5 Things to Do Before Your First Tattoo

Your first tattoo is a big day. Most of what makes it go well happens before you sit down: what you ate, how you slept, and whether you planned for the healing afterward.

Here are five things we tell every first-timer, from the chair. Before any of this, pick a licensed shop. Tattooing is regulated by states and localities, and unsterile equipment can cause serious infections1. See 5 Questions to Ask Before You Book a Tattoo.

1. Eat a real meal

Why it matters: sitting for a tattoo on an empty stomach is a good way to feel lightheaded halfway through. In our experience, a real meal an hour or two before helps keep your blood sugar steady through the session.

Do this: eat beforehand, and bring a snack and a drink for anything over a couple of hours. Your artist will be happy to take a break.

2. Skip the drinks

Why it matters: in our experience, drinking the night before means more bleeding and a rougher session, and most shops won't tattoo anyone who's been drinking.

Do this: show up sober and rested. Save the celebration for after.

3. Sleep and hydrate

Why it matters: in our experience, a good night's sleep and plenty of water make the session easier on you, and your skin is easier to work on.

Do this: get a full night's sleep and drink water the day before and the day of.

4. Dress for the placement

Why it matters: your artist needs easy access to the spot, and ink can stain fabric.

Do this: wear loose, comfortable clothes that leave the spot open, and nothing you'd mind getting ink on. Think about what you'll wear over it on the way home, too. For tough spots, see The 5 Hardest Places to Heal a Tattoo, Ranked.

5. Plan the next two weeks

Why it matters: the tattoo takes a few hours. Healing takes weeks. A fresh tattoo shouldn't be soaked in a pool or hot tub, sit in direct sun or get rubbed hard while it heals2.

Do this: check your calendar before you book. Move beach trips, pool days and heavy workouts on that spot to after the peel. For the full timeline, see 5 Things to Schedule Around a New Tattoo.

Show up fed, rested and sober

Ask your artist about aftercare before you leave, and get it in writing. Then use it: 5 Things That Look Wrong While Your Tattoo Heals (But Aren't) walks you through what healing looks like.

If you have a medical condition, a skin condition or a known allergy, or you take medication such as blood thinners, talk to your doctor before you book. Tattoo inks can cause allergic reactions in some people1.