Your pre-appointment routine can affect how your appointment goes and how your tattoo heals. Here is what I recommend you keep in mind to ensure your appointment goes smoothly.

BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

1. MAKE SURE TO GET PLENTY OF SLEEP THE NIGHT BEFORE. Getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep will significantly help you relax during a long appointment.
2. EAT A FULL MEAL BEFORE COMING IN. Not eating before your appointment can cause faintness/dizziness, increased sensitivity to pain, and generally affect your ability to sit well during a long session. I highly recommend you eat a large meal before coming in and bring snacks to eat throughout your appointment. Full-day sessions will have a quick meal break, so bring food with you or be prepared to order in.
3. DO NOT BRING A GROUP OF FRIENDS TO YOUR APPOINTMENT. I limit 1-2 guests max. Keep in mind long sessions are very boring for people to wait around for. Make sure they’re aware and won’t be a nuisance if they can’t manage boredom well and plan on staying for the whole time. DO NOT BRING YOUR CHILD/CHILDREN TO YOUR APPOINTMENT.
4. BRING A DISTRACTION. Whether it’s headphones for music, a book, or a movie on a phone/tablet, distractions help you pass the time and manage the pain during a long session.
5. DO NOT DO A HARD WORKOUT BEFORE COMING IN. Being very sore from the gym can make a tattoo way more painful than it needs to be. Additionally, working out the day of your appointment could cause swelling to the area I’m tattooing, making it harder for me to work on the tattoo. Just be smart and don’t target muscle groups I will be tattooing on.
6. TRY TO CUT BACK ON CAFFEINE AND ALCOHOL. Caffeine and alcohol are blood thinners. Drinking caffeine or alcohol within 24 hours of your appointment can cause your tattoo to bleed more during the session, which could result in more ink fallout. Drinking alcohol the night before can also affect how you sit for your appointment. 
7. DRINK LOTS OF WATER AND STAY HYDRATED. Hydration and skin health are directly linked. Being dehydrated can cause your tattoo to heal slower. Bring a drink with you to your appointment and hydrate throughout the day.