How to Prepare for Your Tattoo Session at Plush Tattoo: Mind, Body & Spirit
Getting a tattoo is a powerful, transformative experience that’s as much about the process as it is about the final artwork. At Plush Tattoo, we believe in approaching each tattoo with mindfulness, intention, and care. This guide will help you prepare physically, mentally, and spiritually so you can have the best tattoo experience possible, whether it’s with us or another shop!
Before You Book
Timing Your Appointment Around Your Cycle (for those with uteruses)
If you have a menstrual cycle, consider scheduling your appointment during a time when your pain threshold might be naturally higher, typically around the middle of your cycle. The days leading up to your period can increase sensitivity, so try to avoid those if possible for a more comfortable experience.
Health & Medication Check
Consult Your Doctor: If you’re on medications or have underlying health conditions, check with your healthcare provider before booking. Some medications can interfere with tattooing or healing, so it’s important to ensure there are no contraindications.
Medications to Avoid: In the days leading up to your appointment, avoid blood-thinning supplements and medications (like aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oils, and certain multivitamins) if your doctor approves. These can make you more prone to bleeding during the tattooing process.
Accutane: If you have used Accutane, please be off of it for at least one year before your appointment. Accutane can impact the skin’s healing ability, which may interfere with your tattoo results.
Pre-Skincare Routine for Permanent Makeup Clients
Retinol Products: Discontinue the use of any skincare products containing retinol at least one month prior to your permanent makeup appointment. Avoid retinol throughout the healing process as well, as it can interfere with the skin's ability to heal properly.
Other Skincare Products: Avoid products with hydroxy acids, skin-lightening ingredients, or strong exfoliants for at least two weeks leading up to your appointment to ensure optimal skin health.
Pregnancy and Nursing: For safety reasons, permanent makeup and tattoos cannot be done if you’re pregnant or nursing. Please wait until you are no longer nursing to schedule your appointment.
Pre-Travel Timing: If you’re planning any trips or vacations, it’s best to avoid traveling immediately after a tattoo appointment. Your tattoo will require aftercare and may be sensitive to certain conditions like prolonged sun exposure, swimming, and even physical activity. Give yourself at least a week to allow for initial healing, and be mindful of any scheduled activities that might interfere with your aftercare routine. Plus, it will feel more like a vacation if you don’t have to babysit your new tattoo the whole time!
Skin Care and Sun Exposure: Avoid tanning beds, direct sun exposure, and sunburns for at least two weeks before your appointment, as tanned or sun-damaged skin can impact the final look and healing of your tattoo.
Personal Scheduling: Consider scheduling your tattoo appointment for a day when you’re free of other high-energy commitments. Tattooing can be physically and mentally demanding, so it’s helpful to reserve the rest of the day for relaxation and rest. The end time of tattoo appointments are also hard to predict, so you may not want to schedule anything time sensitive directly after your tattoo like restaurant reservations or catching a movie at the theater. The last thing you want to do is rush your artist to hurry up and finish!
Prepare payment: Before your appointment, double-check that you have the funds available to cover your tattoo. Whether you’re paying by card, cash, or venmo, ensure your artist accepts your form of payment and, if necessary, visit an ATM beforehand. This way, you can focus on the experience without any payment worries. If you’d like to show appreciation for your artist’s work, you might also consider preparing a tip as a way to say thanks.
Answer all your questions before leaving your deposit and booking your appointment. If you’re allergic to latex, ask your artist if they use latex gloves. Ask about parking, accessibility and anything at all you’re curious about. If you’re vegan, double check with your artist that their materials don’t contain animal products. (no need to worry about this one at Plush! Our entire process is vegan and cruelty-free!)
Physical Preparation: Fuel and Rest for Your Tattoo Appointment
Prioritize Quality Sleep: Getting a full night’s sleep before your tattoo session helps your body handle the physical stress of tattooing. A well-rested body also helps you heal faster and more efficiently!
Stay Hydrated: Hydration is essential for healthy, elastic skin, making it more receptive to ink and improving your tattoo’s longevity. Be sure to drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment.
Eat a Nutritious Meal: Arrive with a full stomach from a balanced meal. Tattooing can lower your blood sugar, so fueling up will help prevent dizziness or nausea. Plus, your body needs this energy to power through the session and jumpstart the healing process.
Mental and Sensory Preparation: Tips for a Comfortable Tattoo Experience
A tattoo session can be a sensory-heavy experience, so it’s worth preparing mentally, especially if you’re sensitive to stimulation or neurodivergent. Here’s how to stay calm and centered during your appointment:
Pack Sensory Comfort Items: If bright lights or sounds bother you, consider bringing sunglasses, headphones, or even a sleep mask. Listening to calming music, a favorite podcast, or white noise can help create a private mental space within the studio.
Bring Headphones and a Playlist: Having your own playlist can be a comforting distraction and helps the time pass more quickly. Choose something that relaxes you or keeps your mind engaged without overstimulation.
Practice Grounding Techniques: If you’re familiar with grounding exercises, such as deep breathing or body scanning, these can be helpful to use before and during your tattoo session. Fidget tools that don’t require much movement can also help ease any nervous energy.
Spiritual Preparation: Setting an Intention for Your Tattoo
Setting a personal intention adds a spiritual layer to your tattoo experience. Here’s how to create a purposeful, spiritually aligned tattoo session:
Define Your Intention: Reflect on why you’re getting this tattoo. Is it a symbol of growth, protection, healing, or memory? Taking a few moments to set an intention will set the tone for your tattoo journey. Think or speak out loud to your tattoo as if it’s a friend you’ll be meeting soon. Let them know that you are thankful for their help in remembering your soul dog, or letting go of something that was weighing you down. Let them know you’re excited to spend the rest of your lives together.
Pre-Tattoo Rituals: Before heading to the studio, try a brief personal ritual. Close your eyes, envision the energy you want the tattoo to carry, and take some slow, intentional breaths. Holding onto a crystal or charm you connect with can add to this grounding process.
Reiki-Infused Tattooing with Amber: If you book with Amber, you can receive a reiki-infused tattoo session. Reiki, a healing energy practice, helps create a calming, balanced environment, allowing you to feel centered and at ease. This addition can reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and align your tattoo with a specific intention or energy.
Free Pre-Tattoo Grounding Meditation: We offer complimentary grounding meditations to help you settle into the session. This free meditation can be booked as an add-on and sets the tone for a mindful tattoo experience.
Additional Tips for Your Tattoo Appointment
Here’s a quick checklist to make sure you’re fully prepared:
Bring a Government ID (All clients must be 18+)
Pack Personal Comfort Items: Sunglasses, headphones, or fidget tools are welcome
Water Bottle and Lip Balm to stay hydrated and comfortable
Snacks for those long sessions!
Extra Layer if you tend to get cold easily
With these preparations, you’re ready to approach your tattoo with calm, purpose, and an open mind. But if you still have questions, we got you! Reach out to us with any questions - big or small.
