How to Prepare for a Tattoo: 12 Tricks and Tips that All Tattoo Collectors Should Know

There are many important steps involved in the tattooing process and one of the most critical of them all is preparing for the event. At Wipe Outz, we know how exciting tattoo appointments can be and we wanted to give you some tricks and tips to keep in mind when you are planning for the big day! Taking the time to follow this advice will not only help you to be more educated and prepared, but will also make the experience more positive and enjoyable.

1) Tattoo Design: Take the time to carefully ponder the idea and concept of the tattoo that you hope to acquire. While your tattoo artist will be the one to bring your idea to life, having a rough idea about the design that you hope to capture can be extremely helpful when communicating with your tattooist.

2) Size and Location: Consider the size of the tattoo and also the area of the body that you hope to have the piece reside. If you are new to getting tattooed (or even if you are a seasoned pro), trust in the artist you have chosen and listen to his or her recommendations. If they believe an alternative location for the tattoo placement might work best, be open to their suggestions.

3) Find the right artist: With all of the amazing artists out there nowadays, this may seem like an easy task, but researching artists' work and finding a fit that not only meshes well with your aesthetic goals, but also with your personality and vibe, is imperative. This will allow you to have a pleasurable and memorable experience and will also help you to surrender trust in their abilities, so that they can make the magic happen.

4) Avoid the sun: Once you have your tattoo appointment booked, be mindful of the date and plan your outside events accordingly. If you need to be in the sun, be sure to invest in some quality tattoo-specific sunblock so that the area of skin that the tattoo will be inked on will be free from irritation. Once you are healing your tattoo be sure to stock up on Wipe Outz™ Cleansing Tattoo Wipes to keep your tattoo clean while you are out and about.

5) Discuss shaving: If you are a walk-in client, it might not be possible to shave beforehand, but if you have your appointment scheduled, be sure to ask your tattoo artist if they prefer that you shave the area in preparation for the tattoo. Some artists, like Mike DeVries, prefer to shave the spot themselves on the day of the tattoo, as he has found that a minor nick or cut can be a recipe for disaster. Discussing what's best ahead of time can save you both from a headache (and unwanted pain). As a side note, letting the artist see the "hair situation" beforehand may cause them to elect for locating a different spot to plan the piece. This may be necessary to avoid unwanted irritation and may also make the piece more visibly appealing once it's inked. You can use Wipe Outz™ Cleansing Tattoo Wipes to keep areas clean both before and after shaving, for an irritation-free experience!

6) Prepare for the pain: Bringing along Bactine or tattoo numbing products is also advisable. We are very excited to announce that Wipe Outz™ Numbing Relief Wipes will soon be available and will be an excellent way to cut the level of tattoo pain in half (when used correctly)! With the Wipe Outz™ Numbing Relief Wipes, the numbing process will be able to start being applied immediately, once the tattoo is underway. Most artists are happy to incorporate numbing products into the procedure and will appreciate that you brought your own to the appointment. In addition to numbing products, it is helpful to bring along a couple of packs of 
Wipe Outz™ Cleansing Tattoo Wipes to ensure a session that is safe, clean, less abrasive, less painful, and sets you up for a smooth heal!

7) Stay hydrated: Not only is it important to stay hydrated during your tattoo session, it is also essential that you drink plenty of water during the day leading up to your appointment. Hydration helps the skin to take in ink more easily, which will in turn help the process to be smoother and less painful. Avoiding dehydration will also help you to keep your composure and prolong your physical strength throughout the time that you are getting tattooed.

8) Don’t arrive on an empty stomach: Tattooing can take a lot out of you, so be sure that you are nutritionally prepared and are giving your body the amount of energy that it needs to sit well for the tattoo and stay focused and attentive. You also want to keep your blood sugar levels up to avoid lightheadedness or the risk of fainting. Eat small snacks when you stop for short breaks. Anything that will give you a little zip and a resurgence of energy: fruit, nuts, dry cereal, crackers, juice, etc. Just as staying hydrated is essential, so is maintaining your stamina with little punches of nutrition.

9) Avoid alcohol: One of the most difficult elements for tattoo artists to work around is excessive bleeding. Alcohol can thin your blood, because it prevents blood cells from sticking together and forming clots, which is essential when working on skin canvases. Not only should you avoid drinking during your tattoo, but ideally, it is best to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment.

10) Dress comfortably: Depending on the size of your tattoo, you may be sitting for a long period of time and one thing is for sure, you want to be comfortable while you are working through the pain and staying in the zone for a successful session. Your artist may need for you to change positions frequently too, so the type of clothing that you choose to wear can make or break this necessity. If you are getting tattooed on your legs, wear shorts or pants that can be easily rolled up; or if your planned piece is on your arm, you may want to wear a tank top or shirt that you can maneuver easily. If you tend to sweat under pressure (or pain), wear something breathable; and if it’s usually cool in the shop where you are getting tattooed, it might be a good idea to have a jacket or blanket handy if you need to thermoregulate.

11) Think positively and remember to breathe! Having a positive mindset and reminding yourself of the great power that your mind has over handling tough situations is essential! If you think it will help, mentally prepare days before your tattoo. Think about where it's going, visualize the sitting, and try to positively plan for it to be a great experience. Yes, it will hurt, but going through it in your mind can help you tremendously once the tattooing process begins. Also remember to focus on your breathing and don't let yourself hyperventilate, over breathe, or panic-breathe. Just stay calm and relaxed, breathing normally and taking nice, even inhales/exhales. Remember what a great reward (your awesome new tattoo) is waiting for you at the end.

12) Plan your aftercare routine before your tattoo: It’s never too early to plan your aftercare routine and it’s a good idea to have the products that you will use in your aftercare toolkit ready to go. One essential in your aftercare arsenal should be Wipe Outz™ Cleansing Tattoo Wipes which offer less mess and no sting. In addition, Wipe Outz™ are non-toxic, biodegradable, and vegan. They make cleaning at home and on-the-go easy and convenient, so be sure to stock up today and be ultra-prepared for your tattoo appointment.