You have finally decided on getting a tattoo done, and narrowed down on what to get permanently inked on your body. You may even have google searched for all the risks, after-care instructions, and where to get it done from. You think you are now ready with the clothes you’ll wear and even imagined your first post on instagram showing off the tattoo.
All that planning is great, but have you considered how you can get your skin ready before you get the inking done?
While it may not be considered as crucial as the post-inking care regime,pre-tattoo preparation for your skin may go a long way for a smooth inking experience and post-tattoo recovery.
Here are 5 quick tips on how you can prepare your skin before your tattoo appointment:
- Stay Hydrated:
Drinking water not only ensures your skin remains healthy in general, but also helps in the build up process, ensuring that your skin will heal and recover swiftly after the inking. Apart from sufficient water intake, it is also important that you avoid alcohol and don’t overdo your caffeinated drinks before the tattoo, as it causes dehydration and may affect the tattoo appointment.
- Shave off:
Once you have decided which part of your body you want to get the inking done, shave off the hair in the area with proper care. If you experience razor burn, stop shaving and leave yourself at least a week to heal before going in for the tattoo session.
- Moisturise & Exfoliate:
Using the Tattoo gun on the skin is a delicate procedure, thus you have to make sure you keep your skin clean by getting rid of any dirt and taking care of any dryness. It is important to exfoliate and moisturise your skin a night before or the morning of the decided day, especially the body part you have selected for the tattoo. However, do not apply oil in the area, upto 2-3 hrs before getting the tattoo done.
Avoid applying makeup or any synthetic skincare products on your skin to make it easier for your tattoo artist to apply the ink directly to your skin. It is preferable to use Vaseline based moisturisers.
- Avoid in case of Injury or Allergy:
Postpone getting a tattoo done if the body part you selected for tattoo is tanned/sunburnt, injured, wounded or if you recently had any allergy in that area. You can also talk to your tattoo artist for when it would be safe to get the tattoo appointment. Also, make sure you select a less sensitive area for the tattoo.
- Eat, Rest and Dress Well:
As completing the tattoo may take a few hours, it is important that you get sufficient sleep a night before, as well as eat and hydrate well in the morning. You can carry light snacks in case of a long session so you can have it when the artist takes a break.
Also, Take care of dressing comfortably for the session. Make sure that the outfit isn’t tight, itchy, or needs to be readjusted again and again, and the selected body part is easily accessible for the tattoo to be done, yet covered to avoid pollution and dirt on your way to the tattoo parlour. Take care that your phone is on mute, so that constant notifications don’t disturb you, or your artist’s creative process. If your artist allows it, you can put on relaxing music or use earphones to feel at ease.
Skin is the most sensitive canvas for art. While your selected tattoo artist will do his/her best in guiding you and giving you a smooth experience, it is your responsibility to take care of your health so that your skin builds up quickly after the inking. The more proactive and prepared you are, the sooner you will be able to show off your tattoo, and lesser complications you will face afterwards given that you follow the aftercare regime as diligently.
Devilz Tattooz a leading tattoo in Delhi studio under the guidance of Lokesh Verma World famous tattoo artist from India provides tattoo design services to its clients. This article is prepared with consultation from Lokesh Verma.
