Things you should know
How to prepare for a tattoo: Do's and Don'ts
Getting a new tattoo is both an exciting and personal experience. To make sure the experience is as good as possible and that the result stays high quality, it's important to be well prepared. Here are our best tips from the artists at Masterpiece Tattoo in Sagene, Oslo.
What you should do before your tattoo
Eat a good meal and drink plenty of water
Eat a nutritious meal before your appointment — ideally with proteins and vitamins. Make sure to drink plenty of water. A hydrated body gives better skin quality and makes the ink easier to work with. Many people underestimate this, but it's one of the most important things you can do to prepare.
Make sure you're well rested
A good night's sleep makes you more resilient to pain and helps your body during the healing process. Come to your appointment rested and relaxed — it makes a noticeable difference both during and after the tattoo.
Dress comfortably and practically
Choose clothing that gives easy access to the area being tattooed. If you're getting your leg tattooed, shorts are a good choice. Avoid tight clothing that might rub against the fresh tattoo afterwards.
Choose the right artist for the style you want
Research portfolios and choose an artist who masters exactly the style you're looking for — whether that's colour realism, micro realism, fine line, dot work, black & grey or portraiture. At Masterpiece Tattoo Family you'll find specialists in all of these styles. Meet our artists here →
What you should avoid before your tattoo
Alcohol the day before
Avoid alcohol the day before your appointment. Alcohol thins the blood, which can cause more bleeding during the tattoo and affect the quality of the result. It won't help with a hangover either.
Blood-thinning medication and substances
Do not use medication that affects blood coagulation without consulting your doctor first. If you're unsure, get in touch with us before your appointment.
Sun exposure and sunburn
Don't come in with sunburned skin. Sunburned skin is damaged skin, it makes the tattoo more painful and can ruin the result. Avoid sun exposure on the relevant area in the days leading up to your appointment.
Too much caffeine and spicy food
Large amounts of caffeine and spicy food can increase discomfort and raise your blood pressure during the tattoo session. Stick to your normal diet the day before.
Stress and rushing
Try to arrive calm and unhurried. Stress can intensify the pain and affect the healing process negatively. Give yourself plenty of time — don't rush straight from work or other commitments.
Ready for your next tattoo?
At Masterpiece Tattoo Family in Sagene, Oslo, we take the time to understand exactly what you want — and make sure the experience is safe, comfortable and memorable from start to finish. We offer free consultations and welcome walk-ins.
