What To Do Before Getting A Tattoo: Your Guide On How To Prepare For A Tattoo
How to Prepare for a Tattoo
Getting a tattoo is more than just picking a design - it’s committing to a form of self-expression you’ll carry with you forever. Whether it’s your first session or your hundredth, prepping for the big day makes all the difference. A little effort before your appointment can keep things smooth for you and your artist, leaving you with a tattoo that shines for years to come.
Pre-Tattoo Prep: How to Get Ready
Great tattoos start with great preparation. Taking the time to get your skin and mind ready before your appointment can make a big difference. From choosing the right artist to staying hydrated, these steps will set you up for success and ensure your tattoo journey goes smoothly.
1. Find The Right Artist:
Do your research. Look at portfolios and pick an artist whose style resonates with your vision. We always recommend a consultation with your potential artist first to make sure you feel comfortable and that they are able to bring your vision to life. A good match can help give you confidence in the process.
2. Hydrate and Eat Well:
Stay hydrated and eat a balanced meal before your appointment - this will help give you energy to endure the session. Plus, hydration starts from the inside - the more hydrated you are, the more hydrated your skin is. Pro Tip: Remember to pack water and snacks to keep your energy levels up if it’s a long session.
3. Nourish and Prep Your Skin:
Healthy, nourished skin takes pigment better and heals more smoothly. Speak with your artist about how to prepare your skin ahead of time. In the days leading up to your appointment, use a high-quality moisturizer, like Hustle Butter Rejuvenating Lotion, to keep your skin supple and hydrated. If instructed by your artist, lightly exfoliate the area with gentle products to remove dead skin without stripping away natural moisture.
4. Rest Up:
A good night’s sleep can improve your tolerance for discomfort and keep you calm throughout the session. Rested clients make for smoother appointments, letting the artist focus entirely on their craft. Before your tattoo session, prioritize a consistent sleep schedule and ensure you're well-rested for the big day.
5. Dress Comfortably:
Loose, breathable clothes make it easier for your artist to work and help avoid irritation on fresh ink post-appointment. Choose clothing that won’t rub against the tattooed area, and allows the artist to work easily.
6. Protect Your Skin:
Avoid tanning and sun exposure before your session. Damaged skin and sunburns negatively impact the tattoo process and healing. Show up with clean, undamaged skin for the best results. If you have a sunburn, rash or other skin concern, let your artist know as they will likely have you rescheduled to prevent skin irritation or damage.
Understanding the Tattoo Process
Let’s be real: getting a tattoo is a big decision. Knowing what to expect makes the process less stressful and more enjoyable. Your artist will walk you through the design and placement, making adjustments to ensure the piece fits your body perfectly. Once you’re ready, it’s go time.
Most likely, the process will go something like this: the artist will prep your skin by cleaning the area (and shaving it if necessary), and then will apply the stencil of the design for placement review. Once approved, the artist and tattoo machine will do their thing, embedding pigments into the dermis. This process takes precision, skill, and experience—so choosing a reputable artist is a non-negotiable if you want a high-quality piece you’ll love for years to come.
Once your session is over, the tattoo aftercare begins. Again, this is not a suggestion but a must. Tattoo aftercare is just as important to the longevity of the tattoo as the session itself is. Stick to your artist’s instructions and keep in touch with them as it heals.If this is your first session, let's break it down further. When we say aftercare, we mean the products and tools you will use on your tattoo during the healing process. Follow your artist's instructions to a T.
Likely it will be something like this:
Keep the area wrapped for a period of time (depending on the position, size and complexity of the tattoo) , and then clean the area and re-apply a breathable wrap, like the Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare Wrap. When cleaning the area, be sure to use something that is gentle on skin but tough on germs, like Hustle Butter’s Antibacterial Foaming Soap. The travel size is perfect for smaller tattoos or if you are traveling with a new piece, while the standard size is preferable for larger pieces or multiple tattoos.
After cleansing the area, gently pat dry with a clean paper towel. Once the tattoo is clean and dry, your artist will likely also recommend you nourish the area with a hydrating balm, like Hustle Butter’s Tattoo Balm, to keep the area moisturized. And remember, if anything looks or feels off, don’t hesitate—reach out to your artist or doctor immediately.
Post-Tattoo Care: Protect Your Art Long Term
When you leave the studio, your tattoo care journey is just beginning. Tattoo aftercare and long-term maintenance is a must for tattoos that look and feel their best, for life. Follow these steps below to keep your piece vibrant and your skin feeling smooth today, tomorrow, forever:
Immediate Care with Hustle Butter
Always follow your artist’s instructions closely. They likely will recommend a tattoo moisturizer once the wrap comes off to keep the skin hydrated. Hustle Butter Deluxe Tattoo Balm, made with naturally-derived ingredients, soothes and nourishes fresh tattoos. Use it as directed (a little Hustle goes a long way!) to keep your skin hydrated.
Ongoing Tattoo Maintenance
Once your tattoo is healed, moisturizing daily is the key to keeping the area smooth and the work vibrant. Hustle Butter Daily Rejuvenating Lotion keeps your skin soft while revitalizing art. Lightweight and non-greasy, it’s perfect for daily use on your art (as well as your entire body!).
Sun Protection
Fresh tattoos and sun exposure don’t mix. Cover up the new piece with loose clothing to prevent unwanted consequences like fading and irritation while healing. Once your tattoo is fully healed, apply sunscreen regularly (even when it’s not sunny!) to maintain the color and detail of your piece. It is always best, where you can, to avoid sun exposure on tattoos to help preserve their brightness - even if they are fully healed.
Keep It Vibrant for Years to Come
Prepping for your tattoo and sticking to a proper aftercare routine goes hand-in-hand. These steps ensure your tattoo stays a bold, long-lasting reflection of your style.
With Hustle Butter products in your corner, you’ve got what you need to nourish your skin and enhance your tattoos for the long haul. From the compact convenience of Hustle Butter’s TSA- friendly, travel sized Hustle Bubbles Foaming Wash to the practical and sturdy Tattoo Aftercare Wraps, every product is designed to make tattoo care easy and effective. And if you want a one-stop shop, Hustle Butter’s Tattoo Care Kit has all of the aftercare products you need in one TSA-friendly place. Follow these tips, and you’ll keep your ink looking sharp for years to come.