Before Your First Tattoo
You’ve booked your slot — here’s how to arrive ready. Most of this is about how you treat your body in the days beforehand, not just the morning of.
Why it matters
Your skin’s condition affects the tattoo itself
Sleep, hydration and what you put into your body in the days before your session change how your skin takes ink and how comfortably you sit through it. None of this is complicated — it just has to happen before you walk through the door.
— Hydrated, unburnt skin takes a needle far more predictably
— A little prep means fewer surprises for you and your artist
Before you book
Are you a candidate?
Most people can be tattooed safely — a handful of things just change the timing or the plan. Tell your artist openly; if you’re unsure, ask about a short consultation first.
None of these are automatic no’s. Most just mean a short conversation first — sometimes a patch test if you’re prone to reactions, or a plan to book once you’re healed or postpartum. Minimum age is 18, no exceptions, ID required at every visit.
The timeline
How to prepare, step by step
Good preparation starts days before you sit down. Here’s what to focus on from a week out, the night before, and on the day itself — so your skin, body and mind are ready.
Take care of your skin
- Sleep properly — your normal full night's rest, especially the two nights before.
- Stay out of the sun on the area being tattooed. Sunburnt or peeling skin can't be worked on safely, and we may need to reschedule.
- Moisturize daily so skin is supple, not dry or flaking.
- Skip new skincare products, fake tan or waxing on that area in the days before.
- On blood thinners for a non-essential reason (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil)? Ask your doctor about pausing — never stop prescribed medication without advice.
Rest, don't celebrate
- No alcohol for at least 24 hours. It's the single biggest thing to get right — alcohol thins your blood, increases swelling, and can visibly affect how the ink sets. The same goes for recreational drugs.
- Get a full night's sleep. Tired, stressed bodies feel pain more and sit still less comfortably.
- If the area needs shaving, let your artist do it at the studio — doing it yourself the day before often causes nicks or razor bumps that get in the way.
- Keep drinking water through the evening — hydrated skin tattoos more easily.
Eat first, arrive calm
- Have a real meal 1–2 hours before you arrive. Adrenaline on an empty stomach is the most common reason people feel faint in the chair.
- Water is fine, coffee in moderation — too much caffeine makes you jittery and more sensitive to pain.
- If you need something for nerves or discomfort, paracetamol is the safe choice — aspirin and ibuprofen thin your blood right when it needs to clot.
- Skip the lotion, oil and makeup on the area that morning — clean, bare skin is easiest to work on.
- Dress in something old, dark and loose — stencil transfer and ink can mark fabric, and you'll want easy access to the area.
- Plans changed? A quick call or message as early as possible helps us keep the day on track for everyone.
Pack accordingly
What to bring with you
Sessions can run long, especially for larger pieces — a little preparation makes the chair much more comfortable.
Valid photo ID
You must be 18 or over — bring ID that proves it, every visit.
Payment for the balance
Your deposit (about ⅓ of the price) secures the slot — bring the rest. Cash, debit card, Vipps or PayPal.
Comfortable clothing
Loose-fitting, giving clear access to the area being tattooed without you needing to undress fully.
Headphones + something to do
Music, a podcast, a book. It helps the time pass and keeps you relaxed and still.
Water and a snack
Especially for sessions over an hour or two — steady blood sugar keeps you steadier in the chair.
A charged phone
For playlists, photos afterward, and so we can reach you if plans change.
Better left at home
What to expect
In the chair
It’s completely normal to feel nervous before your first tattoo — most people do. Pain varies by placement, by person, and by how the day is going for you.
Lower sensitivity
- Outer armLow
- Outer thighLow
- CalfLow–mid
Moderate sensitivity
- ForearmMid
- ShoulderMid
- ChestMid–high
Higher sensitivity
- SpineHigh
- RibsHigh
- Hands & feetHigh
— Larger or more detailed custom pieces are often split across more than one sitting, discussed with you beforehand.
— Tipping isn’t required, but 15–20% is the general industry norm if you’re happy with the result.
Quick reference
If you only remember one thing, make it this
Do
Don’t
First-timer questions
A few things people ask before their first session
Does it hurt as much as people say?
Pain varies a lot by placement and by person. Your artist will talk you through what to expect for your specific spot, and you can ask for a break at any point.
I'm on medication — can I still get tattooed?
Usually, yes. Tell your artist what you’re taking when you arrive. The main exception is prescription blood thinners, where we’d want to know your doctor is comfortable with it beforehand — never stop a prescribed medication on your own to prepare for a tattoo.
Can I get tattooed while pregnant or breastfeeding?
We postpone tattoo appointments during pregnancy and breastfeeding as a precaution. You’re welcome to book your consultation or design work in advance for afterward.
I have a history of allergic reactions — what then?
Mention it when you book. For known pigment or latex sensitivities we can talk through a patch test in advance, so there are no surprises on the day.
Do you offer touch-ups?
Ask your artist about their touch-up policy once your piece is finished — timelines and conditions vary by artist and by the size of the work.
Can I bring someone with me?
Ask us when you book if you’d like to bring a friend — let Lucy know in advance so we can plan around it.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Call or message us as early as possible at +47 413 10 723. Your deposit secures your slot and artist’s time, so the more notice you give, the easier it is for us to accommodate you.
Will one session be enough?
Smaller pieces are usually finished in one sitting. Larger or more detailed custom work may need more than one — this will be discussed with you and your artist beforehand.