Some of my personal recommendations of what to do and what not before your tattoo session:
Try not to consume any alcohol or caffeine for 3-7 days before session. That will reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.
If you’re taking any daily medication - please check if it makes your blood thinner, and if it does - consult with your doctor and try to not consume it for a few days before session. Blood thinning meds can also cause bleeding during tattoo sessions.
Make sure to hydrate yourself with a healthy amount of water for at least 2-3 days before session.
1-2 days before our session start to moisturize your skin with a “Palmers Cocoa Butter” 2-3 times a day. Apply a little bit extra a few hrs before our session.
To reduce a risk of excessive swelling you can start to drink pineapple juice 1-2 days before session. You can also start taking non prescribed Bromelain tablets a day or two before we meet (they will reduce swelling). You can also take them 1 -2 days after our session as well.
You can use a numbing cream of your choice. Make sure to shave and clean your skin with alcohol or anti-bacterial soap before applying numbing cream. Apply thick layer on area that is going to be tattooed without rubbing cream in to your skin. Wrap it with a cling film 2-3 hrs before session. Make sure cling film is not tight.
If area is sun burned, wounded or healing from some sort of injury - I won’t be able to tattoo there.
Have a good amount of sugar and a big meal on a day just before our session.
Always make sure to let me know in advance if you have any allergies.
Good amount of sleep is very important. Make sure to give your body enough time to rest before your tattoo.