What to know before you go...
Before Your Appointment
- Eat a substantial, balanced meal (with protein, carbs, fat)
- Stay hydrated the day before and day of
- Avoid alcohol, energy drinks, & sugary snacks
- Sleep 7–8 hours
- Dress for access to tattoo site
Fainting, Anxiety, & Passing Out
Some clients experience:
- Hot flashes, cold sweat
- Dizziness, tunnel or white-out vision
- Ringing ears
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rare seizure-like twitching or full blackout
This is usually a vasovagal response-- a common type of fainting caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate. Your nervous system overreacts triggering an anxiety driven physical response, often caused by:
- Not eating beforehand
- Dehydration
- Poor diet/ Consuming energy drinks (Red Bull, Celsius) and processed food/sugar in excess.
- Stress/anxiety
- Pain
- Heat
- Lack of sleep
Prevention
- Eat a full meal 1–2 hours prior
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, sugary drinks & energy shots
- Hydrate with water, not soda or Gatorade
- Get a good night’s rest
If it does happen
- Signal to your artist if able
- Lay down flat
- Cool air or damp towel on face/neck
- Breathe slowly
- Sip water or eat something light