How to Prepare for a Tattoo and Tattoo Aftercare: The Complete Before and After Checklist from Straight Lines Tattoo London
4 min read
A great realism tattoo starts long before the needle touches your skin, and it finishes long after you leave the studio. Knowing how to prepare for a tattoo and how to look after it in the first 10 days makes a real difference to the healed result. Here is the complete before and after checklist we give every client at Straight Lines Tattoo, the best tattoo studio in London for realism. For every detail, read our full how to prepare for your tattoo guide and our tattoo aftercare guide.
How to Prepare for a Tattoo: One Month Before
Moisturise Daily: Moisturise the area 1 to 2 times a day. Tattoos turn out worse on dry skin.
Protect from the Sun: No sunburnt skin. Use factor 50 sun cream on the area if you are on holiday.
Tattoo Preparation: The Week and Night Before
Eat Protein Rich Foods: Beef, chicken and seafood help your skin repair and raise your energy.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water. Hydrated skin takes ink far better than dry skin.
Watch Your Diet: Too much dairy and salt can cause bloating and change how your skin looks.
Sleep Well: Your body goes through real stress, so get a good night’s sleep.
No Alcohol: Alcohol increases bleeding for up to 24 hours, and blood dilutes the ink.
On the Day of Your Tattoo Session
Eat a Good Breakfast: Have a nutritious breakfast and keep drinking water.
Wear the Right Clothes: Shorts for a leg tattoo, a tank top for an arm tattoo, and something dark.
Do Not Shave or Scrub: Your artist will prepare the area on the day.
Bring Lunch and Snacks: Pain feels stronger when you are hungry. Pick something sugary, not energy drinks.
Cash Only: Only cash is accepted on the day of your session.
Clear Your Evening: Sessions can finish late, and your artist must never be rushed.
Tattoo Rules: What Not to Do
No Numbing Cream: Numbing creams are not allowed. They affect the quality of the tattoo and can cause reactions. Read why we don’t allow tattoo numbing cream.
No Energy Drinks or Coffee: A faster heartbeat means more bleeding, which makes tattooing harder.
Read the Aftercare First: Know what comes after before your session starts.
Tattoo Aftercare: The First 10 Days
Dressing On for 2 to 5 Hours: Keep the dressing on for at least two hours and no more than five.
First Wash: Wash with antibacterial soap, using your hands only, no washcloths.
Pat Dry: Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Do not rub.
Bepanthen: Apply a thin layer and rub it in gently until fully absorbed.
Days 1 to 3: Wash your tattoo 3 to 4 times a day. This is the highest infection risk period.
Days 1 to 10: Apply Bepanthen 3 times a day and never let the tattoo dry out, or a scab can pull the ink out.
Do Not Scratch or Pick: Scratching or peeling the skin can cause colour loss.
What to Avoid While Your Tattoo Heals
Swimming and Baths: Avoid swimming, jacuzzis and long soaks.
Sun and Tanning: Keep it out of the sun, then always use strong sunscreen once healed.
Steam Rooms and Saunas: Avoid them for the whole healing period.
Straight Lines Tattoo is an award winning realism tattoo studio in Loughton, London, with over 40 realism tattoo artists under one roof. We are also the best tattoo studio in Essex for black and grey realism, colour realism and portrait tattoos. Browse every portfolio on our Tattoo Artists page, or book your tattoo today.
