Before your tattoo

As soon as you book your appointment, you can do a few things to prepare your skin. Don't worry if you don't have time for this, it doesn't make the biggest difference but it can help.

• Keep the area moisturised using a natural moisturiser twice a day. Make sure this is a moisturiser that you've used before and know you have no allergies to as I can't tattoo over skin that has a rash. 

• Keep hydrated; this is important for every day life but especially before a tattoo to drink at least 2l of water a day. It will help your skin stay healthy and keep you feeling good during your session. 

On the day before your appointment:

• Do not drink alcohol 24 hours before your appointment, it can thin your blood which makes it difficult for me, and being hungover can make the session harder for you to sit through too.

• Get a good sleep the night before, don't stay up too late and try not to stress about the appointment!

Warning: Do not come to your appointment with sunburned or damaged skin, I cannot tattoo over fresh sunburn, bruises or fresh scars. If you come to your appointment with damaged skin you will have to book a new appointment with a new booking fee.  I also cannot tattoo over moles and birthmarks due to the fact that they can be used to identify skin cancer, I will leave a space around these. Let me know if you have a significant amount of moles or birthmarks in the area of the tattoo.

What to take to your appointment 

• Snacks/lunch; especially for longer sessions, this gives you extra energy to keep you going.

• A drink; We have tea, coffee, water and sometimes soft drinks in the studio but if you'd prefer something else to keep you hydrated and your sugar levels up, bring your favourite drink along.  

• Entertainment; Something to watch with headphones (music and videos being played loudly can be distracting to me), Knitting, colouring, anything you need to keep your mind off of the tattoo.

• Comfy clothing; You will be here a long time so its good to wear something comfortable. We ask you to take your shoes off at the door so if you'd like to bring a pair of slippers or indoor socks, you are more than welcome. 

• Friends; Friends and family are welcome to come with you and sit in the waiting area however, it is best usually to not bring someone with you, friends can be distracting to the tattoo artist and can often have the opposite effect to what you want and make you feel more nervous. However, if you have anxiety issues and may struggle without a friend there, you are ofcourse welcome to bring them to the tattooing area. 

• Carers are always more than welcome.