A big piece is a big commitment, and a long tattoo session is as much about stamina as pain tolerance. People who’ve done a few will tell you the same thing: the way you prepare makes all the difference. What you eat, how you sleep and what you bring can decide whether hour five feels manageable or endless.
Here’s how to get ready, so you can sit well and enjoy the process, from the week before until you’re back home.
How long is too long?
There’s no fixed limit, but it helps to be honest about what you and your skin can handle. Many artists prefer to split large pieces across several shorter appointments, and a lot of clients find they prefer that too.
Ask your artist these questions before you book:
- How long will it take in total? Get a realistic estimate, including stencil time and breaks.
- Would you split it? Your artist knows how the design breaks down into natural sections.
- How long do you usually work in one go? Some artists have a preferred maximum.
- How much of a gap do you leave between sessions? Skin needs time to heal, and the plan should allow for it.
Ask about the studio too, as some close for lunch or have a set finishing time that affects your plan. A shorter session with a fresh client often gives a better result than a marathon. Artists get tired as well, and it’s better for everyone if you both finish strong. The guide to planning a large tattoo goes into more detail.
The week before a long tattoo session
Your preparation starts days before the appointment.
Look after your skin. Moisturise the area every day, and keep it out of the sun. Skin in good condition is easier to work on and tends to feel better too.
Sleep well. Don’t just focus on the night before. A few good nights in a row will leave you much better rested.
Cut back on the late nights. Heavy drinking in the days beforehand can leave you feeling run-down, and that’s the last thing you need.
Clear your diary. Try not to schedule anything tiring for the day after, and leave yourself time to rest.
Sort out your snacks. Think about what you can eat easily while lying down or during a short break, and buy it in advance so there’s no last-minute rush.
Plan your entertainment. Download podcasts, playlists, audiobooks or films. Long sittings pass far more quickly with something to listen to.
What to bring
Packing properly can transform the day. Here’s a useful list.
- Plenty of water. A big bottle, so you aren’t constantly asking for more.
- Food. A proper lunch or a filling snack, along with something sugary for when you start to flag.
- Headphones and a charger. A dead phone at hour three is no fun.
- Comfortable clothes. Choose loose layers that give easy access to the area and won’t rub afterwards.
- A blanket or hoodie. You can get cold when you’re lying still for a long time.
- A pillow. Ask first, as many studios have their own, but some people like to bring something extra.
- Painkillers, if your GP or pharmacist has said they’re suitable. Ask them about this in advance, as some may affect bleeding.
The morning of your session
Have a substantial breakfast with some slow-release energy, such as porridge, eggs or toast. Avoid arriving hungry, because low blood sugar is one of the main reasons people feel faint.
Go easy on the caffeine, particularly if it makes you jittery. Shower, wear your comfortable clothes and leave plenty of time to get there.
If you’re planning to use numbing, you’ll have already agreed this with your artist. Read the pack, time it properly and let them know when you’ve applied it. Numbing won’t cover a very long session, so the guide to numbing cream for long sessions can help you plan around that. The complete UK guide has what you should read before use.
Getting through a long tattoo session
Once you’re in the chair, it’s about pacing yourself.
Take regular breaks. Agree on these upfront if you can. Stand up, stretch, walk around and have something to eat.
Keep eating and drinking. Sip water regularly, and don’t wait until you feel shaky to have your snack.
Move what you can. Wiggle your toes and shift your weight when your artist pauses. Staying in one position for hours can be surprisingly tiring.
Breathe. Slow, steady breathing helps your body stay calm. Try making your out-breath a little longer than your in-breath.
Tell your artist how you’re doing. They’d rather know. They can slow down, switch to another section or call it a day.
Give yourself permission to stop. You don’t get extra points for pushing through. If the tattoo can be finished another day, that’s completely fine. Tired, sore skin doesn’t always tattoo as well, so an early finish can even help the end result.
Afterwards
Be kind to yourself, as you’ve just done something tiring. You may feel tired, slightly shivery or a little emotional after a long sitting, which is common. Eat a good meal, drink plenty of water and get an early night.
Follow your artist’s aftercare instructions carefully. A bigger area takes more looking after, so make sure you have enough of the products you need, and wear loose clothes for the first few days. Take photos too, as it’s lovely to see the progress.
Your long tattoo session plan
A long tattoo session doesn’t have to be an ordeal. Book a realistic length, rest beforehand, bring food and entertainment, and keep talking to your artist. If you’d like more tips on staying comfortable, read the guide to making a tattoo hurt less. With the right preparation, you might even enjoy every hour of it.
This article is general information, not medical advice.