Here is everything you need to know to prepare perfectly for your tattoo appointment:
The deposit is paid, the design is chosen, the appointment is set:
1–4 Weeks Before the Appointment – Preparing Your Skin
Moisturize Daily 🧴🧴🧴
Ideally, use a moisturizing cream on the area to be tattooed every day for 1–4 weeks before your appointment. Just choose whichever cream or lotion feels best for you—fragrance-free is ideal.
Make sure your skin has no irritation, redness, abrasions, or pimples.
Why?
Dry skin makes tattooing more difficult and takes longer. That means: more pain for you, and it could become more expensive if the session is time-based.
Before tattooing, the area needs to be shaved. Very dry skin can get damaged during shaving (and it makes a terrible sound).
If the skin is irritated or injured, it can’t properly absorb the ink. In that case, we either need to reschedule or do a touch-up later.
So: moisturize well! 🙂
Drink Water 💧💧💧
Weeks before the appointment—and after. Water is good for you, good for your skin, and helps during tattooing. In general, 2–3 liters per day is always a good guideline.
When your skin is plump and hydrated, it absorbs ink much better.
Result: faster tattoo, less pain, better healing 🙂
No Sunburn ☀️
No sunbathing or tanning beds at least 1 week before your appointment. Otherwise, we’ll need to reschedule.
Stay Healthy
If you’re sick, the appointment must be postponed.
New Ideas
You’re unsure about the design and want to make changes? No problem—just contact me and I’ll incorporate your ideas.
Or you suddenly want a completely different design? Okay, we’ll figure it out.
Before showing the design to all your friends and family: not everyone will ever be satisfied. It’s better to check in with yourself about what you like and keep the circle of opinions small. Don’t let Uncle Herbert tell you that the lower left corner looks weird—if you love the design, then it’s perfect for you. Don’t let anyone ruin it for you!
1–2 Days Before the Appointment
Shaving
If you have a lot of thick hair, you can trim it with a beard trimmer (huge help), and I’ll do the fine shaving on the tattoo day.
Important: no cuts. I cannot tattoo over cuts.
If your skin is injured, has severe pimples, rashes, etc., the appointment must be postponed. Let me know as soon as possible 🙂
Drink Water 💧💧💧
Before and after the appointment. Hydrated skin absorbs ink much better.
Result: faster tattoo, less pain, better healing 🙂
Moisturize 🧴🧴🧴
If moisturizing didn’t work out in the weeks before, then at least do it in the days before!
But not on the day of the appointment 🙂
Now is not the time to test new skincare products. Avoid intense sun exposure.
Tattoo Aftercare Products
A tattoo needs proper aftercare! You’ll receive a printed aftercare guide from me.
It’s good to decide in advance which aftercare product you want to use. This is a very individual choice. Many people do great with regular tattoo creams from the drugstore. There are also eco-friendly options—and if you’re unsure, you can get advice at a tattoo supply shop.
I’ve had very good experiences with Premier Products at Alexanderplatz—the advice there is competent and friendly, and there’s something for every budget.
If needed, I can also give you a sample of the tattoo cream I use during the session. Just remind me in case I forget to offer it!
No Party Excess / Drugs
Alcohol or other drugs don’t just cause hangovers—they also weaken your immune system and increase the risk of infection. The tattoo may take longer, be more painful, and bleed more, which negatively affects healing and the final result.
Health
Feeling like you’re getting sick? It’s always better to postpone—even on short notice. The earlier, the better!
If you get tattooed while sick, the risk of infection and poor wound healing increases. And then the tattoo might look like crap afterward 🙁
Only come if you are truly healthy—that also means no painkillers, medication, antibiotics, etc., as some can thin your blood.
New Idea 💡🧠
You suddenly realize you want a completely different design? Please let me know at least 36 hours in advance so we can reschedule and find a new design for you.
Small changes and adjustments are usually no problem and can often be added on short notice.
On the Day of the Appointment
Health
Please only come if you are truly healthy. If you’re sick (or symptom-free because of medication), the appointment must be postponed. Let me know in time.
Snacks 🍇🥪🍬
Feel free to bring snacks and drinks to support your mood and stamina. I also have a few small things on-site and can always run to the late-night shop around the corner if needed.
Eat & Sleep Well Beforehand 🥐🍳☕
An empty stomach and tiredness increase pain sensitivity. A good breakfast helps you get through it. I can also offer tea or coffee on-site.
Hygiene 🚿
Shower normally, but do not apply lotion on the tattoo day. No lotions, oils, or deodorant on the area to be tattooed.
Clothing
Loose, airy clothing is ideal. Ask yourself:
Where will I be tattooed? That area must be accessible.
What clothing makes that easy?
Clothes shouldn’t be too tight, shouldn’t rub, and should be easy to put on and take off.
Dark clothing is welcome—I do my best to ensure no ink gets on your clothes/socks/shoes and always try to cover them, but accidents can happen. Leave the white Sunday suit at home 🙂
If the tattoo is on your leg, you may need to take off your shoes to lie comfortably. If you have stinky feet, feel free to bring dark spare socks.
Sweater, Emotional Support Plushie
Bring a (dark) oversized hoodie—lying down for a long time can make you feel cold. A hoodie can also quickly cover certain body parts if a blanket is inconvenient in a specific position.
I have pillows and blankets on-site and want to make you as comfortable as possible. You’re also welcome to bring your own favorite blanket or pillow. An emotional support plushie is always a welcome guest!
Headphones, Charger 🎧
Not in the mood to talk? Feel free to listen to music or watch a movie while being tattooed. Just make sure your phone is charged 🙂
Time & Planning
Don’t schedule stressful appointments or work after your tattoo session! A tattoo day can always take longer—for example, if we need to find the perfect placement or adjust the size.
It’s best to keep your schedule open afterward and decide spontaneously how you feel.
Friends at the Appointment 👨👩👧
Please talk to me beforehand if you’d like to bring someone. In general, I find it more relaxed to work one-on-one, but sometimes a bit of extra support is helpful—especially for a first tattoo. Let’s briefly discuss it!
Payment
Please bring enough cash. I also have merch available on-site.
If you’re especially happy, tips are always appreciated—but of course it’s completely fine if not 🙂
