How to Prepare for a Tattoo

The week before your appointment

Good preparation starts several days before the session. Drink water regularly, eat normally and protect the tattoo area from sunburn, cuts and irritation. Healthy, settled skin is easier to work with than skin that is dry, inflamed or recently damaged.

Use a simple fragrance-free moisturiser if the area is dry, but stop anything that causes redness or sensitivity. Do not begin a new skin treatment just before the appointment. Contact Joshua early if the placement develops a rash, infection, significant irritation or broken skin.

The day before

Get a full night of sleep and avoid alcohol. Alcohol can contribute to dehydration, affect judgement and make the appointment more difficult. Prepare your clothes, identification, water, food and travel route so the morning is calm rather than rushed.

Do not shave the area at home. Razor burn and small cuts can delay tattooing. Joshua can prepare the skin immediately before the session using clean equipment.

Food and hydration

Eat a proper meal one to two hours before the appointment. A balanced meal with carbohydrates, protein and some healthy fats helps maintain steady energy and can reduce light-headedness during a long session.

Bring water and easy snacks, especially for a full-day booking. Avoid arriving fasted or relying only on caffeine. If a medical condition affects blood sugar, eating or hydration, follow the advice of your health professional and tell Joshua anything relevant.

What to wear

Choose clean, loose clothing that exposes the tattoo area without forcing you into an uncomfortable position. Dark colours are practical because tattoo ink can mark fabric. Bring a warm layer for long sessions, as people can feel cooler after sitting still.

For arm work, a loose singlet or removable layer is useful. For legs, wear shorts or wide clothing. For torso work, bring a suitable change that maintains privacy while giving clear access to the placement.

Skin care and shaving

Arrive with clean skin and avoid heavy creams, oils, fake tan or fragrance on the area that morning. Normal showering is enough. Joshua will clean and prepare the placement again before applying the stencil.

Sunburnt, peeling, infected or heavily irritated skin should not be tattooed. If you are uncertain, send a clear photograph before travelling rather than hoping the area can be worked on safely.

Medication, alcohol and numbing cream

Do not stop prescribed medication without advice from the clinician who manages it. If medication, a health condition, pregnancy, allergies or a history of fainting may affect the session, discuss this before the appointment.

Do not apply numbing cream unless Joshua has approved the specific product, placement and timing. Topical anaesthetics are medicines and should only be used exactly as directed; excessive amounts or large application areas can be unsafe. Ask a pharmacist or doctor when individual medical guidance is needed.

What to bring

• Current government-issued photo identification
• Water and simple food or snacks
• Headphones and downloaded music or podcasts
• A phone charger or power bank
• Any confirmed reference material requested for the appointment
• A suitable change of clothing for the tattoo placement

When to contact Joshua before travelling

Get in touch if you are unwell, the skin is damaged, you are running late, your travel plans have changed or the agreed placement is no longer available. Early communication gives the best chance of protecting the appointment and deposit.

If you have a new medical concern, seek advice from an appropriate health professional. Tattoo preparation information is general and does not replace personal medical advice.