You committed, you’ve waited what feels like years for a concept drawing and even longer still for your first appointment. Now the time is rapidly approaching and you’ve started thinking about the actual tattoo appointment, and frankly you have no idea what to expect.

Wether it’s your first tattoo or you already have a few smaller ones starting a large scale multi-hour-multi-session piece you can benefit from a bit of insight.

First and foremost expect that it is going to hurt. Tattoos are uncomfortable at best and in some places you find religion. With large areas being covered over multiple hours you will find spots that are down right painful. Don’t expect to fight off the pain, or ignore it, or any other coping strategy other then to surrender to it. Focusing on your breathing, relaxing, laying still, and knowing that it will pass is the only magic sauce.

With that said there are things you can do to help yourself relax, breath, and surrender to the process.

As with most big endeavors a bit of planning goes a long way.

Starting about a week ahead of time apply a quality moisturizer to your skin and ensure your are hydrating properly. The healthier your skin is the easier it is to tattoo, i.e. the smoother it goes. Also start working on your sleep, especially the 2-3 nights leading up to your appointment. Even though all you’re doing is laying still your body uses a lot of energy and resources during the tattoo process. A well rested body can deal with discomfort better.

If you are like me and lean towards the “furry” side feel free to use clippers on the area but DO NOT shave it with a razor. It can lead to razor bumps and a rash. Also make sure that you DO NOT apply moisturizer the morning of your appointment. We don’t want anything on the skin that can affect the tattoo process.

Do make sure to eat a filling and healthy breakfast. Again, it takes a lot of energy and resources for your body to handle a lengthy tattoo session. Give it something to work with.

Last but not least for morning prep wear or bring clothing that will be comfortable for you and will allow access to the area being tattooed. For some this means disrobing completely. If that is your case a robe, extra-large t-shirt, or large zip up hoodie can be a good option to easily take on and off with modesty.

As for what to bring with you bring your ID, form of payment, a bottle of water and/or electrolyte beverage. Snacks such as mixed nuts, snack bars, or fruit. Wireless headphones are a good option if music helps you relax so you can choose what you’re listening to.

Lastly I do NOT recommend bringing a friend. Hours watching you get tattooed while it may sound exciting is going to get pretty boring for them. They’ll have time to enjoy your art for years to come.

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To summarize:

• Regularly moisturize the week prior
• Hydrate
• Get quality sleep 1-2 nights before
• Use clippers NOT a razor if you are trimming hair
• Do NOT apply moisturizer morning of
• Eat a filling healthy breakfast morning of
• Wear comfortable clothes that allow access to the area(s) being tattooed.
• Bring your ID & form of payment
• Bring a bottle of water or electrolyte beverage
• Bring snacks of different varieties
• Bring headphones