How to Prep for Your Tattoo Appointment (Fuelling your body the right way)
- Feb 19
- 3 min read
This one’s short, practical, and based on what I see all the time in the studio. If you’ve ever felt shaky, dizzy, or even fainted during a tattoo, it can sometimes mean you haven't fuelled you body enough! I'm gonna say it - the only people who've ever fainted on me have been people who've not had breakfast or refuelled themselves during the appointment. Be kind to your body, getting tattooed is a bit of a shock to it, even if mentally you're fine! Learn my top tips to prep for your tattoo - food edition!
Prep Before Your Appointment
This is about setting your body up so it doesn’t hate you later.
In the days leading up:
Try to get some decent sleep
Drink more water than you think you need
Moisturise the area you’re getting tattooed
Eat proper meals (not just snacks and caffeine)
AVOID:
Alcohol for a few nights prior, and especially not the night before.
High levels of caffeine (looking at you energy drinks!)
Fish Oil/Omega-3, Vitamin E, Turmeric or Garlic Supplements, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng and high dose Vitamin C - all of these can cause issues with bleeding and/or clotting
Pre-workout / energy supplements - can contain caffeine and vasodilators which can increase bleeding or make you feel jittery or faint
“Fat burner” supplements - can raise heart rate and blood pressure
Aspirin / Ibuprofen - increases bleeding.
These are fine
Multivitamins, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 / B-Complex, Magnesium, Zinc and Iron (if prescribed/needed)
On the morning of your appointment:
Focus on filling your body with good nourishing food and drink that will slow release energy across the day - avoid anything that'll make you feel jittery!
Eat a proper breakfast - even if you’re nervous or “never eat breakfast”
Go for something filling that’ll last, think things like porridge, eggs on toast, yoghurt + granola, bananas, a sandwich etc.
Drink water, Juice or Squash or an Electrolyte drink.
As I said at the beginning of this - turning up hungry is one of the main reasons people feel faint.
During Your Appointment
Bring snacks. Bring a range of snacks! Even short sessions can take it out of you.
Drinks to bring - it's good to have a couple of options
Water
Juice
Sports/electrolyte drink
Something sugary - Full fat coke for example.
Quick sugar - to boost your energy fast when you're starting to flag:
Sweets
Chocolate
Cereal bars
Biscuits
etc
Longer-lasting snacks - slow release energy is always good!:
Bananas
Protein bars
Trail mix / nuts
A sandwich if you’re in for a longer session
Sugar helps fast. Proper food keeps you going. Bring both and you’re covered.
If you start to feel lightheaded, say something. We’d much rather pause than have you trying to push through or end up feeling unwell! Plus - it gives us time to eat as well. We also need to fuel ourselves for the long days.
After Your Appointment
You’ve just put your body through something stressful - be nice to it. It's time for a treat!
Feeling tired or a bit drained afterwards is normal. Food + water helps you bounce back way quicker.
Eat a proper meal - I always say treat yourself to something naughty
Drink water
Have something sugary if you’re feeling a bit flat
Don’t go straight into doing loads of stuff - go home and chill if you can.
Resting is important
Hopefully this guide has been somewhat useful for you whether you're a first timer who's learning the basics or a seasoned tattoo receiver looking to refresh their knowledge.
