Prepare your body: take a good rest and have a good meal. Pain is amplified when the body is under stressful conditions. When getting piercings, fast for 30 mins prior to your appointment but make sure to have eaten beforehand.

Wear loose clothing. Take into consideration the comfort and exposure of the tattoo or piercing area. Also neatly clip or tie your hair when getting piercings or tattoos around the hair area.

Do not drink alcohol, soft drinks and coffee, smoke or intake vitamins or drug medications at least 24 hours prior to inking to avoid excessive bleeding. The last antibiotic drug intake must be at least a week before session.

Shave off hair over the tattoo placement beforehand, if needed. Avoid sunburn-causing activities or circumstances before and after session.

Do not apply lotion or ointments over the skin area to be inked; they alter the skin surface's properties, affecting needle penetration. Skin must be left dry and untreated for at least a day before session.

Let the artist know about possible skin conditions that may affect inking. For cases outside our limited knowledge, it will be best to consult with a dermatologist.