fuel your body.
Hydration is Key
Dehydrated skin is tougher, less pliable, and can make the inking process more difficult for your artist. Well-hydrated skin is softer, accepts the pigment more easily, and can even heal faster. Start by increasing your water intake at least 3 days prior to your appointment. On the day of your appointment, bring a large water bottle to sip on frequently throughout the session.
Food is Fuel
A drop in blood sugar is known to cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and even fainting during a long session. This is why it’s extremely important to eat a meal rich in protein and complex carbs an hour or two before you arrive at your session. Don’t forget to bring snacks like granola bars, nuts, or even candy, to give you a needed boost if sitting for more than 2 hours. And while one coffee is fine, limit excessive caffeine to reduce bleeding and nervous energy. Lastly and most importantly AVOID ALCOHOL at least 24 hours prior to your session. Drinking alcohol thins your blood, leading to increased bleeding that makes the artist’s job messier and your healing slower and more painful.
3. Prep Your Skin
For the best possible application, prepping your skin is critical. In the week leading up to your session, it’s important to gently wash and exfoliate the area that will receive the tattoo. This removes dead skin cells, creating a fresh smooth surface for your artist to work on. Should you shave before your tattoo appointment? The short answer is to leave the shaving to your artist. We will shave the area immediately before the tattoo so we recommend that you DO NOT shave the area yourself. Small nicks, cuts, or even razor burn can lead to irritation or even infection. Now, let’s talk about protecting your skin. Stay out of the sun. Period. Los Inks Artist’s will not tattoo sunburned or damaged skin. If you must expose your skin to sun, make sure to use high SPF protection in the days leading up to your appointment. Pro tip: moisturize the area for 2 weeks prior to your appointment and STOP moisturizing the day of the appointment, as the artist needs oil-free skin to work on.
Day of Session Checklist
To recap and prepare for your arrival at Los Inks:
✅ Sleep Well (7+ hours).
✅ Eat a Solid Meal (within 1-2 hours of the appointment).
✅ Drink Plenty of Water.
✅ Wear Comfortable, Dark Clothing (that allows easy access to the tattoo area and won't mind getting stained by ink or ointment).
✅ Bring ID (required for the consent form).
✅ Bring Payment for the tattoo (and tip!).
By following these simple steps, you set yourself up for the best possible experience and fully healed tattoo. We can’t wait to see you!
Ready to start your ink journey? Book Your Appointment Today.