What to Expect at Your Tattoo Appointment and How to Prepare

What happens during a tattoo appointment

A tattoo appointment typically runs 30 minutes to several hours depending on the size and complexity of the design. You'll arrive, check in, and the artist will review the design with you one more time — placement, size, colours, any last tweaks. Then you'll move to the tattoo chair or bed, the artist will clean and shave the area, apply a stencil to show you the outline, and ask for your final approval before the needle touches your skin.

Once you say yes, the actual tattooing begins. You'll feel vibration and a scratching or burning sensation; pain levels vary widely depending on placement, your pain tolerance, and how much detail the artist is adding. Most artists take breaks every 15 to 20 minutes so you can breathe and reset. When the outline is done, the artist moves to shading and colour fill if your design includes them. At the end, they'll clean the area, apply a thin layer of ointment, and cover it with a bandage or plastic wrap.

Key Takeaways

• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with a valid photo ID, and bring the cash or card your artist prefers — many tattoo shops don't take all payment methods.
• Eat a full meal and drink water before your appointment so you don't feel faint during the session, and wear loose clothing that lets the artist access the area easily.
• The artist will show you the stencil and ask for approval before starting; this is your last chance to request changes to size, placement, or design details.
• Aftercare starts immediately and lasts one to two weeks — your artist will give you written instructions, and following them prevents infection and colour loss.
• If your tattoo is large or detailed, you may need a second appointment to finish; discuss this with your artist before you book.

How to prepare in the days before your appointment

Start preparing at least a few days out. Get a good night's sleep the night before — your body heals better when rested, and you'll handle the pain more easily. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment; it thins your blood and makes you bleed more during the session, which makes the artist's job harder and can affect how the ink sets.

Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood thinners for at least a week before if you can. Acetaminophen is usually fine, but ask your artist if you're unsure. Don't sunbathe or use a tanning bed for a week before — sunburned or very tanned skin is harder to tattoo and heals poorly. If the area where you're getting tattooed is very hairy, you can trim it short, but let the artist shave it during the appointment; they know how close to shave without irritating the skin.

What to bring and wear

Bring a valid photo ID — most shops require it. Bring your payment method; call ahead to confirm whether the shop takes card, cash, or both. Some artists take a deposit when you book and collect the rest on the day, so check your booking confirmation or the shop's website.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that doesn't cover the area you're getting tattooed or that you can roll up or move out of the way easily. If you're getting a tattoo on your shoulder, wear a tank top or something you can slip off. If it's on your leg, wear shorts or loose pants. Avoid tight jeans or anything that will rub the fresh tattoo. Bring a phone charger if your appointment is long, and bring headphones if you want to listen to music or a podcast during the session — many artists allow this, though some prefer quiet.

Managing pain and discomfort during the session

Pain is real, but it's manageable. The sensation is often described as a hot scratching or vibrating feeling rather than sharp pain. Placement matters: areas with less fat and more bone — like ribs, spine, or shin — hurt more than areas with muscle or fat underneath, like your upper arm or thigh. Your pain tolerance also depends on how stressed you are, how hungry you are, and how much sleep you got.

Eat a full meal an hour or two before your appointment. Low blood sugar makes pain feel worse and increases the chance you'll feel faint or nauseous. Bring a sugary snack or drink — many shops keep juice or candy on hand, but having your own is safer. Breathe steadily and deeply; holding your breath makes tension worse. If you need a break, tell your artist — they're used to it and would rather pause than have you pass out or move suddenly.

Aftercare in the first two weeks

Your artist will give you written aftercare instructions before you leave. Follow them exactly — this is where most tattoo problems happen. For the first few hours, keep the bandage on. Then remove it, wash the area gently with unscented soap and warm water, pat it dry with a clean paper towel (not cloth), and apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturiser or the ointment your artist recommended.

Repeat this wash-and-moisturise routine two to three times a day for the first week, then once or twice daily for the second week as the tattoo starts to peel. Don't soak the tattoo — no baths, swimming, or hot tubs for at least two weeks. Avoid direct sunlight and wear loose clothing over it. Don't pick at scabs or peeling skin, even though it's tempting. If you see signs of infection — increasing redness, warmth, pus, or red streaks — contact your artist or a doctor.

What to do if something goes wrong during the appointment

If you feel faint, dizzy, or nauseous, tell your artist immediately. They'll stop, have you lie down, and get you water and sugar. This happens sometimes and is not a big deal. If you're in more pain than you expected, speak up — your artist can adjust their technique or take longer breaks. If you suddenly hate the design or want to change the placement, say so before the needle starts. Once the outline is done, changes become much harder.

If you notice the artist is working on the wrong area, or if something doesn't look right as they're working, stop them. A good artist wants to know if something is off. If you're unhappy with the final result — the lines are shaky, the colours are uneven, the placement is wrong — talk to your artist before you leave. Many shops offer touch-ups within a certain timeframe at no extra cost.

Scheduling a second appointment if your tattoo isn't finished

Large or very detailed tattoos often need more than one session. Your artist will tell you during the first appointment if this is the case. The second session usually happens two to four weeks later, once the first session has fully healed. This gives the skin time to recover and the artist time to see how the ink settled and where touch-ups are needed.

When you book the second appointment, mention that it's a continuation so the artist blocks out enough time. Bring the same preparation — eat beforehand, avoid alcohol, wear loose clothing. The second session is often less painful because you know what to expect, though some artists say the second pass over healed skin can feel sharper. Follow the same aftercare routine after the second session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reschedule my tattoo appointment if something comes up?

Most shops allow you to reschedule if you give notice — usually at least 24 to 48 hours. Check your booking confirmation or call the shop directly. If you cancel with very short notice, you may lose your deposit. If you're sick on the day of your appointment, call right away; many artists will reschedule for free if you're ill.

What if I'm nervous about the pain?

Talk to your artist about it before the appointment. They've worked with nervous clients and can explain what to expect, suggest placement that hurts less, or recommend taking breaks. Eating well, sleeping, and staying hydrated all make pain more manageable. Some people find that focusing on breathing or listening to music helps.

How much should I tip my tattoo artist?

Tipping is standard in the tattoo industry, similar to tipping a hairdresser. 15 to 20 percent of the total cost is typical, though you can tip more if you're very happy with the work. Some shops have a tip jar or a line on the card machine; others accept cash tips. If money is tight, even a smaller tip or a sincere thank-you is appreciated.

What if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

Most reputable tattoo shops won't tattoo pregnant people because the risks to the baby aren't fully understood. If you're breastfeeding, many artists will tattoo you, but check with your shop first. Some artists ask you to wait until you've finished breastfeeding to be cautious.

Can I shower after my tattoo appointment?

Yes, but keep it brief and lukewarm. Avoid very hot water and don't let the shower spray hit the tattoo directly for the first few days. Pat it dry gently with a clean paper towel afterward, then apply your aftercare ointment. Baths and soaking are off-limits for at least two weeks.