PREPARATION:

If you are going to be tattooed in an area where you have a lot of body hair, shave 24 hours before.

Try to get a good restful sleep the night before your appointment. We don't want you exhausted. Don't party too much the night before. A beer or a glass of wine is fine, the night before your tattoo but keep the parting to a minimum.

Eat something an hour or two before your appointment time. Don't come with a completely empty stomach. Protein is good. Don't eat a lot of sugars and avoid smoked or heavily processed meats like hot dogs, spam or sausage. Sodium nitrates and sugars can make you swell more. Eat something relatively healthy.

If your tattoo is going to take 2 ½ hours or more it is good to bring some fruit juice and a couple of apples, bananas, power bar or something to eat just in case you get hungry during your tattoo session. Your body burns a lot of fuel during a tattoo and you may want to replenish yourself.

Wear something appropriate. Remember what part of your body we need access to. Darker colors are better. Don't wear something brand new and/or white, as we are likely to get some ink on it. Avoid tight clothing.