How to Prepare for a Tattoo

Skin Preparation

2 weeks before your tattoo:

Moisturize the area daily, specifically after showering.
Exfoliate after/during showering 1-2 times a week for the next 10-12 days, depending on your skin type.

1 day before your tattoo:

The day of your tattoo:

Bring something to distract yourself with such as a book or headphones.
You can take Tylenol or use Numbing Cream to help with pain management, but avoid taking ibuprofen or other blood thinning medication.
Wear comfy clothes that allow easy access to the skin you want tattooed. (Black clothing is best because ink stains don't wash out.)
If you're getting your back tattooed, bring a zip up hoodie so you can wear it backwards.
Bring a gatorade, water, snacks, etc… If your tattoo is long, bring enough to last you.
Eating fruits, vegetables and nuts can help your body and skin during and after the tattoo.

If you are sick, or are on antibiotics.
If the area you are getting tattooed has been recently injured or the skin has been severely broken. (Scrapes, rashes, cuts or bruises, etc...)
If your skin is severely irritated. (If you have Eczema or Psoriasis it is best to consult a dermatologist before getting tattooed.)

If you are pregnant, are 6 months or less postpartum, or are breastfeeding.
If you are still healing from Surgery.
If you plan on donating blood, organs or plasma within the next 6 months.
If you are the recipient of an organ or bone marrow transplant within the past 6 months.
If you have underlying health conditions that will affect how your body heals/reacts to tattoos. (Ex. Heart conditions, Cancer, severe skin conditions, etc…)
If you are taking antibiotics, Acutane, Minocycline, Doxycycline or blood thinning medication.
If you are unsure it is always best to consult your doctor or dermatologist first!

Prior to using Numbing cream, make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients and perform a patch test to ensure it does not cause any irritation.
I recommend using Zensa Numbing cream. Please follow the link below for application instructions.
https://www.zensaskincare.com/products/zensa-numbing-cream-30g
- Zensa will numb for line work but is not as effective for shading.
- Do not use it for a large area. (Ex, your whole back, thigh, chest, etc…)
- Follow the application instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- Please let me know if you plan on using Numbing cream for your tattoo.