Your tattoo appointment is booked, the design direction is agreed and the day is getting close.
Now comes the very practical question: what should you actually bring?
The good news is that you do not need to turn up with half the house. A few sensible essentials will make the appointment smoother, keep you comfortable and help your artist concentrate on the tattoo.
The Quick Tattoo Appointment Checklist
- Valid photo ID
- Your agreed reference images, saved on your phone
- A bottle of water
- A snack for a longer session
- Comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the placement
- The payment method agreed with the studio
- Headphones, a book or another quiet distraction if you would like one
That is the short version. Here is what each item is for, plus a few things that are better left at home.
Bring Valid Photo ID
At The Inkpot, you may be asked for valid photo ID before tattooing begins. The safest approach is to bring it to every appointment, even if you have visited us before.
In England, tattooing somebody under 18 is prohibited by the Tattooing of Minors Act 1969, except where it is performed for medical reasons. Parental permission does not make an under-18 tattoo legal.
A current passport or photocard driving licence is usually the most straightforward option. If you plan to use another form of photo ID, ask the studio beforehand rather than finding out on the day that it is not suitable.
If suitable ID is requested and you cannot provide it, we may be unable to tattoo you and your deposit may be affected under our booking terms.
Eat Properly Before You Arrive
Please do not save your appetite for afterwards.
Have a proper meal before your appointment and give yourself enough time to eat without rushing. Turning up hungry can leave you feeling shaky, light-headed or simply less comfortable once you have been sitting for a while.
For a longer session, bring a small, easy snack. Something familiar that is not messy or strongly scented is ideal. You do not need to pack a full picnic.
If you have any dietary or medical requirements, bring whatever you would normally need and let us know if there is anything relevant to your appointment.
Bring Water and Arrive Well Rested
Good preparation is wonderfully unglamorous: drink water, get a decent night’s sleep and avoid cramming too much into the hours before your tattoo.
A reusable water bottle is handy because you can keep it beside you and take a sip during breaks. There is no need for an elaborate collection of energy drinks.
If you are tired, dehydrated or recovering from a heavy night, the session is unlikely to feel easier. Give yourself the best chance of settling into the chair comfortably.
Wear Clothing That Works With the Placement
Your artist needs clear, comfortable access to the area being tattooed. Choose clothing around the placement rather than around the weather alone.
- Arm or shoulder: a loose vest, sleeveless top or short-sleeved shirt usually works well.
- Thigh or calf: loose shorts, a skirt or roomy trousers can make access much easier.
- Back or ribs: wear layers that can be moved without leaving you feeling unnecessarily exposed.
- Chest or sternum: a button-up shirt or zip-front layer can be practical.
- Foot or ankle: think about where socks and shoes will sit on the journey home.
Dark, older clothing is often the sensible choice. Tattoo ink and preparation products are handled carefully, but this is not the day for the white shirt you would be devastated to mark.
A loose extra layer can also help if you feel chilly during a longer appointment.
Keep Your Reference Images Simple
If you have already had a consultation, your artist should understand the direction of the design. You do not need to arrive with a new mood board containing 200 more ideas.
It can still be useful to keep the key references on your phone. Save them locally so they are available even if the signal is unhelpful.
References are there to explain things such as mood, subject, composition or style. We will not directly copy another artist’s tattoo. The aim is to use what you like as a starting point for something made for you.
If you want to make a significant change to the agreed subject, placement, size or level of detail, tell us before the appointment. A small adjustment may be easy; a completely different brief may require more design time or a new date.
Bring the Payment Method You Agreed
At The Inkpot, a deposit normally secures a tattoo appointment and counts towards the total price. It is not an extra charge added on top.
The remaining balance is normally due at the end of the appointment unless something different has been agreed with you.
Bring the payment method discussed when you booked. If you are unsure what the remaining balance will be or how you are expected to pay, contact us before the appointment so everything is clear.
You do not usually need to print your booking confirmation, but keeping it on your phone can be useful if you want to double-check the date, time or details.
Quiet Distractions Can Help During a Longer Session
Some people like to chat. Others settle in with music, a podcast or an audiobook.
Headphones can be a good option, provided your artist is happy with them and you can still hear when they need to speak to you. A downloaded playlist is useful if you do not want to rely on the studio signal.
A book or e-reader can work too, depending on the position you need to hold. The important thing is that whatever you bring does not make it harder to stay still.
Keep your bag reasonably small and only bring what you need. Tattooing requires a clean, organised working space.
Tell Us About Health or Skin Concerns Before the Day
Please contact us before your appointment if you have a medical condition, allergy, skin condition or infection, take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have anything else that may affect whether it is sensible to tattoo you.
That does not automatically mean you cannot be tattooed. It means we need the right information to make a safe decision.
Do not stop prescribed medication for a tattoo appointment unless the clinician responsible for it has told you to. If you are unsure whether a condition or medicine matters, speak to the studio and an appropriate healthcare professional in advance.
If the area to be tattooed is sunburnt, cut, irritated or has an active rash, send us a message before travelling. The same applies if you become unwell. It is much better to have an early conversation than to arrive and discover that the appointment needs to move.
Do You Need to Bring Numbing Cream?
No—unless you have discussed it with your artist first.
Do not apply a numbing product before the appointment without checking with us. Products and application methods vary, and your artist needs to know what has been used on the skin.
If you are worried about pain, say so. That is a completely normal conversation to have, especially before a first tattoo.
Do You Need to Bring Aftercare Products?
Usually, no.
We will explain how to look after your tattoo and provide the aftercare instructions that apply to your dressing and your tattoo. Follow those instructions rather than buying a random collection of products in advance.
If you have a known allergy or sensitivity, tell us before the appointment so we can discuss it properly.
What Is Better Left at Home?
Alcohol and recreational drugs. Do not attend under the influence. If we believe it is unsafe to continue, we may refuse to tattoo you and your deposit may be lost.
A large group of friends. If you would like somebody with you, ask first. Space, privacy and concentration all matter in a working studio.
Children or pets. Ask the studio before bringing them. A working tattoo area needs to stay quiet, clean and free from interruptions, so they may not be accommodated.
Clothes you cannot move or do not want marked. Tight, restrictive clothing can make access awkward and may rub against the tattoo afterwards.
A completely new design brief. Ideas can evolve, but major changes are best discussed before the day so your artist has enough time to prepare properly.
Before You Leave Home
Check the appointment time, eat something, fill your water bottle and put your photo ID in your bag.
Wear something comfortable. Save your references offline. Bring a snack if the session is likely to be long.
Then take a breath.
You are not expected to know every detail of how a tattoo appointment works. If something is unclear, ask us. We would always rather answer a simple question beforehand than have you spend the day worrying about it.
Got a tattoo idea in mind? Book your free consultation with The Inkpot and we’ll help you turn it into something you’ll love.
