Complete guide
before tattoo.
From choosing the design and area to preparing for the session, healing, and long-term maintenance.
How to prepare properly before a tattoo?
Choose the design and area with the artist, come rested, hydrated, and after a normal meal, avoid alcohol and do not apply anaesthetic or irritating products without agreement. Wear comfortable clothes and communicate any relevant medical information in advance.
A successful tattoo starts before the first line.
An informed decision, a design adapted to anatomy, and proper preparation influence both the experience during the session and the result after healing.
Idea. Placement. Preparation.Each stage contributes to a coherent and lasting result.
A tattoo is not chosen in haste. The design, size, body area, style, and care must be discussed before starting the procedure.
Four decisions before tattooing.
Clarifying these elements before booking reduces last-minute changes.
Style.
Realism, black & grey, colour, fine line, lettering, or a combination adapted to your idea.
Size.
Details must have enough space to remain clear even after healing.
Body area.
Anatomy, mobility, friction and sun exposure influence the choice.
Budget.
The price depends on complexity, size, style and the time required for execution.
From inspiration to a personalised design.
Many start from a photo found online or a sketch saved on their phone. The visual reference is useful for direction, but the difference between a copied tattoo and one that suits you is personalisation. The artist can keep the atmosphere, contrast or composition and adapt them to the curve of the shoulder, proportions of the forearm, shape of the calf or the available space on the back. During consultation, say what you like and what you want to avoid: too busy, too fine, too large or too visible. For an estimate, send the design, approximate size and body area via the page. Send design.
How to choose the right area.
The body area influences sensitivity, working time, healing process and how the tattoo retains its lines. Thin skin, areas with bone close to the surface or surfaces that frequently rub may require extra care. Repeated sun exposure and very tight clothing can accelerate fading. Style matters: a fine line piece needs enough space and a suitable area, while a tattoo with strong contrast may work better on a larger surface. You can see examples in the gallery. tattoo photos.
What to do on the day of the tattoo.
The goal is to come rested, hydrated and after a normal meal. Avoid alcohol and anything that may affect your general condition or hydration. Wear comfortable clothes that allow easy access to the tattooed area and do not cause friction after the procedure. Inform in advance if you have allergies, treatments, dermatological conditions or relevant medical history. Do not stop or change any treatment without your doctor's recommendation. For questions about conditions and eligibility, consult Tattoo FAQ.
What to expect during the procedure.
Pain is subjective and varies from person to person. The artist prepares the area, transfers the stencil and checks the position before starting the tattooing. This is the right moment to confirm size, orientation and placement. During the work, breathe steadily, avoid sudden movements and follow the artist's instructions. Short breaks can be helpful, but the session's rhythm should be kept constant.
The first days matter the most.
After the session, the skin enters a natural recovery process. Slight redness, sensitivity and the appearance of fine scabs can be normal. Do not pick scabs or scratch the area. Clean the tattoo gently, dry by patting and apply the recommended product in a thin layer. Avoid baths, swimming pools, saunas, direct sun and friction. If increasing pain, unusual discharge, fever or spreading redness occur, seek medical evaluation. For more details, consult questions about tattoo healing.
Touch-ups and long-term appearance.
Some tattoos heal evenly, while others may require spot adjustments. Touch-ups are discussed only after complete healing. In the long term, skin hydration and sun protection are essential. UV radiation accelerates fading, especially for fine lines and light colours. A well-protected tattoo retains contrast and clarity better.
What to clarify beforehand.
Ask about style, size, estimated number of sessions, care, touch-ups and scheduling rules. A professional studio has clear rules regarding hygiene, minimum age, identity document and informed consent. At 2nd Face Tattoo, tattoos are not performed on persons under 18 years old. The final cost is determined based on the project; check the page for tattoo prices.
Proper preparation reduces avoidable problems.
A rested and hydrated body handles a tattoo session better than one tired, hungry or affected by alcohol.
Do not apply anaesthetic products, exfoliants or unknown creams before the session without the artist's and, if necessary, a doctor's approval.
After the tattoo: what to do and what to avoid.
Always follow the care method indicated for the tattoo and the type of protection applied.
What you should do.
- Wash your hands before touching the area.
- Clean the tattoo gently, according to the artist's instructions.
- Dry by patting, without rubbing.
- Apply a thin layer of the recommended product.
- Wear loose and clean clothes.
- Protect the tattoo from the sun after healing.
What you should avoid.
- Do not pick scabs or scratch the tattoo.
- Do not keep it in a bath, pool, sea or jacuzzi.
- Do not apply alcohol, perfume or irritating products.
- Do not expose the fresh tattoo to sun or tanning beds.
- Do not wear clothes that rub and compress the area.
- Do not ignore worsening signs.
Consultations and tattoos in Bucharest, near Piața Unirii.
2nd Face Tattoo & Body Piercing is located in the COCOR Store, basement, B-dul I.C. Brătianu 29–33, Sector 3, Bucharest.
You can send the design, approximate size and body area for an initial evaluation before booking.
Keep researching.
Useful related pages before making an appointment.
See works in different styles and use them as a starting point for your project.
See tattoo photosCost depends on size, style, complexity, area and working time.
Check tattoo pricesSend the photo, approximate size and body area for evaluation.
Request an estimateAnswers about age, hygiene, healing, touch-ups, deposits and special conditions.
Read tattoo FAQDiscover the team, space and services available at the studio in Bucharest.
See the tattoo studioEssential steps for the first days and healing.
See the guideWhat influences sensitivity and comfort.
Read the guideWhat you need to know before covering an old tattoo.
See Cover-upWhen fading can help before a cover-up.
See LaserChoose the right artist for the desired style.
See the artistsSee the space, equipment and atmosphere of the studio.
See the studioCultural context and tattoo evolution.
Read the articleOffer a voucher for tattoo or piercing.
See the vouchersDiscover all 2nd Face services.
Go to homepageCOCOR store, in the basement, near Unirii Square, Bucharest.
See contact detailsFrequently asked questions.
How long before should I prepare for a tattoo?
Start by clarifying the design, size and area well in advance. On the day of the appointment, rest, hydration, meal and comfortable clothes are important.
Can I bring an inspiration photo?
Yes. References are useful to communicate the desired style and composition, but the final design must be adapted to anatomy and personalised.
Can I consume alcohol before a tattoo?
It is not recommended. Alcohol can affect general condition, hydration and bleeding. Come rested and in good condition.
Do I need to shave before the session?
It is not necessary to shave the area on your own initiative. The artist will prepare the skin before the procedure if needed.
How long does healing take?
The superficial appearance stabilises in a few weeks, but deep healing continues longer. Duration depends on size, area, skin and care.
When can touch-ups be done?
Touch-ups are evaluated only after complete healing. The artist decides if it is necessary and when it can be done.
Can persons under 18 get tattoos?
No. At 2nd Face Tattoo, tattoos are not performed on persons under 18 years old. A valid identity document is required.
How we work and what you need to know.
2nd Face Tattoo & Body Piercing is a studio in Bucharest, opened in 2010, located in the COCOR Store, basement level, near Piața Unirii.
The team creates realism, black & grey, colour, portraits, fine line, lettering, cover-up and customised compositions.
Tattoos are performed only on persons who have reached 18 years old, based on a valid identity document.
Send the design, size, and body area via the page Send design.
The material is informative and does not replace a medical evaluation for skin conditions, allergies or signs of infection.
Content updated in July 2026 and adapted to the rules and services of 2nd Face Tattoo Bucharest.
Important: Tattoos are not performed on persons under 18 years old. If you have skin conditions, allergies, treatments or other relevant medical conditions, discuss with your doctor beforehand and inform the artist.
Got an idea? Send the design.
Tell us the approximate size, body area, and desired style for an initial assessment.
