Tattoo Advice — Straight Lines Tattoo
How to
Prepare
Everything you need to know before your session.
Follow these steps to get the most out of your tattoo experience and to ensure that the quality of the work, which you will carry for the rest of your life, is not negatively affected by any avoidable factors.
One Month Before
Skin prep starts earlyMoisturise Daily
Put a reminder on your phone: one month before your session, begin moisturising the area to be tattooed 1–2 times every day. Tattoos turn out significantly worse on dry skin. Use Bepanthen, the same cream recommended for aftercare.
Protect from the Sun
No sunburnt skin. If you are going on holiday, be mindful and take adequate precautions, do not expose the tattoo area to direct sun. Use factor 50 sun protective cream on the area throughout.
One Week Before
Prepare your bodyEat Well & Sleep Well
Be more attentive to your body. We recommend eating healthy and getting good nights' sleep so you can do the best to avoid catching a cold, getting sick, or having any inflammatory problems before your session.
Eat Protein-Rich Foods
Proteins help your body develop and repair muscle and skin tissues, necessary for the formation and repair of all body parts, including the skin. Protein also raises energy levels, which benefits the trauma your body will go through. Eat beef, chicken, and seafood in the days leading up to your session.
Stay Hydrated
Your skin thins when you are dehydrated. Start drinking plenty of water from at least the day before your appointment, hydrated skin takes ink far better than dry skin, and it starts from the inside out. Bring a bottle or two to sip during your session.
Watch Your Diet
Consuming an excess of dairy and salt may cause bloating, ultimately changing the look and feel of your skin. Keep it clean in the week before your session.
The Night Before
Rest and recoveryGet a Good Night's Sleep
Make sure you are well rested before the session. Your body is going to go through significant physical stress, sleep is the simplest thing you can do to be in the best possible condition.
No Alcohol
It's best not to party the night before. Alcohol increases bleeding for up to 24 hours. Blood dilutes our pigments, affecting both the appearance of your tattoo and the healing process. Stay calm, you're in good hands.
Day of Your Session
What to do on the dayEat a Nutritious Breakfast
Have a good, nutritious breakfast in the morning. Avoid caffeinated drinks and keep up your water intake.
Wear the Right Clothing
Be considerate of your outfit. Getting a leg tattoo? Wear shorts. Arm tattoo? Wear a tank top. The clothing might get marked during the process, wear something dark-coloured so it doesn't ruin photos of the finished work.
Do Not Shave or Scrub the Area
Please do not use body scrub or shave the area right before the session. Your artist will handle any necessary preparation on the day.
Bring Lunch & Snacks
Take food with you, the pain feels noticeably stronger when you are hungry. During breaks, opt for something sugary (not energy drinks) to raise blood sugar levels and prevent dizziness or fainting.
Cash Only
Please note that only cash is accepted on the day of your session. Come prepared.
Clear Your Evening
Do not plan anything for after the session and plan your route home in advance, we may finish late and you will need alternative transport options. The artist must never be rushed. Hurrying affects the quality of the work.
Important Rules
Non-negotiableStrictly Prohibited
No Numbing Creams
Numbing creams are not permitted under any circumstances. They affect the quality of the tattoo, they do not last as long as claimed, and the pain is significantly worse once the effect wears off. They can also cause allergic reactions, leaving the skin red and swollen, meaning we would have to stop the session entirely.
Strictly Prohibited
No Energy Drinks or Coffee
During and before your session, avoid energy drinks, coffee, or anything else that raises your heart rate. A faster heartbeat means you will bleed more than normal. Excess bleeding mixes with the inks and makes tattooing significantly more difficult, directly affecting the quality of your tattoo.
Required
Read the Aftercare Instructions
Please read the aftercare instructions available on our website prior to attending your session. Being prepared for what comes after is just as important as preparing for the day itself.
Recommended
Re-read This Page Before Your Session
Please re-read this page shortly before your appointment. Taking our recommendations seriously shows respect for your artist and gives you the best possible outcome.
Best Snacks to Bring
Keeping your blood sugar stable during a long session makes a real difference to how you cope with the pain. Pack a selection of the following:
There's nothing
to stress over —
you're in good hands.
Straight Lines Tattoo is an appointment only studio. Our artists give you their complete, undivided attention for the entire session, from design to finish. Follow this guide and you're already most of the way there.
Book Your Appointment Read Aftercare Instructions →