How to Prepare for Your Tattoo Appointment

Taking a little time to prepare can make your tattoo appointment more comfortable and help support a smooth healing process.

The Day Before

Get a good night’s sleep.
Being well-rested can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during your appointment.

Stay hydrated.
Drink plenty of water the day before and the day of your appointment. Well-hydrated skin is generally easier to work with.

Moisturize your skin.
If the area being tattooed is dry, gently moisturize it in the days leading up to your appointment. Do not apply lotion immediately before your appointment.

Avoid excessive alcohol.
Please avoid alcohol before your appointment. It can contribute to dehydration and may increase bleeding during tattooing.

The Day of Your Appointment

Eat a good meal beforehand.
Please don’t arrive on an empty stomach. Have a balanced meal a few hours before your appointment and bring a snack if your session will be lengthy.

Drink water.
Continue drinking water throughout the day.

Wear comfortable clothing.
Choose clothing that provides easy access to the area being tattooed and won’t rub against the tattoo afterward. Dark, comfortable clothing is often a good choice.

Come with clean skin.
Please shower and arrive with clean skin. Avoid applying lotion, oils, perfume, or other products directly to the area being tattooed.

Don’t shave the area yourself immediately beforehand.
If shaving is necessary, it is best handled carefully as part of the tattoo preparation to avoid irritation or small cuts.

Please Let Me Know Before Your Appointment If:

You are feeling sick or unwell.
You have a sunburn, rash, open wound, or irritated skin in the tattoo area.
You have recently had significant sun exposure to the area.
You have any concerns about medications, skin conditions, or anything else that could affect your appointment or healing.

If you’re unsure whether you should keep your appointment, please reach out before coming in.

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Tattoo Aftercare

Your tattoo is an open wound while it heals, so proper aftercare is important. Your specific aftercare instructions may vary depending on the tattoo, placement, and dressing used.

Immediately After Your Tattoo

Your tattoo will be covered with a protective dressing before you leave.

Follow the instructions provided for your specific dressing. Different types of tattoo coverings have different removal times and care instructions.

Once your dressing is ready to be removed:

Wash your hands thoroughly.
Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.
Use clean fingertips to gently remove any blood, plasma, or excess ink.
Do not scrub or use a washcloth, loofah, or exfoliating product.
Gently pat the area dry with a clean paper towel or allow it to air dry.

Keeping Your Tattoo Moisturized

Once the tattoo is clean and completely dry, apply a very thin layer of a fragrance-free moisturizer recommended for healing tattoos.

Less is more. Your skin needs to breathe while it heals, so avoid applying a thick layer of ointment or lotion.

Moisturize as needed when the tattoo feels dry or tight.

During the Healing Process

It is normal for a new tattoo to experience some:

Redness and tenderness
Mild swelling
Clear or slightly tinted fluid
Peeling or flaking
Itching
Dryness or tightness

As your tattoo heals, do not pick, scratch, peel, or pull at flaking skin or scabs. Allow the skin to shed naturally.

Avoid for two weeks:

Soaking your tattoo in a bathtub
Swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, and oceans while the tattoo is healing
Excessive sweating or activities that heavily irritate the tattoo
Direct sun exposure
Tanning beds
Tight or abrasive clothing over the tattoo
Scrubs, exfoliants, or fragranced products on the tattoo
Picking or scratching the tattoo

Showers are generally fine, but avoid prolonged exposure to hot water and do not let the tattoo sit submerged.

Sun Protection

Once your tattoo has completely healed, protect it from the sun. UV exposure can cause tattoos to fade over time.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher on healed tattoos whenever they are exposed to the sun.

Do not apply sunscreen to a fresh, healing tattoo unless specifically instructed to do so by your healthcare professional.

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When Should I Be Concerned?

Some redness, tenderness, swelling, peeling, and itching are normal during tattoo healing.

However, contact a healthcare professional if you develop symptoms that concern you, particularly if redness, swelling, warmth, or pain is increasing rather than improving, or if you develop significant drainage, pus, fever, chills, or other signs of infection.

If you are concerned about how your tattoo is healing, please reach out to Emmylou Tattoo. When appropriate, I may ask you to send a clear photo so I can better understand what you’re experiencing. Medical concerns should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

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A Few Final Tips

Your tattoo is an investment in artwork you’ll carry with you for years. Taking good care of it during the healing process helps give your skin the best opportunity to heal beautifully.

Be patient with your skin. Don’t pick it, don’t over-moisturize it, and protect it from the sun once it’s healed.

If you have any questions about your specific tattoo or aftercare instructions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for trusting Emmylou Tattoo with your artwork.