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Guide · Preparation

Tattoo preparation: the checklist for your appointment

The best preparation is to arrive well-rested and well-fed, drink plenty of water and skip alcohol the day before. Bring your ID, wear comfortable clothing suited to the body area, and allow enough time — that way the appointment stays relaxed and your circulation stays stable.

What should you do the day before?

Get a good night's sleep and drink plenty of water throughout the day — being rested and well-hydrated makes the session much easier to handle. Skip alcohol the evening before, as it thins the blood and can make tattooing harder.

Don't take blood-thinning medication such as aspirin unless it's medically prescribed. If you take regular medication, discuss it with your doctor beforehand — we don't give medical advice and refer you to your doctor when in doubt.

Moisturise the skin at the planned spot with a normal lotion in the days beforehand. On the day of the appointment itself, leave the area free of cream and grease.

What should you bring to the appointment?

First things first: bring your ID — it serves as proof of age and is a requirement for the appointment. Everything else is there to keep you comfortable during the session.

This checklist helps you pack:

  • ID (proof of age, mandatory)
  • A snack and a drink for longer sessions
  • Comfortable clothing that easily exposes the area being tattooed
  • Clothing you don't mind getting dirty (ink can leave marks)
  • Your motif, reference images or sketches if not yet finalised
  • A list of questions for the artist
  • Headphones or something to distract you, if you like

How do you prepare your body and skin?

Eat a proper meal before the appointment and don't come on an empty stomach — stable blood sugar helps prevent circulation problems. For larger motifs it's especially important to be well-rested and well-fed, since the session lasts longer.

Arrive with clean skin at the planned area. You don't need to shave it yourself — the artist does it on the spot with fresh equipment so the skin isn't irritated.

Avoid applying cream or sunscreen on the day, and don't come with fresh sun exposure. Sunburn or irritated skin can push the appointment back.

How do you prepare mentally?

Have your motif and references clear in your mind before you come — the more concrete your idea, the better the artist can realise it. Note down any questions in advance so you don't forget anything during the consultation.

Allow enough time and arrive on time so you can prepare calmly. We arrange appointments in person at Wagramer Straße 115; you can clarify first questions beforehand via WhatsApp.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drink alcohol before a tattoo appointment?

Skip alcohol the day before and on the day itself. It thins the blood, which can make tattooing harder and affect healing.

Do I have to shave the area myself?

No. The artist shaves it on the spot with fresh equipment so the skin isn't unnecessarily irritated.

Should I eat before the appointment?

Yes, have a proper meal beforehand. Stable blood sugar helps prevent circulation problems during the session. Bring a snack for longer appointments too.

What do I need to bring to the appointment?

Definitely your ID as proof of age. It also helps to bring comfortable clothing, a snack, a drink and your motif with references.

I take medication — what should I keep in mind?

Don't start or stop blood-thinning medication like aspirin on your own. Discuss it with your doctor beforehand.

Still have questions? Drop by the studio.

We arrange appointments in person at Wagramer Straße 115, 1220 Vienna. Feel free to message us on WhatsApp beforehand.

Ask us on WhatsApp