💥 Stop Saying Sorry: 10 Things You Shouldn't Apologize for During Your Tattoo Appointment

If I had a dollar for every time a client apologized during a tattoo session, I’d be fully booked for life and sipping espresso in a villa in Italy. Listen — getting tattooed is a big freaking deal, and your body (and brain) are allowed to act a little weird about it. So let’s clear this up once and for all:

Here are 10 things you seriously need to stop apologizing for — because none of them are a problem.

1. Flinching or Moving

You’re not a statue. You're a human being with nerves, reflexes, and skin that's currently being stabbed (with love). A little flinch here and there is totally expected. I’ll adjust — I got you.

2. Bleeding or Swelling

"OMG I'm so sorry I'm bleeding!"
Friend... what did you think would happen? You’re being tattooed, not sprinkled with fairy dust. A little plasma party is part of the healing process. No shame in your ooze game.

3. Asking for a Break

You are not a disappointment if you need to pause. If your body says, “Let’s breathe for a sec,” you should listen. A short break now is better than tapping out early or pushing yourself to tears. Water, snack, stretch — no apology necessary.

4. Being Nervous

Let me say this louder for the people in the back: NERVES ARE NORMAL. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your tenth, the butterflies are real. You’re not being dramatic, you’re just a human about to be permanently decorated. I get it.

5. Crying or Getting Emotional

Sometimes the needle unlocks some feels. Whether it’s pain, release, grief, joy, or all of the above — you don’t have to keep it together for me. I’ve seen it all. Crying in the chair doesn’t make you weak — it makes you brave.

6. Body Hair

Please stop apologizing for your leg hair or underarm fuzz. We shave the area anyway, and honestly, I’m more focused on your stencil than your stubble. You don’t need to wax yourself into a dolphin for me.

7. Taking Time to Decide

This is a forever situation. You’re allowed to take a beat, change your mind, or ask to see a tweak in the design. I’d much rather do a 10-minute redraw than give you something you’re unsure about.

8. Bringing a Support Person

As long as they’re not trying to co-design your tattoo or asking to charge their vape, your hype person is welcome. Moral support can be a game-changer — you’re not annoying for wanting backup.

9. Not Talking or Talking a Lot

There’s no “right” way to behave in the chair. Some people chat like we’re at brunch. Others go completely silent and vibe out. Both are cool with me. You don’t need to match my energy — just do you.

10. Asking Questions

Whether it’s about the healing process, needle types, or how I got into tattooing — ask away! You’re not a burden, you’re curious. And I’m here for it. No need to preface every question with “Sorry, but…”

Final Thought:

You don’t need to shrink yourself to get a tattoo. You’re not “too much” for flinching or crying or needing a snack break. You’re a human doing a badass thing — and I’m honored to be part of it.

So the next time you’re in the chair and feel that urge to apologize for simply existing... don’t. Just show up as you are, and let’s make some art.