Getting a tattoo is a big deal. Not just in terms of what you're putting on your body permanently, but in terms of how your body responds to the process. A little preparation goes a long way — both for your comfort on the day and for the quality of the outcome.
Here's what we recommend at Main Street before every appointment.
Before your appointment
Eat a proper meal: This is the one most people skip and the one that matters most. Getting tattooed on an empty stomach is a bad idea. Your blood sugar drops during a session and that can lead to light-headedness, nausea, or worse — fainting. Eat a solid meal in the two hours before your appointment and bring snacks for anything longer than a couple of hours. Bananas, nuts, and chocolate are all good options to have on hand.
Stay hydrated: Drink water consistently in the days leading up to your appointment, not just on the day. Well-hydrated skin takes ink better, heals faster, and is generally easier to work on. Avoid alcohol the night before — it thins your blood, which can affect how the ink sits and how much you bleed during the session.
Get a good sleep: A well-rested body handles pain better and recovers faster. It sounds simple because it is. Don't stay out late the night before a big session.
In the week leading up
Moisturise the area: Healthy, moisturised skin is easier to tattoo and holds detail better. Start moisturising the area daily in the week leading up to your appointment. Don't apply moisturiser on the day itself — just let the skin be clean and natural.
Avoid sunburn: Sunburned skin cannot be tattooed. If your appointment is on an area that's been exposed to sun, keep it covered and protected in the weeks beforehand. Showing up with sunburn on the placement area will likely result in a reschedule.
On the day
Wear the right clothing: Think about where you're getting tattooed and dress accordingly. If it's your ribs, wear something loose that can be easily moved. If it's your leg, wear shorts or pants that roll up. You want easy access to the area without having to undress entirely. Wear something you don't mind getting ink on — it happens occasionally.
Know your design and placement: Come to your appointment with a clear idea of what you want and where you want it. If you have reference images, bring them. If there's anything you're unsure about — sizing, placement, design details — bring it up before the session starts, not halfway through. Your artist will appreciate the clarity and you'll feel more settled going into it.
Communicate: If you need a break, say so. If you feel dizzy or unwell, tell your artist immediately. If something about the design isn't sitting right when you see it stencilled on, speak up. A good artist would rather pause and adjust than push through something that doesn't feel right to you.
The bottom line
Preparation isn't about being precious — it's about giving yourself and your artist the best possible conditions to produce work you'll be happy with for the rest of your life. That's worth a good night's sleep and a decent breakfast.
Booked in with Main Street? DM @mainstreettattooperth or reach out via the contact page if you have any questions before your session.
