Plan around healing. Vacations and travel are possible, but only if you can give your tattoo the attention it needs during the healing window. Avoid scheduling sessions right before activities like swimming, beach or lake trips, hot tubs, or heavy sun exposure, where contamination and damage are likely. Make sure your trip schedule allows for proper cleaning, protection, and rest.

Set yourself up for success. If you’re newer to tattoos, take the time to read through these guidelines carefully before submitting your request. Understanding the commitment up front will help you feel confident about the process and ensure the timing supports your best possible outcome.

Hydrate daily. Drink 1–2 liters of water each day. Hydrated skin holds pigment better and heals more smoothly.

Moisturize the area. Apply lotion once or twice daily to keep skin supple.

Shave & exfoliate. Shave and gently exfoliate 1–2 times per week leading up to your appointment (if the area is hairy, this makes a huge difference). If razor burn occurs, stop shaving a week before your appointment. Exfoliate gently with a loofah or mild scrub.

Avoid skin damage. No tanning, fake tanning, sunburns, chemical peels, major cuts, or abrasions on the area within one month of your session. Skin that is still healing does not support pigment retention in new tattoos — the area must be fully healed before we can begin.

Ease off workouts. No heavy lifting or strenuous exercise involving the tattoo area at least 2 days before your session — it reduces swelling and soreness.

Rest well. Get a full night’s sleep. Hung-over or exhausted sessions are miserable for both of us.

Do not party. Alcohol and late nights dehydrate you and increase sensitivity.

Eat before your session. This is non-negotiable. Tattoos put your body through an intense process, and hunger makes pain management harder.

Bring food & drinks. Pack snacks, drinks, and lunch. Breaks are short, so plan to eat on site. Microwave and fridge are available. Small one-handed snacks are perfect for distraction.

Clothing. Dress comfortably, with access to the tattoo area. Be prepared for both cool and warm temps. Bring socks or flip-flops if removing shoes. Gloves are useful for arm sessions.

Personal comfort. Bring your own pillow if you’d like. You’re also welcome to bring headphones, earbuds, or a laptop/tablet. I have a TV with Netflix, Prime, and Pandora available.

Guests. Please do not bring your entire crew. One guest is okay, but they must wait in the lobby unless invited back. No small children or babies.

Scheduling. Do not plan anything immediately after your tattoo in case the session runs long.

Fragrances. Please skip perfume, cologne, deodorant, or heavily scented hair products on the day of your session. I’m allergic to most fragrances, and they make it really difficult for me to talk or stay fully present — which affects my energy during your tattoo and the space we share together. And yes, I’d rather smell a little natural BO (ew, gross, I know) than spend the day fighting a migraine. Thanks for helping keep our session comfortable for both of us.

Cross-contamination. Do not touch your tattoo while it’s fresh. Do not let others touch it either.

Work area. Do not touch tattoo equipment or surfaces.

Movement. Talking is fine, but avoid gesturing with your hands, nodding your head, or moving other body parts while being tattooed. Even small movements can affect precision.

Injuries. If you sustain a major injury (broken bone, significant cut, etc.) before your session, notify me immediately.