How to prepare for getting a tattoo in the summer

Stay out of the Sun before your appointment

If you are sunburnt in the area you wish to get tattooed, you will not be able to get a tattoo! If you’re going to be going out in the sun before your tattoo, be sure to keep these areas covered from the sun.

Definitely avoid Tanning beds aswell- tanning over sun-damaged skin is painful, risky and can lead to poor healing or having your appointment rescheduled by your artist.

Hydrate Properly

Make sure you drink plenty of water before, during and after your tattoo appointment! Before is important as it can help your skin stay hydrated and in good condition, which will make the tattoo process easier for both you and the artist.

Well hydrated skin can take ink better and can also help reduce irritation. It can also help with if you’re feeling faint on the day of your tattoo.

Avoid Alcohol and Excessive Caffeine

You should definitely avoid drinking alcohol the day and night before your tattoo, and also after the tattoo too! It would also be very beneficial to you if you could also cut back on the amount of caffeine you consume of the day of your tattoo.

The reason for this is because both of this can thin your blood, which will make you bleed more during your appointment and also affect how the ink settles. You are also likely to feel the pain more if you’re hungover or dehydrated.

Dress appropriately for the weather and the Tattoo Placement

Be sure to dress appropriately depending on the weather; loose, comfortable clothing that allows you easy access to the area being tattooed would be best.

For example, if you’re getting your leg tattooed, it would be good to wear a pair of shorts- but make sure that they won’t rub on your leg afterwards.

It would also be good to bring an extra layer of clothing like a hoodie or a jacket, as there are some studios that will have air conditioning on in the summer, and you might even get cold sitting there for a long period of time.

Plan your Holiday around your Tattoo

Fresh Tattoos and most things you do on holidays do not mix! That means beaches and swimming pools are a no go! This is because chlorine, saltwater and sun exposure can ruin a healing tattoo.

For this reason, if you have a holiday booked, you should aim to get your tattoo after your trip, not just before it. Healing skin is more prone to infection, and you’ll have to avoid swimming, sunbathing, and sweating too much while it heals.

Aftercare is Even more important in the Summer

With higher temperatures, your tattoo is more likely to get sweaty or exposed to bacteria or if you are given second skin, it may be more likely to slip off in the heat.

Make sure to keep it clean, moisturised, and to follow your artist’s aftercare instructions closely. Avoid direct sunlight during the healing phase, and don’t apply suncream to a fresh tattoo, wait until it’s fully healed.

Be honest with your Artist

If you’ve had too much sun, or are planning a trip away close to the time of your tattoo- be honest with your artist so that they can advise you properly and get you rescheduled if that is necessary.

With that being said, know that getting tattooed in the Summer takes a little extra care than it does usually. Protect your skin, plan around your holidays, and give your new tattoo the attention it needs.

If you’d like to see some further information about this, then be sure to check out our video on Instagram (click on the image below):

Thanks for reading,

Fleetwood Tattoo Co :)