How to Prepare for Your Next Tattoo: Complete Guide Before, During and After.

Jan 88 min read

Many of you wonder how you can prepare for your next tattoo, what you should do before, what you should keep in mind during the appointment and how to cure it afterwards. Here I will try to give you some keys based on my personal and professional experience, a complete guide in which we will reflect on why it is so important that they take these points into account.

The Importance of Physical and Mental Health before Getting a Tattoo

Choosing to get a tattoo is not only an aesthetic decision; it also implies a commitment to the health of our skin and the general well-being of our body. Various factors related to sport, nutrition, hydration, stress management and mental health can directly influence how our body responds to the tattooing process and subsequent healing. Understanding this relationship can make the difference between a positive experience and possible complications. Then How to Prepare for Your Next Tattoo?

Physical health: the basis for a successful tattoo

Sport and physical activity
Sport and tattoos.
Staying active improves blood circulation, which facilitates the transport of essential nutrients and oxygen to skin cells. A study published in Frontiers in Physiology shows that regular exercise not only strengthens the cardiovascular system, but also contributes to better tissue regeneration after superficial injuries, such as those that occur during a tattoo.

However, it is important to avoid intense training just before the tattoo session, since the effort can generate small micro breaks in the capillary vessels and / or leave the skin more sensitive.

Food and hydration
Food, hydration and tattoos.
The skin, as the largest organ of the body, depends directly on a balanced diet to stay healthy. The intake of foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, protects against free radical damage, while proteins are key to the synthesis of collagen, a fundamental protein in healing. In addition, adequate hydration improves skin elasticity.

On the contrary, diets high in refined sugars and trans fats can increase inflammation, negatively affecting the healing process.
Mental health: key to managing pain and scarring
Stress and its impact on the body
Stress and its impact on the tattoo.
Chronic stress has direct effects on the immune system, reducing its ability to fight infections and regenerate tissues. According to an article in Psychosomatic Medicine, high levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, can delay healing by inhibiting the initial inflammatory response necessary to repair wounds. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness or deep breathing, before the tattoo session, can not only reduce perceived pain, but also prepare the body for a better immune response.
Pain and mental health
Everything is in your mind
The perception of pain varies according to the emotional state of the person. A study by Pain Research and Management suggests that high levels of anxiety can increase sensitivity to pain. Therefore, arriving at the session in a relaxed and positive state can significantly improve the experience.
Lifestyle and skin health
External factors
Sun exposure, alcohol and tobacco consumption in tattoos
Excessive sun exposure, tobacco consumption and lack of sleep can also affect skin health and the body's ability to heal. Some studies indicate that UV radiation degrades the skin's collagen, increasing the risk of irregular scars after procedures such as tattooing.
Personal care routines
Adopting a skin care routine before the session, such as gently exfoliating and moisturizing daily, can prepare the surface of the skin to receive the ink in a less aggressive way. So that you can understand it in another way: a painting, a painting, needs a previous work on the support for a greater adhesion of the paint and durability of the intensity of the colors; that work later is not exposed to the interperie, it is exposed to an optimal light and humidity for the preservation of it. In this case the skin is a living support that will inevitably age, losing hydration and elasticity, only the durability of the tattoo depends on us, through a healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
The decision to get a tattoo goes beyond choosing a design; it also implies taking care of our physical and mental health. A well-fed, hydrated and stress-free body will not only facilitate the tattoo experience, but also ensure that it remains flawless for longer.

Before your tattoo session
Before the tattoo: Prepare your skin and your mind
Healthy diet, hydration and meditation.
Proper preparation before tattooing not only improves the experience, but also impacts the healing process. Here are some science-backed tips:
- Feed your skin from the inside: Nutrition directly influences skin health. According to some studies, a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E, and proteins favors the elasticity and regeneration of the tissues. Consume fruits, vegetables and lean proteins or adapt them to your diet if you are vegan or vegetarian in the previous days.
- Hydrate yourself properly: Hydration is key to flexible and resistant skin. Drink between 1.5 and 2 liters of water a day to optimize elasticity.
- Avoid substances that can complicate the process: Alcohol and caffeine can thin the blood, increasing bleeding during the tattoo, which could make it difficult to inject ink, perform details and even prolong healing.
- Take care of your mental state: Stress not only increases the perception of pain, but also affects the immune response. According to Psychosomatic Medicine, high stress can delay healing. Techniques such as meditation or deep breathing are useful to reduce anxiety.
- Research and select a good study: Check that the place complies with strict hygiene rules, that it uses quality inks and that the tattoo artists are certified, you will know from your first appointment with them. Remember that a clean and professional environment significantly reduces the risk of, for example, infections.
During the tattoo
During the tattoo: Keep calm and communicate your needs
Meditate during the tattoo, accept it and overcome it.
Getting a tattoo can be an intense experience, but there are ways to cope with the pain and ensure that the result is the best possible:
- Relax to reduce the perception of pain: Relaxation has a direct impact on the nervous system. According to The Journal of Clinical Medicine, techniques such as controlled breathing decrease the intensity of perceived pain.
- Contact your tattoo artist: Reports on allergies, sensitivities or medical conditions. This helps the tattoo artist adjust his focus and avoids problems during the process.
- Avoid sudden movements: Stay relaxed and avoid tensing or moving so as not to hinder the tattoo artist's work. If you feel extreme discomfort, do not hesitate to ask for a break.
Pain management through relaxation
Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, guided meditation or even listening to relaxing music during the session can decrease the activity of the areas of the brain responsible for processing the pain. An article in The Journal of Clinical Medicine highlights that meditation can reduce the intensity of perceived pain by up to 40% by altering the neurological response to painful stimuli.

Combining these techniques with a positive attitude greatly improves the experience during the tattoo.
After the tattoo
After the tattoo: Care and prevention of complications

A tattoo deserves to be taken care of like a treasure, because it reflects not only your style, but also your commitment to your well-being.
Aftercare is essential to prevent infections and ensure good healing. These are the most important steps:
- Proper cleaning: Si el tatuador no te indica lo contrario, retira el plástico o apósito entre dos y tres horas después. Lava el tatuaje suavemente con agua tibia y jabón ph neutro o el jabón antibacteriano recomendado por el tatuador. Sécalo suavemente absorbiendo con una toallita absorbente o deja que seque al aire. Si el tatuador no te indica lo contrario, no vuelvas a cubrirlo con plástico o apósitos. Deberías de repetir este proceso cada tres horas, o al menos, tres veces al día.
- Avoid external risks:
  - Do not expose the tattoo to direct sunlight during the healing process and avoid extreme temperatures. Once scarred, apply sunscreen creams or lotions if you are going to be exposed to the sun for a while. Ultraviolet radiation can damage pigments and cause irritation.
  - Avoid pools, jacuzzis and beaches until the tattoo is completely scarred.
  - Wear loose clothes, made of natural materials and that do not reveal lint, if your tattoo can prevent any friction, much better.
  - Use a recommended regenerating and moisturizing cream, avoid applying products not recommended directly by your tattoo artist.
- Monitor your skin: Although some initial discomforts are normal such as redness, inflammation or general malaise, symptoms such as excessive redness, discharge or fever may indicate a bacterial infection. Before any warning sign, first consult with your tattoo artist, in most cases it is a misinterpretation of the healing process.
- Take care of your long-term tattoo: Use broad spectrum sunscreen to preserve colors and apply moisturizer regularly to keep the skin in optimal condition.
Complications to consider: what you should know.
Common complications
The most frequent discomforts after getting a tattoo include redness, mild inflammation and sensitivity in the area. These reactions are usually normal and disappear within a few days if proper care is followed. These responses are part of the healing process and should not generate alarm.
More serious complications
While tattoos are generally safe when done under proper conditions, problems may arise such as:
- Bacterial infections: These occur when the tattoo comes into contact with bacteria, either due to lack of hygiene or inadequate care. They can manifest as severe inflammation, intense pain, purulent secretion or fever. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus can cause infections if the furniture and material is not perfectly clean and sterilized or if proper hygiene care is not followed.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may develop hypersensitivity to certain pigments, especially red and yellow dyes. This can cause rashes, itching and chronic inflammation. According to the FDA, these reactions can appear even years after getting the tattoo.
- Fungal problems or contact irritations: Especially in hot and humid climates, fungi can proliferate in open wounds. These infections usually cause rashes, itching and flaking. Keeping the tattoo dry and clean helps prevent these complications.
- Reactions by contact with materials: Nickel in needles or preservatives in inks can also trigger contact dermatitis. Below you have some links to articles that explain how these substances act as allergens in sensitive skin.
Conclusion:
Health, safety and lifestyle
Tattooing is not only an aesthetic decision; it is also a commitment to health. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, from a good diet to stress management, plays an essential role in the experience of getting a tattoo and in the final result. Choosing a professional study that complies with strict hygiene rules is essential to minimize these risks. The use of disposable needles, approved inks and proper sterilization of the equipment are key aspects to prevent complications. Preparing your body and mind and following the appropriate recommendations before, during and after the tattoo, will make the difference in the quality of the result and in your overall experience.

A tattoo deserves to be taken care of like a treasure, because it reflects not only your style, but also your commitment to your well-being.
References and links to recommended articles
File
- Frontiers in Physiology (2018). "Exercise and Tissue Regeneration: Mechanisms and Applications."
- Journal of Clinical Medicine (2020). "The Role of Nutrition in Skin Health."
  - https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/1/60
  - https://www.mdpi.com/journal/jcm
- Chapter 6 psychoneuroimmunological aspects of wound healing and the role of pain. January 2011. In book: Psychological impact of pain in patients with wounds (pp.87-114)
  - Chapter: Psychoneuroimmunological aspects of wound healing and the role of pain. Publisher: Wounds UK. Editors: Upton D. Authors: Christopher England (Pennsylvania State University) Jennifer E. Graham-Engeland (Pennsylvania) State University
  - https://bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/sites.psu.edu/dist/9/54275/files/2016/06/psychoneuroimmunological-aspects-of-wound-healing-and-the-role-of-pain-2011.pdf
- Pain Research and Management (2019). "Psychological Factors and Pain Perception."
- The Journal of Pain (2021). "Meditation and Pain Management: A Neuroscientific Perspective."
- Clinical Infectious Diseases (2017). "Tattoo-Related Infections: Pathogens and Prevention."
- Dermatitis (2018). "Allergic Reactions to Tattoo Materials."
- New York Times (2022). "How Relaxation Techniques Can Help You Handle Pain."
- Otros enlacen de interés

Complete guide Before, During and After.

Check my availability and my prices, ask me a question or contact me. Remember that you can also follow me on my social networks of @_lgntattoo_ and @lagondrinanegratattoo. If you are not a client, I remind you that La Golondrina Negra Tattoo is a private studio and that I only attend by appointment. I'm in La Calle Juan Padrón 41, in La Orotava in the North of Tenerife, sometimes I'm also in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Ireland; Denmark; Germany, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland and France.