Tattoo Shop Etiquette
“What Should I Do When I Get a New Tattoo?” The Ultimate Guide to Tattoo Etiquette
If you are gearing up for your next (or first!) ink session, you might be typing a very common question into your search bar: "What should I do when I get a new tattoo?"
Getting tattooed can be a deeply personal and transformative experience. Unlike the hustle and bustle of traditional street shops, a private tattoo studio offers a safe, inclusive, and calm environment to bring your vision to life.
While I hope you’re reading this article to prepare for a tattoo session with me, Nix, this article will address tattoo etiquette on a broader scale, and can apply to any artist you end up booking with. Knowing proper tattoo etiquette helps ensure that both you and your artist have an amazing session.
To help you prepare, here is the ultimate guide on how to get ready, what to do on the day of your appointment, and how to protect your new body art.
How to Prepare for a New Tattoo
The best tattoos are a collaboration between client and artist. The preparation starts long before you sit in the chair.
Have a Clear Vision (But Trust Your Artist): Before booking, know the what, why, and where of your idea. Bring reference photos that inspire you, but remain open to your artist’s professional advice on sizing, placement, and flow. A great artist will take your core concept and design a custom piece that fits your body perfectly.
Hydrate in Advance: Start drinking plenty of water 24 to 48 hours before your appointment. Well-hydrated skin takes ink much better and helps the healing process.
Research and Book Wisely: Take the time to review portfolios. Ensure your artist’s style aligns with your aesthetic and that their studio environment makes you feel comfortable and respected.
The Day of Your Appointment
Here is what you need to do to set yourself up for a smooth, comfortable session.
Fuel Your Body (please eat!!)
Never get a tattoo on an empty stomach. The process can cause an adrenaline spike and drop your blood sugar, which leads to lightheadedness. Eat a hearty, nourishing meal before you arrive, and bring a sugary drink or some snacks to keep your energy up during longer sessions.
Prioritize Hygiene
Tattooing requires your artist to be in your personal space for hours, and it also requires a highly sterile environment. Please take a shower, apply deodorant, and wear clean clothes.
Dress for Comfort and Access
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area getting tattooed. If you are getting a thigh piece, bring loose shorts. If you are getting a back piece, consider a button-down shirt worn backward. Make sure it's clothing you wouldn't mind getting a stray drop of ink on.
Skip the Alcohol and Aspirin
Do not drink alcohol or use recreational drugs the night before or the day of your appointment. Alcohol thins your blood, which causes excessive bleeding, dilutes the ink, and makes the artist's job much harder.
During Your Tattoo Session
Creating a beautiful piece of art takes focus, patience, and a calm atmosphere.
Choose Your Guests Wisely: While it's exciting to get a new tattoo, limit your guests. Bringing one or two supportive friends is usually fine, but avoid rolling in with a large group. A quiet, calm environment allows your artist to focus entirely on you and the artwork. Mutually, your tattoo session is an opportunity for you to relax and confidently choose a design that is right for you. Some friends may calm you and reaffirm your decisions, some friends may cause you to doubt yourself, or cause unnecessary distress.
Be Mindful of Your Phone: It is totally fine to listen to a podcast, read a book, or scroll quietly to distract yourself from the pain. However, avoid making loud phone calls or squirming around to take videos. Not to be a party-pooper, but anything that results in you moving excessively (including laughing) can interfere with your artist’s precision.
Communicate: Getting a tattoo hurts. There is simply no way around it. If you need to stretch, use the restroom, or just take a breather, please communicate with your artist! They want you to be as comfortable as possible.
Payment and Aftercare
Hopefully the cost of your tattoo does not come as a huge surprise because you’ve already communicated your budget to your artist, and your artist has already offered their quote to you. Regardless of the price initially discussed, there is always a possibility of it fluctuating slightly as the design is adjusted the day of the session. Here are a few pointers in regard to ending off your session on the perfect note!
Understand That Art is an Investment
I believe tattoos are an amazing form of self expression. My tattoos almost feel like they are apart of my identity. While tattoos are very transformative and can feel very affirming, tattooing is a luxury service, and the pricing reflects the artist's time, expertise, overhead, and the highest standard of sterilization supplies. Don’t haggle over the price of a tattoo. It’s worth it!
Tipping Your Artist
Like many service-based industries, tipping is considered to be customary. Personally, I value Google reviews and referrals just as much, so do not feel guilty if you cannot afford to tip. A free alternative is telling your friends if you had a good time with me! Posting your new tattoo and tagging me is also very appreciated! An industry-standard tip ranges from 15% to 25% of the total cost of the tattoo. If your artist created a beautiful, safe, and welcoming experience for you, tipping is one of the best ways to show your gratitude.
Follow Your Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
Your artist did their part; now it is time for you to do yours! Your artist will provide you with specific tattoo aftercare instructions before you leave. Follow them, please! Keep the tattoo clean, use the recommended moisturizers, and keep it out of the sun and unchlorinated water. Proper aftercare ensures your investment heals beautifully and lasts a lifetime. If you book with me, I’ll be there to bother you for healed pics!
