Before Your Tattoo or Piercing Appointment

A little preparation makes the session more comfortable for you and easier for your artist or piercer. This checklist works for booked tattoos, walk-in tattoos and piercings.

The day before

• Get a proper night's sleep. A rested body copes better with a long session.
• Avoid alcohol. It thins the blood, which means more bleeding during the session.
• Moisturise the area in the days before a tattoo, but don't apply anything on the day itself.
• Avoid sunburn on the area you want tattooed. Artists can't work on burnt skin.

On the day

• Eat a good meal beforehand, and bring a snack and a drink for longer tattoo sessions.
• Stay hydrated.
• Don't take aspirin or other blood-thinning painkillers unless your doctor has told you to.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area and that you don't mind getting a little ink on.
• Bring photo ID (see ID and age rules).
• Bring your references on your phone if the design isn't finalised yet.
• Bring cash if you are paying a tattoo deposit, which is taken in the studio to secure your booking.

Tell your artist or piercer

Let the team know about any medical conditions, medication, allergies or skin problems before you start, and if you are pregnant or think you might be. If you feel faint during the session, say so straight away; it happens, and it's easy to deal with.

Afterwards

You'll get aftercare advice before you leave, and piercings include an aftercare pack. For full guidance, see Timebomb's tattoo aftercare and piercing aftercare pages, or call the studio if anything worries you.