Should I shave before a tattoo appointment?

Only if your artist asked you to. Most artists prefer to shave the area themselves in the studio with a fresh single-use razor, so the skin isn't irritated before they start.

Can I drink alcohol before getting a tattoo?

No. Alcohol thins the blood, which means more bleeding, poorer ink saturation and a harder session for both of you. Most studios will turn away anyone who arrives intoxicated.

Can I take painkillers before a tattoo?

Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, which thin the blood. If you want to take anything at all, ask your artist first and check with a pharmacist or doctor about what's safe for you.

Tell your artist. They will talk you through the first few minutes, agree a signal for breaks, and set a pace you can handle. Being nervous is completely normal, especially for a first tattoo.

Before your tattoo

How to Prepare for a Tattoo Appointment

7 min read · Updated August 2026

Most of what makes a tattoo session comfortable happens before you sit down. Rested skin, a fed body and loose clothing change how long you can sit and how well the piece settles. Here is what to do in the two days before your appointment.

The 48 hours before

Your skin should turn up in good condition. Avoid sunburn and heavy exfoliation on the area, moisturise normally, and keep hydrated.

No sunburn or fresh tan on the placement — burnt skin can't be tattooed
Moisturise the area daily, but not immediately before the appointment
Shave only if your artist asks; otherwise they'll do it in the studio
No alcohol for at least 24 hours

The morning of

Eat a full meal with protein and carbohydrates within a couple of hours of sitting down. Blood sugar is the single biggest factor in whether you feel faint mid-session. Drink water, and have caffeine only if it's part of your normal routine.

What to wear

Choose clothing you can move out of the way easily and don't care about. Ink and ointment stain.

Ribs, back or stomach: a loose top you can lift or a button-down
Thigh or hip: shorts you're happy to sit in for hours
Ankle or foot: shoes you can remove easily
Bring a jumper — studios run cold and adrenaline drops make you colder

Tell your artist about your health

Mention medication, skin conditions, allergies, pregnancy or anything that affects bleeding or healing before the needle starts. Studios ask this on the consent form for a reason, and answering honestly protects the result as well as you. If you have a medical condition that might be affected, check with your doctor first.

Plan the day around it

Don't schedule anything demanding straight after. Long sessions are tiring, the area will be tender, and you'll want to get home and rest rather than sit through dinner with a fresh wrap under your sleeve.

Built for tattoo studios

Studio owners: send this before every session

Tattoo Booking sends prep instructions and the consent form with every confirmed appointment, so clients arrive ready.

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Frequently asked questions

Should I shave before a tattoo appointment?: Only if your artist asked you to. Most artists prefer to shave the area themselves in the studio with a fresh single-use razor, so the skin isn't irritated before they start.
Can I drink alcohol before getting a tattoo?: No. Alcohol thins the blood, which means more bleeding, poorer ink saturation and a harder session for both of you. Most studios will turn away anyone who arrives intoxicated.
Can I take painkillers before a tattoo?: Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, which thin the blood. If you want to take anything at all, ask your artist first and check with a pharmacist or doctor about what's safe for you.
What if I'm nervous?: Tell your artist. They will talk you through the first few minutes, agree a signal for breaks, and set a pace you can handle. Being nervous is completely normal, especially for a first tattoo.