Before Your Tattoo Appointment

Get ready for your appointment

A little preparation can make your tattoo appointment much more comfortable and help your skin be in the best possible condition for tattooing.

Eat before you arrive

Please have a proper meal before your appointment. Tattooing can be physically demanding, especially during longer sessions, and eating beforehand can help reduce the chance of feeling faint or unwell.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water before your appointment and bring a drink with you, particularly if you are booked in for a longer session.

Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs

Please do not attend your appointment under the influence of alcohol or recreational substances. If your artist feels that you are unable to give informed consent or that it would be unsafe to proceed, your appointment may need to be rescheduled.

Prepare your skin

Please arrive with clean skin and avoid applying fake tan, heavy moisturiser, oils or fragranced products to the area being tattooed.

Try to avoid sunburn, tanning and anything that may leave the skin irritated before your appointment.

What to wear

Wear comfortable clothing that gives your artist easy access to the area being tattooed.

We recommend choosing clothes that you do not mind potentially getting ink on.

What to bring

Please bring:

any ID required for your appointment
water
snacks for longer sessions
headphones, a book or something to keep you comfortable if you wish
the payment method agreed with your artist

Medication and health

If you have a medical condition, allergy, skin condition or take medication that may affect bleeding, healing or your suitability for tattooing, please contact the studio before your appointment.

If you are unsure whether something is relevant, it is always better to ask.

Have questions?

If you are unsure about anything before your appointment, please contact your artist or Studio Luna Nova before attending.

Tattoo Aftercare

Looking after your new tattoo

Your tattoo will continue to heal after you leave the studio. Following good aftercare helps protect the skin and gives your tattoo the best chance to heal comfortably.

Always follow any specific instructions given by your artist, especially if a second-skin dressing has been applied.

Keep the dressing on as advised

Your artist will tell you how long to keep the initial dressing or second skin in place.

Do not remove it earlier unless your artist has advised you to, or if it is leaking excessively, lifting significantly or causing irritation.

Wash gently

Once the dressing has been removed, wash your tattoo gently using clean hands, lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser.

Avoid flannels, sponges, exfoliating products or anything abrasive.

Dry carefully

Pat the area gently with clean paper towel or allow it to air dry.

Do not rub the tattoo.

Moisturise lightly

Apply a very thin layer of the aftercare product recommended by your artist.

Avoid over-moisturising. The tattoo should not feel smothered or constantly wet.

Let it heal naturally

During healing, your tattoo may feel tender, itchy, dry or slightly tight. Flaking and peeling can also be normal.

Do not scratch, pick or peel the skin.

Avoid while healing

Until your tattoo has healed, try to avoid:

swimming pools
hot tubs
soaking in baths
direct sunlight
sunbeds
scratching or picking
tight clothing rubbing the tattoo
fragranced skincare directly on the area
excessive friction or heavy sweating

When to contact us

Please contact Studio Luna Nova if you are unsure how your tattoo is healing or if something does not look right.

We would always rather you ask than worry.

When to seek medical advice

Seek appropriate medical advice if you experience symptoms such as:

rapidly worsening redness
significant heat or swelling
increasing pain
unusual or pus-like discharge
red streaking
fever
feeling generally unwell

Protect your tattoo long term

Once fully healed, protecting your tattoo from strong sun exposure and using suitable SPF can help keep the colour and detail looking its best.

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