Almost every first-timer asks us the same thing: how much will it hurt? The honest answer is less than you expect, and much less if you arrive rested, fed and relaxed. These are the things we tell every new client before a session.
The day before
- Sleep well. A tired body feels every line.
- Skip alcohol for 24 hours. It thins the blood and makes the skin bleed more, which affects how the ink settles.
- Drink plenty of water and moisturize the area, but don’t shave it. We do that with a fresh, single-use razor.
- Avoid sunburn on the area. We can’t tattoo burned or peeling skin.
On the day
Eat a proper meal one or two hours before you come in. Low blood sugar is the main reason people feel faint in the chair. Bring a snack and a sugary drink for sessions over two hours; we have water and a fridge in the studio.
Wear dark, loose clothes that give easy access to the area: a button-up shirt for a shoulder, shorts for a calf, a zip hoodie for a back piece. Ink can stain fabric, so leave your favorite white shirt at home.
What to bring
- A government-issued photo ID. We tattoo and pierce adults 18 and over only, no exceptions.
- Headphones, a charged phone or a book for longer sessions.
- Any final reference images you discussed with your artist.
- One friend at most. The studio is calm and the stations are small.
In the chair
Your artist will show you the stencil and move it until the placement is right. Take your time here; it’s the last moment to change anything. Once the machine starts, breathe slowly and ask for a break whenever you need one. Nobody minds, and it doesn’t slow the work down.
Still nervous? Book a free consultation first. Meeting your artist and seeing the studio takes most of the fear away.
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