Before Your Appointment – Client Prep Guide

Please follow these guidelines to get the best possible result from your tattoo session with me.

Studio Address & Preferred Payment Method

Dusk and Bloom Studio
2/178 McManus St, Whitfield QLD 4870

Preferred payment method: Cash — No eftpos facilities on premises.

Directions

Skin Prep (This Makes Your Tattoo Easier)

The healthier your skin, the better it takes ink and heals — especially for fine line and detail work.

Hydration (Start 1 Week Before)

Drink plenty of water daily:

• Women — ~2.5–3 L

• Men — ~3–3.5 L

Plain water is best. Well-hydrated skin handles tattooing better.

Moisturising

Moisturise daily in the lead-up (minimum 5 consecutive days). Start now if you can — the sooner, the better.

Reccomended

Aveeno Daily Moisturising Body Lotion Fragrance Free 354 mL. Available at Woolworths, Coles, Kmart, Chemist Warehouse and most pharmacies.

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Exfoliation

Exfoliate area to be tattooed one week prior and the night before (in the shower). Removes dead skin for smoother application.

Reccomended

Anko Exfoliating Glove - Black from Kmart/Target Australia.

One size fits most.

Use with your favourite soap or body wash to cleanse and exfoliate.

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Numbing Cream (Optional)

If you wish to use numbing cream, the only one I recommend after years of testing and trying numerous brands is TN100 Premium Tattoo Numbing Cream.

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Important Note:

Numbing cream is not recommended every time. Its use depends on the tattoo location, as it can affect skin elasticity and how well the skin takes ink. Please consult with me before deciding to use it, so we can plan the session safely and effectively.

If you do use it, always patch test first — apply a small pea-sized amount to your forearm, spread to about palm size, and monitor for a few hours for any reaction. Lidocaine (lignocaine) allergies are rare, but possible.

The Night Before & Morning Of

Think of your session like a marathon:

• Dinner: Solid, well-balanced meal the night before (work with your dietary needs — gluten-free, vegan, celiac, etc.). Avoid fast food or anything that makes you feel sluggish.

• Sleep: 8–9 hours (if possible).

• Breakfast: Have a good meal before your appointment to keep energy up and make sitting easier.

Avoid

• Sunburn — wear sunscreen or stay out of direct sunlight

• Excess alcohol the night before

• Arriving dehydrated or without food

On The Day

I work from Dusk and Bloom Studio, Cairns.

We have:
• Fridge
• Microwave
• Toastie maker
• Coffee pod machine & tea
• Soft drinks and water available

There is a café next door; however, it closes at 1:30pm on weekdays and 1pm on weekends, so plan accordingly.

Parking: Street parking is available directly in front of the shop. If those spots are taken, there is usually parking available in the surrounding residential streets.

Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment.

What To Bring (Especially for Longer Sessions)

• Lunch or food for the day

• Snacks — sugary snacks and drinks are highly recommended and help massively during long sessions

• A clean blanket — long sessions can make you feel cold; being comfortable helps you sit longer

• Headphones & entertainment — I’ll be wearing headphones so I can fully concentrate on the tattoo. Download movies, TV shows, podcasts, or music to keep yourself occupied

• Wear clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed. If possible, choose dark or neutral clothes — I take photos of the tattoos after the session against a white backdrop, and patterns or loud colours can distract from the artwork.

After Your Appointment

After your session, I will run through the aftercare and healing process with you so you know exactly how to care for your tattoo.

Please avoid planning anything immediately after your session. If you have a full-day booking, don’t organise dinner plans that evening — tattoo timing can vary and sessions may run longer than expected.

Aftercare Instructions