Preparing for Your Tattoo, Inkdulgence Tattoo Adelaide Guide
Getting ready for a tattoo at Inkdulgence Tattoo? A little preparation makes a big difference.
Whether you are booked for a small tattoo, a walk-in, a fine line piece, a cover-up or a full day session, coming prepared helps your artist work properly and helps you get through the appointment more comfortably.
Here’s what to do before your tattoo appointment.
Get a good sleep
Getting ready for a tattoo at Inkdulgence Tattoo? A little preparation makes a big difference.
Whether you are booked for a small tattoo, a walk-in, a fine line piece, a cover-up or a full day session, coming prepared helps your artist work properly and helps you get through the appointment more comfortably.
Here’s what to do before your tattoo appointment.
Try to get a proper sleep the night before your tattoo.
Being tired can make the appointment feel harder than it needs to. Your body handles discomfort better when you are rested, especially if you are booked for a longer session.
If you are coming in for a sleeve, back piece, realism tattoo, cover-up or a large custom design, treat it like a serious appointment. A good sleep helps.
Eat before your appointment
Please eat a proper meal before coming in.
Getting tattooed on an empty stomach is a bad idea. It can make you feel light-headed, shaky or faint, especially during longer sessions.
You do not need anything fancy. Just have a decent meal with some protein and carbs so your body has energy.
If you are booked for a longer session, bring snacks with you. Good options include a sandwich, fruit, muesli bar, lollies, electrolytes or anything easy to eat during a break.
Stay hydrated
Drink water before your appointment and bring a water bottle with you.
Hydrated skin is usually nicer to tattoo, and being hydrated helps you feel better during the session. Try not to turn up dehydrated, hungover or running on energy drinks.
Avoid alcohol before your tattoo
Do not drink alcohol before your tattoo appointment.
Alcohol can increase bleeding, make the appointment harder for you and affect how well the tattoo process goes. Avoid alcohol the day before and the day of your tattoo.
If you turn up affected by alcohol or drugs, we may not be able to tattoo you.
Be careful with blood-thinning medication
Some medications and supplements can affect bleeding.
Do not stop prescribed medication unless your doctor tells you to. If you are on blood thinners, have a medical condition, or are unsure whether something may affect your tattoo appointment, please check with your doctor first and let the studio know before your booking.
If you have any medical concerns, it is better to tell us early rather than on the day.
Wear the right clothing
Wear comfortable clothing that gives your artist easy access to the area being tattooed.
Dark clothing is usually best because ink can stain. Avoid tight clothing that will rub on the fresh tattoo afterwards.
Some examples:
For arm tattoos, wear a singlet or loose short sleeve shirt.
For leg tattoos, wear shorts or loose pants.
For ribs, stomach or back tattoos, wear something easy to move or adjust.
For sternum, chest or hip pieces, wear clothing that gives access while still keeping you comfortable.
If you are unsure what to wear, message us before your appointment.
Prepare your skin
Look after the area being tattooed in the days leading up to your appointment.
Keep the skin moisturised, but do not apply heavy oils, fake tan or thick lotion right before your appointment.
Avoid sunburn, peeling skin, scratches, cuts, rashes or irritation on the area. If the skin is damaged, sunburnt or irritated, we may need to reschedule.
Do not get a fresh spray tan or fake tan over the area before your tattoo. It can affect the stencil, the skin and the tattoo process.
Should I shave before my tattoo?
You usually do not need to shave the area yourself.
Your artist can shave the area properly at the appointment if needed. If you do shave beforehand, be careful not to cut or irritate the skin.
Do not wax the area right before your appointment. Waxing can irritate the skin and make it unsuitable for tattooing.
Can I use numbing cream?
Please speak to us before using numbing cream.
Some numbing creams can change the texture of the skin, affect how the tattoo goes in, or make the area harder to work with. Some artists are okay with certain products, while others may prefer you not to use them.
Do not apply numbing cream without checking with the studio first.
You can read more in our guide to tattoo numbing cream.
Bring photo ID
You must bring valid photo ID.
You need to be 18 or over to get tattooed. If you cannot provide ID when asked, we may not be able to tattoo you.
Bring references if needed
If your tattoo is custom, bring or send through your reference images before the appointment.
Reference images help your artist understand the style, subject, placement and overall direction you want. They do not need to be perfect, but they do help us get on the same page.
For larger work, cover-ups, sleeves and detailed custom pieces, references and consultation notes are especially important.
You can read more about custom tattoos in Adelaide.
Be on time
Please arrive on time for your appointment.
If you are late, it can cut into your tattoo time and affect the rest of the day. If something unexpected happens, contact us as soon as possible.
For larger appointments, being late can affect how much of the tattoo can be completed in that session.
Bring entertainment for longer sessions
For longer tattoo sessions, feel free to bring headphones, a phone charger, music, podcasts or something to watch.
You are welcome to relax, zone out or chat depending on the artist and the appointment. Long sessions are easier when you are comfortable and prepared.
Do not bring a crowd
Please avoid bringing extra people unless it has been cleared with the studio.
Tattoo studios need space, focus and hygiene. One support person may be okay in some situations, but it depends on the appointment and space available.
Children should not be brought to tattoo appointments.
What if I am sick before my tattoo?
If you are unwell, please contact us before coming in.
Getting tattooed while sick is not ideal for you, your healing or the studio. If you have a fever, contagious illness, heavy cold, infection, vomiting or anything that may affect your appointment, message us as early as possible.
Tattoo preparation checklist
Before your tattoo appointment:
Get a good sleep
Eat a proper meal
Drink water
Avoid alcohol
Bring photo ID
Wear suitable clothing
Avoid fake tan and sunburn
Do not apply numbing cream unless approved
Bring snacks for long sessions
Send references if needed
Arrive on time
Clients travelling to Inkdulgence for the right artist
We’re based in Marden, but we regularly see clients travel from across Adelaide and South Australia, including areas like McLaren Vale, Brighton and Mount Barker.
If you are travelling for your appointment, plan your drive, parking and food before the day so you are not rushed. This is especially important for larger custom tattoos, cover-ups, sleeves and full-day sessions.
After your tattoo
Preparation helps the appointment go smoothly, but aftercare is just as important.
After your session, your artist will explain how to look after your tattoo. You can also read our full tattoo aftercare guidebefore your appointment so you know what to expect.
Other services at Inkdulgence
Inkdulgence Tattoo is also home to Signature Scalp, offering scalp micropigmentation in Adelaide for clients wanting the look of a fuller shaved hairline or extra density through thinning areas.
Ready for your tattoo?
If you have questions before your appointment, send us a DM or enquiry.
Walk-ins welcome at our Adelaide studio
Free tattoo consults available 📝
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9am–5pm ⏰
After hours tattoos available by request 🌙
Final Takeaways
Getting tattooed at Inkdulgence Tattoo Adelaide? Keep it simple:
Sleep well the night before
Stay hydrated with plenty of water
Eat a solid, nutritious meal beforehand
Avoid alcohol, blood thinners, and energy drinks for at least 24 hours
Wear comfortable, practical dark clothing
Bring entertainment to pass the time
Following these steps ensures your skin is ready, your healing process is smooth, and your session is as enjoyable as possible. Our talented tattoo artists at Inkdulgence Tattoo Adelaide are here to turn your vision into a permanent piece of artwork, whether it’s a small design, a thigh piece, or a large detailed tattoo.
