The Complete Preparation Guide | NKINK Tattoo Studio Bern
A well-prepared client heals better, enjoys the tattoo experience more, and achieves the best possible artistic result.
Getting a tattoo is much more than arriving for an appointment. It is a collaboration between artist and client that begins long before the first line is tattooed.
At NKINK Tattoo Studio Bern, every project is approached with professionalism, careful planning, and Swiss hygiene standards. Preparing properly before your appointment allows your skin to perform at its best, helps reduce discomfort during the session, and contributes to beautiful long-term healing.
Whether this is your very first tattoo or another addition to your collection, this guide explains everything you should know before arriving at our private tattoo studio in Bern.
Why Tattoo Preparation Matters
Many people focus only on choosing the design.
Professional tattoo artists know that preparation is equally important.
Healthy, hydrated skin accepts ink more consistently, heals more predictably, and often allows for a smoother tattooing experience.
Poor preparation can increase:
- skin sensitivity
- excessive bleeding
- longer healing times
- unnecessary discomfort
- interruptions during your appointment
Preparing well helps both you and your tattoo artist create the highest quality result.
1. Get Plenty of Sleep
A tattoo session is physically demanding.
Your body performs best when you are well rested.
Aim for:
- 7–9 hours of sleep
- avoid all-night parties
- avoid arriving exhausted after work
- allow yourself time to relax before your appointment
Being well rested helps improve concentration, pain tolerance, and healing.
2. Eat a Proper Meal
Never arrive on an empty stomach.
Tattooing can take several hours and requires stable blood sugar.
Before your appointment:
✔ Eat a balanced meal.
Good choices include:
- chicken
- rice
- vegetables
- pasta
- oatmeal
- eggs
- fruit
Avoid arriving hungry.
Low blood sugar may cause:
- dizziness
- nausea
- sweating
- feeling faint
3. Stay Hydrated
Hydrated skin tattoos better.
Drink plenty of water the day before and throughout the day of your appointment.
Avoid replacing water with energy drinks or excessive coffee.
Healthy skin responds much better during tattooing.
4. Avoid Alcohol
Please do not consume alcohol before your tattoo appointment.
Alcohol can:
- thin the blood
- increase bleeding
- affect stencil placement
- make tattooing more difficult
- negatively influence healing
For best results, avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
5. Avoid Recreational Drugs
Please do not arrive under the influence of drugs.
For safety reasons, NKINK Tattoo Studio reserves the right to refuse treatment if a client appears impaired.
Your safety always comes first.
6. Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure
Sunburned skin cannot be tattooed.
Please avoid:
- sunburn
- tanning beds
- excessive UV exposure
Healthy skin is essential for safe tattooing.
If your skin is damaged by the sun, your appointment may need to be postponed.
7. Moisturize Your Skin
Healthy skin creates better tattoos.
During the week before your appointment:
- use a gentle body lotion
- keep the area moisturized
- avoid harsh exfoliation
- do not use irritating skincare products
Well-conditioned skin allows for smoother tattooing.
8. Do Not Shave the Area
Please leave shaving to your tattoo artist.
Shaving yourself may cause:
- cuts
- razor burn
- irritated skin
- increased infection risk
We prepare the skin professionally before every tattoo.
9. Wear Comfortable Clothing
Choose clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area.
Examples include:
- shorts for leg tattoos
- tank tops for shoulder tattoos
- loose clothing for larger projects
Dark clothing is recommended, as tattoo ink may stain fabrics.
10. Bring Snacks for Long Sessions
Large tattoo sessions can last several hours.
Feel free to bring:
- water
- fruit
- protein bars
- sandwiches
- chocolate
- electrolyte drinks
Short breaks help maintain your energy throughout the appointment.
11. Bring Valid Identification
Swiss regulations require proof of identity.
Please bring a valid government-issued ID.
We tattoo adults aged 18 years and older.
12. Arrive on Time
Please arrive at your scheduled appointment time.
Arriving early does not necessarily allow the appointment to begin sooner, as preparation for each client follows a structured workflow.
Late arrivals may shorten your tattoo time or require rescheduling according to our studio Terms & Conditions.
13. Inform Us About Medical Conditions
Your safety is extremely important.
Please inform us before your appointment if you have:
- allergies
- diabetes
- skin conditions
- epilepsy
- heart conditions
- blood clotting disorders
- immune disorders
- recent surgeries
- pregnancy
- medications that may affect tattooing or healing
Open communication allows us to plan your project safely.
14. Final Design Approval
Every custom tattoo is reviewed together before tattooing begins.
On your appointment day we confirm:
- final design
- size
- placement
- body flow
- proportions
Only once you are completely satisfied will the tattoo process begin.
15. Follow the Studio Preparation Process
At NKINK Tattoo Studio Bern, every tattoo follows a professional consultation and preparation workflow.
Before your tattoo appointment we ensure:
- project consultation
- medical questionnaire
- informed consent
- project documentation
- pricing estimate
- preparation instructions
- aftercare guidance
This structured approach allows every client to begin their tattoo with complete confidence.
What Should You Bring?
For longer tattoo sessions we recommend bringing:
- valid ID
- water
- snacks
- comfortable clothing
- phone charger
- headphones if preferred
- any medications you may require
What Happens If You Feel Unwell?
If you develop:
- fever
- flu symptoms
- contagious illness
- severe skin irritation
- fresh sunburn
please contact us as early as possible.
Tattooing while your body is already fighting an illness is not recommended and may compromise both your health and the healing process.
Professional Standards at NKINK Tattoo Studio
As a private appointment-only tattoo studio in Bern, every project is completed according to professional procedures and Swiss hygiene standards.
Our workflow includes:
- private consultations
- custom tattoo design
- sterile single-use materials
- professional documentation
- informed consent
- Swiss hygiene compliance
- detailed tattoo aftercare guidance
- complimentary healing check-up after your appointment
Our goal is not simply to create beautiful tattoos, but to provide a calm, transparent, and professional experience from your first consultation to complete healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink coffee before a tattoo?
Yes, in moderation. Excessive caffeine may increase nervousness or sensitivity in some individuals.
Can I exercise before my appointment?
Light activity is fine, but avoid intense workouts immediately beforehand, as they may increase sweating and skin sensitivity.
Can I take painkillers before getting tattooed?
Do not take blood-thinning medications such as aspirin unless prescribed by your physician. If you regularly take medication, inform your tattoo artist during your consultation.
Can I use numbing cream?
Please discuss this with us before your appointment. Some numbing products may alter skin texture or affect the tattooing process, and we generally recommend avoiding them unless specifically agreed upon.
What if I need to reschedule?
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions regarding notice periods, deposits, and rescheduling policies.
Book Your Consultation at NKINK Tattoo Studio Bern
Every exceptional tattoo begins with thoughtful preparation.
Whether you are planning your first tattoo or a large-scale custom project, our structured consultation process ensures clarity, safety, and exceptional artistic quality.
We invite you to experience a luxury tattoo journey where creativity, professionalism, and Swiss hygiene standards come together to create artwork that lasts a lifetime.