What to expect and what to bring to your tattoo appointment

Getting tattooed should feel planned, not chaotic. At Two 9 Tattoo in Gungahlin we custom- design every piece, and take the time to get the drawing, placement and sitting right. This guide covers how the day actually runs, how to prepare, and what to pack so you walk in ready.

How bookings work

Start with the enquiry form on two9tattoo.com and include:

• Placement and size
• Reference images (up to five)
• Preferred artist, if you have one
• Preferred dates and times
• A phone number we can reach you on

We reply during shop hours, Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–5pm. From there we match you with the right artist for the style — realistic black and grey, fine line, traditional, blackwork, Japanese, or fully custom original work — then lock in a date.

The days before

A good session starts before you sit in the chair.

• Eat a proper meal and drink water. Low blood sugar is the most common reason people feel faint.

• Skip alcohol for at least 24 hours. It thins the blood and makes swelling and bleeding worse.

• Get a full night’s sleep.

• Don’t sunburn the area the day before. Fresh, healthy skin takes ink better.

• If you’re run-down, sick, or the skin is irritated, message us and reschedule. Healing on compromised skin is a poor trade.

Wear something that gives easy access to the placement and that you don’t mind getting a little stencil or ointment on. Loose shorts for a thigh, a strap top or sports bra for a shoulder or chest, sleeves you can roll or remove for an arm.

What to bring

Keep it simple.

• Photo ID.

• Payment method. We accept Cash, Card and Afterpay. Double check your limit in the app before you arrive if that’s how you plan to pay.

• Your references on your phone, even if we’ve already designed from them.

• Water and a couple of snacks for anything longer than a small piece. Muesli bars, fruit, a sandwich. Sugar helps if you start to fade.

• Phone charger or power bank. Long sessions eat battery.

• Hair tie, glasses if you need them, any regular medication you take.

• A light layer. The studio is climate-controlled; some people get cold once they sit still.

Optional for bigger pieces: headphones, a playlist, and a small pillow if you know you’ll be in an awkward position. Ask your artist first so it doesn’t get in the way.

Leave large groups, extra guests and kids at home unless we’ve agreed in advance. The studio is a working space and your artist needs to focus.

When you arrive

We’re at Ground Floor, 111 Anthony Rolfe Avenue, Gungahlin — the newer spot down the road from the old shop. Street parking is available along Anthony Rolfe Ave, including parks directly out front.

You’ll check in at reception, then go through the design with your artist. We will place a stencil to the area that will be tattooed so you get a good idea of what it will look like, you’ll check it in the mirror, and we won’t start until you’re happy. Make sure you speak up if something about the design or the placement feels a bit off to you.

During the session

We are concentrating pretty hard but breaks are normal, especially on longer pieces. Tell us if you need to stand, eat, or adjust position. Numbness, a hot sting on the first pass, and a dull ache later are all standard. If anything feels wrong beyond that, say so immediately.

We keep the space clean, organised and easygoing. You’re not expected to sit in silence or perform toughness. Chat, zone out, or put headphones in — whatever helps you stay still.

After we wrap

Your artist will clean the tattoo, bandage it, and walk you through aftercare before you leave. Follow those instructions, not a random TikTok. The short version most people need:

• Leave the wrap on for the time we tell you.

• Wash with a mild, unscented soap.

• Thin layer of the ointment we recommend — not a thick coat.

• No pools, ocean, baths, or heavy sweating over the piece until it’s healed enough.

• Don’t pick.

• Keep it out of the sun.

We’ll tell you when a touch-up window makes sense. Healing varies; we would rather see you again than have you guess.

First tattoo?

You’re in the right place. The process is the same: idea, design, stencil, sitting, aftercare. The only extra advice is eat, hydrate, and don’t arrive hungry or hungover. Nervous is normal. We tattoo first-timers every week.

Quick checklist

• ID
• Payment
• References
• Water and snacks
• Comfortable clothes that expose the area • Charged phone
• Eaten a real meal
• No alcohol the night before

Ready when you are. Send the enquiry through two9tattoo.com, or reach the shop on 0421 973 019 during Tuesday–Saturday hours. Bring the idea. We’ll take care of the rest.