What to Know Before Your Tattoo Appointment ... A First-Timer’s Guide

Hey guys... So you’ve booked your tattoo appointment! Whether this is your first tattoo or you're just new to my studio, I wanted to put together a quick, no-fuss guide to help you feel fully prepped.

From how to look after your skin to what to wear (and what not to), here’s everything you need to know before your tattoo appointment so you can walk in confident and leave with a tattoo that heals beautifully.

❖ Prepping Your Skin Before Your Tattoo Appointment

You don’t need to do anything wild here, just take care of your skin. That means:

• Stay hydrated in the days before
• Weekly exfoliate and Moisturise daily for at least a week before
• Avoid fake tan before and after on the area
• No sunburn! If your skin is peeling or damaged, we’ll likely have to reschedule
• Shave with clippers if you have long hair. If you are prone to shaving rash its best to shave with a bic the night before.
• If you are getting your head tattooed, I recommend hitting the barbers for a skin blade shave, you don't want chucks of you hair cut missing.

Healthy skin = better tattoo results, smoother healing, and less discomfort during the appointment. The better your skin is before your tattoo appointment, the better your result will be.

❖ What to Wear for Your Tattoo Appointment

What you wear can make a big difference, for your comfort and mine. Think loose, stretchy, and easy to move around in. I’ve listed a few outfit suggestions by placement so you can feel confident and covered while still making the area easy to access.

• Legs: Loose shorts or really baggy joggers/pyjama bottoms that roll up easily
• Hips: String-tie bikini bottoms, long skirt or dress for comfort and coverage
• Ribs: Avoid tight bra straps, use fabric bralettes or tie-up bikini tops
• Full back/shoulder: No tight bras; shirt or dressing gown worn backwards, or a strapless bandeau top for shoulders.
• Hair: Tie it up or bring clips for short layers/fringe bits

❖ What to Bring With You

Here’s your little tattoo session survival kit:

• Water (hydrated skin behaves better)
• Snacks or a light lunch (especially for long sessions)
• Entertainment (as long as you can stay still): Book, Kindle, earphones, Netflix, Gameboy, iPad
• A blanket, warm socks and heat pads if you tend to run naturally cold, or especially in the colder months to keep you warm throughout the day.

❖ Mental Prep for the Day

If you’re nervous, that’s totally normal. But remember, you’re in good hands. I’ll guide you through the process, check in with you during the session, and we’ll take breaks.

Some people chat the whole way through... others zone out completely. However you need to manage it is fine by me. Just don’t show up on no sleep or empty stomach. I want you comfy, calm, and ready before your tattoo appointment starts.

❖ Things to Avoid Before Your Tattoo Appointment

• No alcohol or the night before (it thins your blood)
• medications like Asprin that also thins the blood.
• No caffeine overload, a little is fine... but don’t overdo it so you have the shakes!
  
• No sunburn or fresh fake tan

❖ Helpful Products to Grab Before or After Your Tattoo

These are my go-to picks to support healing and comfort around your appointment. They’re available on Amazon UK/USA. Links below:

Tattoo Aftercare Balm (like Hustle Butter)
Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon USA

Tattoo-Safe Soap or Cleanser
Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon USA

Aloe Vera Gel
Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon USA

Dermalize Second Skin Wrap
Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon USA

Heat Pads (for if you run cold)
Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon USA

Portable Fan 
Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon USA

Fragrance-Free Moisturiser
Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon USA

Antibacterial Hand Wash
Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon USA

Kindle
Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon USA

If you’re unsure about anything before your tattoo appointment, outfit, prep, healing, message me!  I’d rather you ask than stress about it. Can’t wait to see what we’re working on together next!

📩 samanthabeedie.tattoos@gmail.com