how to prepare for your tattoo appointment in Lincoln

Getting ready properly for your tattoo appointment can make a real difference to both your comfort during the session and overall experience. A little preparation before hand means you can arrive relaxed, comfortable and ready for your tattoo.

At Voodoo Ink in Lincoln, we've tattooed thousands of clients over the years, and good tattoo preparation can make a huge difference to your appointment. From people getting their very first tattoo to experienced collectors sitting for large-scale work. This guide covers the simple things we recommend doing before your appointment - and a few things you're better off avoiding.

Before your tattoo appointment

Try to get a good night's sleep before your appointment. Tattooing puts the body under a certain amount of stress, particularly during longer sessions, and arriving well rested can make the experience considerably more comfortable.

Being tired can make you feel more sensitive, irritable, or restless during the tattoo. A good night's sleep helps you arrive feeling relaxed and ready for the session.

Eat before your tattoo

Have a proper meal before coming to the studio. Sitting for a tattoo on an empty stomach can leave you feeling light-headed or uncomfortable, particularly during a longer session.

Aim for a decent meal containing protein and carbohydrates rather than relying on sweets or energy drinks. For longer sessions, it's also worth bringing a snack.

stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water in the day leading up to your appointment and on the morning of your tattoo.

There's no need to drink excessive amounts - simply arrive well hydrated. Bring a bottle of water with you. Especially for longer sessions.

Avoid Alcohol Before Your Appointment

Avoid drinking alcohol before your appointment, including the night before if possible. Alcohol can dehydrate you and may increase bleeding during the tattoo process.

Never arrive at the studio under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs. Aside from making the tattoo more difficult, we cannot tattoo someone who is intoxicated.

Medication And Your Tattoo

If you take prescription medication, do not stop taking it simply because you have a tattoo appointment.

Some medication and medical circumstances can affect whether tattooing is advisable or require additional consderation. If you are unsure, speak to your tattoo artist before hand and, where appropriate, seek advice from your doctor or health care professional.

It is always better to raise any concerns before the day of your appointment.

Preparing your skin

In the days before your appointment, look after the area being tattooed. Keeping your skin normally moisturised can be helpful, particularly if it tends to be dry.

Avoid sunburn, tanning or anything else that leaves the skin irritated or damaged. We cannot safely tattoo skin that is badly sunburnt, broken or inflamed.

Should you shave before your tattoo?

Usually, no. There is generally no need to shave the area yourself before coming to the studio.

Your tattoo artist can remove any hair that needs removing immediately before the tattoo using approriate equiupment. Shaving yourself before hand can cause razor burn, small cuts or irritation that we'd rather avoid.

what to wear for your appointment

Wear clean, comfortable clothing that gives your tattoo artist easy access to the area being tattooed.

Think about where your tattoo will be positioned when choosing what to wear. Shorts can be useful for leg tattoos, while a loose T-shirt, vest or button up shirt may make accessing the upper body easier.

Remember that tattoo ink can stain clothing, so avoid wearing anything that you'd be particularly upset about getting marked.

Personal hygiene

Please arrive freshly showered and wearing clean clothing. Tattooing involves working very closely with your skin, sometimes for several hours, so good personal hygiene makes the experience more comfortable for everyone.

Avoid applying heavy moisturises, fake tan, perfume or strongly fragranced products directly to the area being tattooed on the day of your appointment.

What to bring with you

For most appointments you won't need much, but its worth bringing:

• A drink, preferably water

• A snack for longer sessions

• Your phone and headphones if you would like some entertainment

• Any reference material your artist has asked you to bring

• Appropriate photo ID if required

Arrive on time

Aim to arrive at the agreed appointment time rather than significantly early or late.

Your artist may have preperation to complete before your session, including setting up the work area and preparing your design. If you think you are going to be late, contact the studio as soon as possible.

Relax - you don't need to be nervous

Feeling slightly nervous before a tattoo is completely normal, particularly if it's your first one.

You don't need to prove how well you can tolerate pain or sit silently if you are uncomfortable. Tell your artist if you need a break, feel unwell or have any concerns during the session.

At Voodoo Ink in Lincoln, we want the whole experience to be as comfortable and relaxed as possible - from discussing your initial idea through to seeing the finished tattoo.

ON THE DAY OF YOUR TATTOO

Before tattooing begins, you'll have an opportunity to check the design, size and placement with your artist. Don't be afraid to speak up if you're unsure about anything — this is the time to make sure you're completely happy before the tattoo begins.

Once you're happy with everything, your artist will prepare the area and talk you through what happens next.

AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT

Once your tattoo is finished, you'll be given advice on how to look after it during the healing process.

Following your artist's aftercare instructions is an important part of protecting your new tattoo and helping it heal properly.

For more detailed advice, read our How to Care for Your New Tattoo guide in the Voodoo Ink Journal.

PREPARING FOR YOUR TATTOO AT VOODOO INK LINCOLN

A little preparation goes a long way. Arrive well rested, properly fed and hydrated, wear suitable clothing and don't worry if you're feeling a little nervous.

With more than 18 years of professional tattooing experience, Voodoo Ink provides custom tattooing in Lincoln, from first tattoos and smaller pieces through to large-scale work, cover-ups and reworks.

If you have any questions before your appointment, contact us beforehand. We'd always rather answer a question in advance than have you arrive unsure about something.

We look forward to welcoming you to Voodoo Ink.