How to Prepare for Your Tattoo Appointment – The Complete NKINK Tattoo Studio Guide
Getting a new tattoo is always an exciting milestone. At NKINK Tattoo Studio Bern, we want every client’s experience to be smooth, comfortable, and result in the perfect piece of art. That’s why proper preparation is crucial.
As your dedicated tattoo professionals, we consistently see how a little planning makes a significant difference—not just in the session, but in the final look and the healing process.
Here is your complete guide with everything you need to know before your tattoo appointment with us at NKINK Tattoo Studio Bern.
📅 One Week Before Your Appointment: Setting the Canvas
Preparation starts well before the actual session. These initial steps create the optimal canvas for your new tattoo and ensure the smoothest possible healing journey.
- 💧 Moisturize Your Skin Daily: Begin applying a high-quality, unscented lotion to the area where your tattoo will be twice a day. This keeps the skin supple and deeply hydrated, providing the best possible surface for the needle and encouraging efficient healing.
- 🥤 Stay Well-Hydrated: Increase your daily water intake. When your body is well-hydrated, your skin is healthier and more receptive to the tattooing process.
- 🍎 Focus on Nutrition: Maintain a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Good nutrition strengthens your overall health and immune system—a vital component for the healing phase following your new tattoo.
24 Hours to Go: The Day Before & The Day Of
These are the most critical steps to take immediately before your appointment. Following this advice will ensure your comfort and prevent unnecessary complications during the session.
🧘 Rest & Fuel
- 😴 Get a Full Night’s Sleep: Ensure you are well-rested. Fatigue can intensify pain sensitivity and make it challenging to sit still for extended periods, especially during longer sessions.
- 🍽️ Eat a Substantial Meal: Never arrive for your tattoo appointment on an empty stomach. Eat a nutritious, solid meal one to two hours before your session to maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent dizziness or lightheadedness.
🚫 Substances to Avoid
- 🛑 Stay Sober (24 Hours): We require clients to avoid alcohol, excessive caffeine, and blood-thinning medications (like Aspirin or Ibuprofen, check with your doctor) for at least 24 hours prior. These substances can increase bleeding, potentially dilute the ink, and negatively affect the final result.
- ❌ Skip Painkillers/Numbing Creams: Please do not take over-the-counter painkillers or use numbing creams unless specifically instructed by your artist. These can compromise the skin’s texture and condition, complicating the tattooing process.
👚 What to Wear & Pack
- 👕 Dress for Access & Comfort: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows unobstructed access to the area being tattooed. We highly recommend wearing black or dark clothing in case of accidental ink splatter.
- 🧣 Bring Layers: Pack a warm sweater, hoodie, or small blanket. Your body temperature often drops when sitting still for a long duration.
- 🎒 Pack Essentials: Bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to keep your energy up—essential for sessions over two hours. Consider packing a power bank, headphones, or a book for distraction.
🎨 At NKINK Tattoo Studio Bern: Final Check-in
When you arrive at our studio, these final steps ensure a smooth, safe, and positive experience for both you and the artist.
- 🚿 Arrive Fresh and Clean: Please shower before your appointment. Do not arrive directly from intense physical activity (like the gym) or work. Clean skin is paramount for minimizing the risk of infection.
- 🆔 Bring Your ID: A valid government-issued photo ID is mandatory for legal documentation and age verification. Please do not forget it.
- 🏥 Be Transparent About Your Health: You must inform your artist about any allergies (especially to latex or metals) or pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, epilepsy, pregnancy, or breastfeeding). For serious conditions, a doctor’s clearance note is advised.
- 🗣️ Communicate Your Needs: We encourage open dialogue. If you need frequent breaks, have a low pain tolerance, or have any concerns, please discuss them openly with your artist. We are here to make you feel comfortable.
- ⏱️ Allow Ample Time: Please schedule your day without immediate commitments following your appointment, as the process may occasionally take longer than initially estimated.
NKINK Tattoo Studio Bern Logistics:
- 💳 Payment Options: We accept Cash, Bank Transfers, and TWINT. Due to high bank and transaction fees, we strongly prefer cash payments. If you choose a Bank Transfer, the full amount must be successfully credited to our account before the tattoo session can begin. Please note that installment payments are not possible.
- 🅿️ Parking: If you require a parking space, please message your artist one hour before your appointment so we can reserve a spot for you.
Proper preparation is a small investment that guarantees the best results. By following this guide, you ensure you are ready for a comfortable, positive, and memorable experience at NKINK Tattoo Studio Bern.
We can’t wait to create your next piece of beautiful, custom art with you!
The Team at NKINK Tattoo Studio Bern
Noemi Kovacs – Resident Tattoo Artist / Founder of NKINK