Relax.
Getting tattooed is an exciting (and maybe a little scary) event, but not only is your tattoo artist going to do everything they can to make you comfortable, there are some things you can do ahead of time to make the experience more enjoyable.
In the days leading up to your tattoo.
In the days leading up to your tattoo, you can prepare by eating balanced meals and drinking plenty of water. This will help regulate your blood sugar and keep you hydrated. Low blood sugar and dehydration can cause dizziness and fainting.
Stay out of the sun. If you do spend time in the sun in the days before your tattoo, please be safe and use sunscreen or wear clothes that cover the area that is to be tattooed. Oregon law prevents us from tattooing someone with a sunburn or other skin conditions in the area of the tattoo, and we want you to be safe and protectected from the sun’s harmful rays.
Hopefully, you are someone who appreciates your body and moisturizes your skin regularly, but if not (we won’t judge), now is a good time to start! Moisturized skin has a healthy elasticity that makes tattooing easier for your artist and less painful for you.
On the day of your tattoo.
Don’t be hungover. Hangovers are the worst and mean that you are not well hydrated. We have already discussed that dehydration can increase pain and cause dizziness and fainting. This can also affect how your tattoo heals.
Don’t drink alcohol. Oregon law prevents us from tattooing an individual that is noticeably intoxicated or otherwise unable to make informed consent. Additionally, alcohol thins the blood and can increase pain.
Do not take painkillers. Painkillers can inhibit your body’s natural ability to release necessary hormones and chemicals that aid in the lessening your pain response and help the healing process. This includes numbing creams and sprays. You can read more about this HERE.
Wear something comfortable and appropriate. Choose clothing for your tattoo day that is comfortable. You may be sitting or laying in one position for awhile so you will want to be as comfortable as possible, but please consider how your artist will reach the area to be tattooed. For example, if you are getting tattooed on your thigh, wear shorts or a skirt. If you are getting tattooed on your chest or stomach, wear a button front shirt. A button front shirt or front closure hoodie or cardigan worn backwards is also great for getting tattooed on your back. If you are getting a foot tattoo, wear sandals or flip-flops that won’t rub the area. Clothes that make the tattoo area easier to reach will make you more comfortable.
Bring a support person, if you feel you need one. Don’t bring a large support group. Sometimes, a friend or family member being with you is a welcome distraction from the tattoo, but a few or more can create unwanted noise and distractions for you, your artist, as well as other artists and their clients. If you would like to bring a child with you, please discuss this with your tattoo artist ahead of time.
Take deep breaths and relax. At Memento Ink, we are dedicated to making your tattoo session as comfortable as possible. The more relaxed you are, the less painful and uncomfortable the process will be.
See you soon!