Preperation For A Tattoo

For people looking to get their first tattoo, and even the client who has sat through hours of art work, it is a life changing experience and exciting, whether it is your first tattoo or an addition to a great body art collection.

In all your excitement you may find you forget some basic steps, or if this is your first ever tattoo, you may not know these recommendations before you get a tattoo. In the days or weeks leading up to your appointment.

2. Eat vegetables high in vitamin K

Think spinach, kale, or Brussels sprouts. These vegetables are high in vitamin K, which can potentially help decrease bleeding.  You can also drink these vegetables by juicing or purchasing pre-made green vegetable drinks.

Vitamin K is what some people call a super food, but do not let this term bother you, it is simply food we consume among other foods in our daily lives of living healthily. Even if you do not eat vegetables, other foods contain vitamin K.

3. Don't take things that can thin the blood

You'll want to stop consuming anything that can make you bleed more. If taking supplements, steer clear of anything containing ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, and vitamin E for two weeks, which will help in the quicker healing process of your tattoo.

All types of onions, bulbous vegetables, can cause a slight thinning of the blood, so avoid these 24 hours prior to having a tattoo. Alcohol is an absolute no-no before a tattoo and a tattoo artist will refuse to tattoo you if this happens.

4. Skip any hard physical exercise on the day

Exercise immediately before tattooing is probably a bad idea because your blood pressure may stay partially elevated which may increase bleeding, when you need to be relaxed and non-hyper active for a tattoo.

If your life-style or regime is physically active then please take a day out before a tattoo. Avoid any form of sun-bathing or tanning a week before. Prep your skin the night before, which will help hydrate the skin. Moisturizer will help.

5. Wear loose clothing

This is an absolute must if you are getting a large tattoo, as the skin and area will be exposed and very sensitive. A light summer dress if legs are to have a tattoo .Work out what would be easy to wear and cover over the area of the tattoo.

For males, also loose-fitting clothes are a must on the day, as this will be irritating and sore if you are wearing tight-fitting tops, or jeans if a leg tattoo. This part is something a lot of people seem to forget to do on the day.

6. Eat a nutritious meal

Eat a good healthy meal  about 2 hours prior to having a tattoo session. It will help you stay focused and maintain your blood sugar levels, as a break will sometimes extend the time you are with the tattooist.

You should also avoid any foods that are uncomfortable in your stomach after eating since you may be sitting for hours for the tattoo.  So, please have a good enjoyable meal and drink before-hand, what-ever you like.

Lastly, get plenty of rest and sleep the night before the big day. You are about to have a piece of art that will be unique to you for the rest of your days, so sit back and enjoy the experience and art of it all.