Wether you are getting a sleeve or a full bodysuit, large-scale tattoos can take several months to complete and many times involve sessions that are several hours long. It's important to approach this with respect and understand that your body is doing a lot in the background to cope with the process.
Small annoyances like back discomfort or hunger can really influence your experience during a tattoo. Make sure you prepare to have all your needs met so you don't hit snags in your pain threshold.
Below are several tips and tricks I have developed to set a body up for success during a long tattoo session. Most people find that 1-3 of these ideas benefit them, but try as many as you like!
Before Your Long Tattoo Session
The healthier you are the better you will heal from a long tattoo session. Consider taking a multivitamin to ensure your body has what it needs for the process of healing.
Moisturize the area daily in the weeks leading up to the appointment, especially if you tend to have dry skin. I personally like Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula as it doesn't linger on the surface of my skin and make me feel oily.
Apply scar cream to any scars in the area - particularly if they are raised. This will increase the chances of ink taking to the scar tissue. Bio-oil is also a nice option for scars and stretch marks alike. I have also had some success with silicone patches used overnight or on days off. Ink tends to blow out much easier in stretch marks, so minimizing these features can help the skin take ink more smoothly. There is nothing wrong with these features on a person's skin, or how ink interacts with them so many don't take these extra steps, but know that it is an option.
Avoid sun exposure in the weeks leading up to the appointment. I personally do not tattoo skin that has been recently sunburnt. The pain is much worse and the heal is not as good. Invest in a good sunscreen but do your research. There are some studies that suggest that not every ingredient found in popular sunscreens are good to be absorbed in the body. So far my favorite safe sunscreen brands are Mad Rabbit Defend and Tizo for my face and DRMTLGY for either or.
Sitting for long periods is extremely hard for us. Some tattoos require clients to lie / sit in unnatural positions for long periods of time. If you know your muscles tend to be a little stiff, consider doing stretches before you session.
Remember to get all your macronutrients the morning of your session; eat a balanced, healthy meal. Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine and avoid heavy drinking the night before. Make sure you are hydrated.
Managing Inflammation
Large tattoos can create a lot of inflammation during a session. Extreme inflammation can impede the tattoo process and create more pain for you. If you are comfortable taking NSAIDs like Ibuprofen or Advil, it can be good to reduce inflammation during a tattoo session. I've seen positive results when taken about an hour beforehand with food. Keep in mind that these medications thin the blood, so if you are already on a blood thinner, or you feel you are "bleeder" avoid these.
Some natural anti-inflammatories include: turmeric, ginger, garlic, rosemary, green tea, black pepper, cardamom, ginseng. These can be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to NSAIDs.
I like to load up on sugar-free turmeric juice shots before a session. I'll usually take 1-2 beforehand and have 1 or 2 more throughout the day.
Alternatively, foods that cause inflammation are: red and processed meats, refined grains, sugars, artificial trans fats, gluten (if you are sensitive) and electrolyte beverage like gatorade. Consider avoiding these foods/drinks in the days leading up to your appointment to curtail inflammation.
Hunger & Thirst
I like to bring snacks to my sessions. Usually I'll have something sweet like chocolate and/or something crunchy and savory. I particularly like having popcorn because I can munch quite a bit of it before filling up. Maintaining your blood sugar levels is integral to your body's ability to relax, handle pain, heal, and not go into shock.
I like to grab a juice with lots of vitamins along with water. I also like to bring a thermos with a straw because it keeps my water cold and the straw makes it really easy to drink without disrupting the artist.
Comfort During a Long Session
When struggling during a long session the body can sometimes go into varying levels of shock. When the body is in this phase, temperature regulation goes out the window. Combine this with sitting for long periods of time and having a part of the body uncovered; it is not uncommon for clients to feel very cold and even start shivering.
I like to bring a heating pad to my sessions during the winter.
Alternatively, if you know you have stiffness or inflammation in particular joints/areas and it prevents you from getting comfortable, you can bring a cold compress to ice it. I've had clients get relief from shoulder discomfort from various positions this way. I personally have a freezer to stow this in, but you can ask your artist ahead of time if they have one if you are working with someone else.
Some clients feel that a fresh blanket from home can be a great source of comfort. It's just important to make sure you clean it properly from any pet hair or dust. If you have a special pillow you can bring that but again, make sure it is clean.
A travel pillow can help support your neck while sitting in odd positions (both sitting up and lying down). I have pillows in the shop but these pillows would give the best support for the neck.
Practical Things to Wear During a Large Tattoo
Loose-fitting clothing is a must during a tattoo. I usually go all out and wear my jammies along with some comfy socks and slippers. There's no need to dress to impress in this context. It's also best if you wear clothing you don't mind getting ink on.
If you're shy at all and are getting a tattoo on your torso you can wear pasties, though it is in no way mandatory. Ask your artist what the best practice is for their studio.
If you are getting a hip, butt or thigh piece, having a stretchy thong or super loose boxers can be good for accessibility for the artist.
If you are getting a leg / hip piece a maxi-dress or flowy skirt can be nice because you can move the skirt around and use any excess as additional blanket. It's best to wear one that you don't mind getting ink on though.
Compression socks can maintain good blood flow while in various positions.
In general I like to wear footsies or house socks so my feet don't get cold. It's also a nice way to keep the studio clean.
Distraction During a Tattoo
This one may seem obvious but bring devices to keep your mind busy. You're welcome to bring a laptop and try to get some work done or watch a movie. You can also just play around on your phone of course.
I really like listening to audio books and podcasts. You can set up a list of them to choose from beforehand. I sometimes listen to podcasts with my clients.
Please bring headphones as an option! I personally work in a shared building and I try to be respectful of my neighbors by keeping music volume low. If you like your volume loud, personal headphones are best. I am fine with a light tap if a client needs to get my attention (and I do the same if the client is wearing headphones).
If you like to read feel free to bring a book!
Conclusion
Different artists might have differing opinions concerning long sessions and large tattoos but this is what I've found works for me. If you are working with another artist be sure to check in with them about what you are interested in bringing to your session; not all artists can accomodate extra items in their area.
These are all suggestions. Don't take anything you know you have an allergy to. Test any topical products before use, especially if you have sensitive skin. These suggestions are based on my experience getting tattooed and when I tattoo others.
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