Non-Valuable Clothing- Wear clothing that wont break your heart if it gets ink stained. Most tattoo artists should try and protect your clothing as much as possible but accidents do happen. Our main goal is to give you a beautiful tattoo in an efficient and timely manner and if we our having to stress about beloved articles of clothing, that will hinder this process greatly.

Dress Accordingly- Wear something that is easily removable if the desired area to be tattooed usually leys under clothing and something that’s not going to rub on it when its time to go home. Wear clothing that wont show to much skin if you happen to be on the shy side and clothing that lets us reach the area the most easily. For example, women getting lower back tattoos you should consider a stretchy waistband like gym shorts or sweat paints. If the tattoo is on the shoulder blade you might consider a tank top so that the entire back doesn’t have to be exposed. For a calf tattoo, wear shorts instead of jeans that have to be held up and also might rub the area afterwards. For comfort, modesty, and accessibility, just use common sense and dress accordingly.

Good Hygiene- It’s just common etiquette to have good hygiene before coming for your tattoo. After all you are going to be spending some time with your artist at close proximity. It’s probably not the best idea to come strait after a hard day at work, or after a spicy foreign dinner if you can avoid it. If you know you are going to be getting a foot or lower ankle tattoo which requires you to remove your shoe, please clean your foot well right before coming and wear an open toe slip on sandal, for sanitary issues and for odor control.

Moisturize- Also you might want to prep your skin the few days prior to coming in. Since moisturized skin and skin on the oilier side tend to absorb and disperse the ink particles much more efficiently than dry skin, try applying a good lotion to the desired area a few times each day before you get your tattoo. Hydrated skin is also more likely to be slightly more taught and the tighter the skin the more easily the artist can apply your tattoo. In addition it helps with the wiping of excess ink off the surface of the tattoo, which means less discomfort. If your skin tends to be on the oilier side, don’t apply lotions. Too oily skin can be a bit of a concern but to this level it is uncommon in most people. If you are unsure, statistically speaking, most people can use more moisture on their extremities but not as much on the chest, neck and back areas. If the area is prone to acne or red bumps, do not apply lotion.

Shave As Needed- If the place to be tattooed has an extreme amount of hair; it would be efficient to shave the hair prior to your visit. Shaving the skin is common practice as prep for your tattoo with even common body hair. With excess hair, it might be more comfortable to task this at home. Of course, sometimes you don’t know what you want or where you want it beforehand, so don’t fret either way.

Bring A Buddy- It’s a great idea to have a friend with you. Talking to someone is the best way to cope with the stress of the ordeal and distract most of any discomfort you might experience away. Even if you are a seasoned pro who doesn’t have these issues, its still a good idea to make the time fly and to have someone to perhaps drive you incase you’re a little tender. It can be an exciting and fun experience to share with someone.