Preparing for Your Tattoo: A Guide to getting your Body, Mind, and Skin ready
Getting a tattoo is often painted as something bold and fearless. But for many of us — especially women who’ve learned to care deeply for our bodies, and who may not always feel comfortable taking up space — it can feel much more tender than that.
If you're preparing for a tattoo appointment with me, especially if it’s your first or your first in a long while, I want to offer you something more than just “tips.” This is a little guide, from someone who tattoos for a living, on how to show up for this experience as your whole self: physically and emotionally.
Your Skin Is the Canvas
As soon as you book your tattoo, something shifts. You’ve decided to carry a piece of art with you, on you. And that deserves care.
I know you are busy. You are probably rushing from one obligation to another. I hope that you always include yourself in the list of people you take care of, even outside of the tattoo context, but when you're turning your body into an art canvas, this asks for a little more self-care than usual.
Skin Care Before a Tattoo: What to Do
Drink water. Simple, but easy to forget. Hydrated skin is more elastic, less reactive, and just feels better under the needle.
Moisturise daily. After showers is best, when the skin’s still slightly damp. Use something simple and familiar — nothing fragranced or experimental.
Avoid sun exposure and fake tan for at least a week before. I can’t tattoo over sunburnt or freshly tanned skin.
Gently exfoliate 2–3 days before. Nothing rough, just enough to lift dead skin cells and help create a clean, smooth surface. Again — use what your skin already trusts.
Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine a day before your appointment. Both are blood thinners and might make tattooing that much harder.
Skin that’s taken care of allows us to work faster and finish your tattoo quicker.
You Might Feel Excited. You Might Feel Anxious. Both Are Okay.
Here’s something I wish more people talked about: it’s very normal to feel nervous before a tattoo. Even if it’s small. Even if it’s your fifth. Even if you’re excited.
Tattooing is intimate. Someone is working on your body, sometimes for hours. There’s sensation involved. There’s meaning. And often, there’s a lot of mental energy around what you’re choosing to have permanently marked on you.
How to Prepare Your Mind Before a Tattoo:
Sleep well the night before. I know — life’s busy, and a proper rest can feel impossible sometimes. But even an early wind-down and ten extra minutes in bed can help your body regulate better during the session.
Eat a solid meal. Protein, healthy fats, complex carbs. You don’t want your blood sugar crashing mid-way through. If you're anything like me, anxiety and low blood sugar can feel eerily similar.
Pack snacks, water, maybe even lunch. Especially for longer sessions.
Think about what comforts you. Headphones? A book? A soft jumper? A playlist you’ve listened to a hundred times? Bring them. Don’t worry about seeming “extra.” You’re doing something vulnerable — your comfort is not negotiable.
If You’re Neurodivergent, Anxious or Sensitive — I See You
Some of us need a bit more predictability, structure, or quiet to feel safe in new environments. That might be due to neurodivergence, anxiety, adhd or just how your nervous system works. Whatever the reason, it’s valid.
Here’s what might help:
Travel in London might be unpredictable; check it ahead of time. If you are so worried about being late that you end up being too early (like me), find the closest coffee shop and have a moment for yourself before the session.
I’ll talk you through what I’m doing, especially if it’s your first time or your first tattoo with me. You won’t have to guess or fill in the blanks.
You can take breaks. As many as you need.
I like to chat before and after tattooing (I usually stay silent throughout the process, as it helps me focus and work more precisely), but I can keep it to a short debrief before or after if you prefer more silent sessions - just let me know.
If you are easily overstimulated, you’re welcome to bring eye masks, noise-cancelling headphones, or anything that helps block out extra sensory input. I also avoid wearing strong perfumes since we are sharing a small space.
You’re not too much. You’re not high-maintenance. You’re simply aware of what you need, and I respect that.
This day is for you and about you
Getting tattooed is a strange, beautiful mix of the physical and the emotional, art and technicalities. It can feel empowering. Or symbolic. Sometimes it just feels like the right time, and you don’t know exactly why until much later.
There is some discomfort, yes, but with a bit of care, the day doesn’t have to feel hard, but rather like creating space yourself. It can even feel sacred. You’re choosing to honour your body, your story, your autonomy — and that’s something worth preparing for with love.
