How to prep your skin before getting a tattoo
Moisturize, hydrate, sleep well and eat before your appointment to protect your skin and handle the pain.
Your skin is the canvas for a tattoo, and caring for it before your session makes a big difference. Spend the week leading up to your appointment moisturizing daily, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding cuts, bruises, sun damage and tanning.
Get a good night's sleep and eat a proper breakfast on the day, which helps your body handle pain better. Arrive fed and hydrated.
Bring some snacks like some fruit or a soft drink, and wear comfortable clothes that let you easily expose the tattoo area. Have a shower and gently exfoliate in the morning, and shave the area if you can do it safely.
Avoid alcohol and late nights the night before.
- epidermis and dermis
- Skin layers affected
- one week before
- Preparation period
- more than a decade
- Lee's tattooing experience
- since 2019
- Gabby Riley's ownership
Why it mattersA well-prepped body heals better, looks sharper and means you're less likely to tap out halfway through.
AustraliaCanberra's Canberra Ink has expanded operations to meet demand and is offering discount days to help locals access tattoos during cost-of-living pressures.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
