PREPARING FOR UR TATTOO

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE UR TATTOO APPOINTMENT

Work by East London Tattoo Artist Well Good Mate

So, u finally booked ur tattoo — nice one. Now what?

Whether it’s ur first time or ur fiftieth, a bit of prep goes a long way.

As someone who’s seen it all (including people turning up hungover with no snacks), I’m here to make sure ur session goes as smoothly as possible.

Here’s everything u need to know before the needle hits the skin — what to eat, what to wear, what to bring, and how to mentally prep for the day.


The Day Before

Think of this as your pre-tattoo ritual: rest up, stay hydrated, and go easy on the drinks.

Alcohol and caffeine thins your blood, which makes tattooing harder and healing slower. Basically, treat urself like a houseplant: water, food, and no booze.

Sleep helps too — a tired body = a grumpy body = a tougher session.


What to Eat Before Your Tattoo

On the day, have a proper meal before you come in.

Carbs and protein are your friends — toast, eggs, rice, pasta, whatever keeps u full and steady.

Please don’t rock up with just a latte in ur system. Low blood sugar = dizziness, nausea, and a higher chance you’ll need a break mid-session.

Skip the energy drinks too. They spike your heart rate and can make u feel jittery. Coffee’s fine if that’s your norm, but go easy.

What to Wear

Comfort > fashion, always.

Pick clothes that give easy access to where ur getting tattooed — baggy sleeves for arms, loose shorts for legs, button-downs for ribs or chest.

Go for dark colours (ink splatters happen) and bring layers if it’s cold — you’ll be sitting still for a while.

Basically: think lazy Sunday, not red carpet.



What to Bring

Here’s ur tattoo day checklist:

  • Snacks. Nothing noisy or messy — protein bars, fruit, crisps, etc.

  • Although if you’re there for a day/longer session go ahead and bring lunch or access to deliveroo!

  • Water. Hydration = happy skin. We have plenty of teas too!

  • Headphones. Music or a podcast if you wanna zone out.

  • ID. It’s the boring legal bit sorry!

  • Comfy clothes/layers - you’re welcome to change into something more suitable, like shorts for leg tatts, when you arrive.

  • If it’s a long day, bring something to keep u entertained — I’m good company, but I’m not Netflix.

What to bring to your tattoo appointment checklist

Mental Prep

Everyone gets nervous — even people covered in ink. I still get tattoo anxiety if it’s a placement I’ve been nervous about.

That adrenaline rush is normal. The trick is to relax into it. Eat well, breathe, talk if u need to, or scroll memes if that’s your coping mechanism.

I promise it’s never as bad as u think.

If you’re unsure about anything — pain levels, design, placement — just ask. That’s what I’m here for.



Quick Checklist

✅ Eat something

✅ Hydrate

✅ Dress comfy

✅ Bring snacks + headphones

✅ Get a good night’s sleep

✅ Turn up on time



Final Thoughts

That’s it — easy, right?

Do all this and you’ll have a way smoother tattoo session (and I’ll like u even more).

Got ur prep sorted? Then you’re ready for the next step — healing it properly.

Or if ur just keen to get started, book ur next tattoo with ur Well Good Mate.

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