How to prepare for a tattoo session: 12 tips from our artists

A good tattoo session starts long before the needle touches the skin. How you sleep, eat and treat your skin in the days before affects how comfortable you feel in the chair, how well the ink goes in and how smoothly the tattoo heals.

Whether it is your first tattoo or your tenth, here is a simple checklist our artists recommend.

A few days before

1. Agree on the design in advance

Bring references, but leave room for the artist. At LUX INK every design is created individually, so we discuss your idea, the placement and the size before the session (how it works). The clearer the idea, the better the result, and the less time you spend changing things on the day. If you are unsure about the look, our guide to tattoo styles helps put the idea into words.

2. Take care of the skin

Moisturise the area for a few days beforehand. Hydrated skin takes ink more evenly. Avoid scrubs, peels and anything that irritates the skin.

3. No sunburn, no tan in progress

Sunburned or peeling skin cannot be tattooed. If you are in Batumi in the summer, keep the future tattoo area out of the sun for a few days before the session; our guide to getting a tattoo on holiday in Batumi covers the beach season in detail.

4. Tell your artist about your health

Let the artist know about allergies, skin conditions, diabetes, blood-clotting disorders, medication or pregnancy. This is confidential and helps the artist work safely. If you take prescribed medication, talk to your doctor and never stop it on your own.

The day before

5. Skip the alcohol

Alcohol thins the blood and dehydrates the body. That can mean more bleeding during the session and a harder time for the ink to settle. Give yourself at least 24 alcohol-free hours.

6. Sleep well

A rested body handles discomfort far better. A long session after a sleepless night feels twice as long.

7. Don't come in sick

If you have a cold, a fever or feel unwell, reschedule. Your immune system needs its strength for healing, and the artist will appreciate the honesty.

On the day

8. Eat a proper meal

Have a full meal one or two hours before the session. Stable blood sugar helps prevent dizziness and makes the session easier to sit through.

9. Drink water, not energy drinks

Stay hydrated, but go easy on coffee and energy drinks: too much caffeine can make you jittery and more sensitive.

10. Dress for the placement

Wear comfortable, loose clothing that gives easy access to the tattoo area and that you don't mind getting a little ink on. For a forearm, short sleeves; for a thigh, loose shorts or a skirt.

11. Bring the essentials

• water and a snack for longer sessions;
• headphones and a charged phone;
• a hair tie if the tattoo is near the neck or back.

12. Plan your time

Do not squeeze a session between other appointments. Larger pieces can take several hours, and you want the artist to work without rushing and yourself to leave without stress.

During the session

• Breathe slowly and evenly. Holding your breath increases tension.
• Ask for a break whenever you need one: that is completely normal.
• Stay still and tell the artist before you move.
• Speak up if you feel dizzy or unwell.

Wondering how much it will hurt? Read our guide: does getting a tattoo hurt?

After the session

Your artist will cover the tattoo and explain aftercare. Follow those instructions closely: the first two weeks decide how your tattoo will look for years. Our aftercare guide covers every stage of healing.

Printable checklist

• Design, size and placement agreed.
• Skin moisturised, no sunburn.
• Artist informed about health and allergies.
• No alcohol for 24 hours.
• Good sleep, full meal, enough water.
• Comfortable clothes with access to the area.
• Water, snack, headphones.
• Free time, no rush after the session.

Ready to start? Our tattoo artists in Batumi are happy to discuss your idea on WhatsApp and find a date. Book your session at Petre Melikishvili Street 13.