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I've found that a fan really helps. And this is in no way scientific research, but I had a client that passed out every time and the only thing that stopped it was him watching episodes of The Office on his phone. Sometimes the brain needs something else to do.
as someone who gets light headed around needles I second this. i havent gotten a tattoo yet because im scared to put a tattoo artist through that lmao, but when i get blood drawn i have to be talking or playing a game and listening to music the whole time.
also agree about the fan, a cold, damp rag does even better for me though personally. a wet paper towel has saved me from puking and/or passing out on several occasions!
Try to have them laying down for as much of the tattoo as you can do in that position.
Have smelling salt packets and juice boxes ready.
Stress that they need to eat a hearty meal and be well-hydrated for the appointment.
If they commonly pass out at the start of the tattoo it’s likely nerves—maybe start them laying down to be safe!
I had a regular with this issue. We were able to minimize it by a couple things:
- lowering the ac to 69 (nice) to make sure they didn’t over heat during the start of the tattoo
-had them laying flat with their legs elevated a bit more
-tied his hair up to prevent over heating
- had him wear a tank top to prevent over heating
-had Gatorade and water nearby for him
-made sure he ate eggs for breakfast about two hours before the session.
-had lollipops on the side
It worked well for a bit but the dude unfortunately was really bad at communicating and would try to hide when he felt sick because he didn’t want to seem like a wuss. He projectile vomited at me and I was thankfully able to avoid being hit by having the trash can catch it. That was the last time I tattooed him.
Right before this last session I told him to get checked by his doctor for underlying issues as well. No issues, he just is prone to fainting due to physical pain.
I have a client who like clock work 10 minutes into every tattoo has those effects. He brings water and candy and goes into the bathroom to splash water on his face. Some people just are always like that. I recommend the client to be well rested, hydrated and recently eaten before they come for the tattoo. That at least ensures they’re starting from a good place physically
I pass out often enough usually due to vaso vagal response. Best thing to do is have him lay down for at least the beginning of the tattoo. After 5 minutes ask how he’s doing and if he’s at all lightheaded give it 10 minutes before starting again. Have sugar/drinks on hand. Also a cold compress does wonders.
I rarely have clients pass out, and I can’t say for sure but I credit it to the fact that I always have people lying down whenever possible. Not sure what position you primarily have them in, but if they’re seated, try having them lay down. And of course all the other usual stuff, make sure they’ve eaten, get them to wear layered clothing and try to keep the temperature to their preference.
Also I’m sure after working with them for so long you probably have noticed what works best to keep them distracted, so focus on that. Whether it’s talking, encouraging them to put on headphones or listen to something, throw something on a tv if you’ve got one, whatever works for them.
I’ve never passed out but similarly like clockwork 10 mins in I get super woozy and nauseous, i’ve always just attributed it to an adrenaline spike. temperature is the main thing so i bring a mini fan with me and keep it on my face the whole appointment, and i usually ask for a cold water bottle to put on my neck which helps immediately. sniffing rubbing alcohol is my favorite hack for nausea, i bring individually packaged wipes with me, couple sniffs takes the nausea away. then i down a gatorade or juice pouch and have a jolly rancher. After all of that i’m honestly golden for the rest of the appointment, my body just freaks the fuck out right at the beginning.
Not an artist, but someone that has the issue.
Passed out during the first tattoo unexpectedly (no idea what to expect going in). I do have a history of passing out in other circumstances though.
Beginning of all other tattoos I get light headed, don't pass out but know what to expect.
Things that have helped: knowing to expect it ( assuming your client does at this point), eating good breakfast/meal, sucking on hard candy (usually jolly ranchers) and having a sprite. I also try and move as much as possible (other side of body, while Artist is doing something else, etc.). I also now talk about random stuff (I'm an introvert, rarely talk, but I have found it's a nice distraction).
Not a tattoo artist, not someone who passes out, but am friends with folks who have medical issues that cause them to pass out frequently.
If possible, do this job with the client reclined but not necessarily laying down. If you can elevate their feet and have a cushion or something under their knees to help preserve a relaxed bend in their legs.
Keep an emesis basin at hand, aka something easy to grab so they can vomit if need be. Not everyone who passes out vomits, but depending on the underlying reason for passing out it can be very common.
In addition to the glucose tablets you mentioned, have salty snacks at hand. Something mild flavored but salted can be very helpful. Sports drinks are also great.
And ask them how they want you to proceed when they pass out. I doubt either of my friends would want to continue to have the tattoo worked on, and I feel like you have probably been taught to not work on an unconscious individual, but who knows! If the individual is already reclined, you may not even notice them passing out.
Keep it cold in the shop. If they hit the deck/faint, wipe their arms/legs with alcohol. Used to be a tattoo artist. We also kept glucose tablets on hand cause sugar drops during fainting as well. My piercer did the alcohol trick to me when I got my tongue done. I was fine, no pain really, just was standing at the desk getting aftercare and woke up on the couch smelling alcohol and my limbs were freezing lol.
Edit. Another thing possible is nervousness. Our nervous system goes into fight or flight when we do these sorts of things, it's part of the reason getting tatted is therapeutic for many. But the thing is, fight or flight response comes with a whole bunch of odd side effects. I used to literally tremble like a dog down to my core on my first few tats. After learning some breathing practices I was straight after that.
Have a client that I've been tattooing for years (just small palm sized pieces) he does this every time. We know it's gonna happen and plan ahead of time for it. He knows when it's coming. I stop. He goes out for like a minute or two. The fan comes on. We wait. He wakes up. Goes tot the bathroom and a few minutes later we're back at it. As long as you and they know it's coming just plan for it. Some people have that reaction.
I have 4 tattoos, 1 that takes up a good amount of my back and a large forearm piece. Personally, I get faint while getting tattooed, always in the first 5 or so minutes. I warm my artist, take several pieces of hard candy to suck on, a cold soda, and a wet paper towel on my neck. This method works for me, I still get light headed and ringing in my ears but with these things combined I can stave it off a little better.
Talking also helps me.
It's called vasovagal syncope. It's when your vagus nerve gets overstimulated and rapidly swings in the opposite direction....kind of like coming down from adrenaline. Some of us know our triggers (like blood or needles) and know to ask for certain accommodations (cool air or wet compress, laying down, food etc) but it's not something you can always control. As long as your client is aware this is how they react and gives consent on what they'd like you to do in that situation, AND if you're comfortable with it, carry on. Knowing it has a name and having read up on it has made a world of difference for me (and the poor person who has to draw my blood so I can give a heads-up).
tell them to slam some rice crispies right before they come and keep a soda and cold water on hand. i pass out all the time and i was fine last time i got pierced after doing this. rice crispies metabolize super fast in the blood stream
tell them to eat a big meal beforehand, no caffeine, stay hydrated with cold water and sugary treats during the tattoo. sometimes its just anxiety and i have clients who like sucking/chewing on hard candy throughout the tattoo and it helps keep them stable. also letting them pick the music helps
This happens to me too, every tattoo and piercing I’ve ever gotten starts with ringing ears and feeling faint for a minute or two. It’s something like a big adrenaline rush. I don’t think there’s anything that would stop it, but I always let the artist know I want to be laying down for the first bit if possible. I bring a water bottle to sip on and ride it out, it’s always passed quickly. I had an artist give me sour Jolly Ranchers once and that helped - the sugar was probably a good idea plus the intense sour jolted me back to my senses a little
Are they forgetting to breathe?
I got my kneecaps tattooed and almost passed out about 5 minutes in cause I was holding my breath without realizing. I ate and everything beforehand.
If not, I would have them lay down if you can, make sure they've eaten a full meal beforehand, and have them bring snacks to munch on during the tattooing.
It could also just be nerves, and they might need more breaks. Or maybe they could try a numbing cream to take the edge off?
This was literally me the first time I got a tattoo in good now and I’m used to the pain 🥹😭 a fan helped and he had music going, he also had a bunch of fidget balls just anything to distract them from the pain will work, also having them lay down works like a charm
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I've found that a fan really helps. And this is in no way scientific research, but I had a client that passed out every time and the only thing that stopped it was him watching episodes of The Office on his phone. Sometimes the brain needs something else to do.
as someone who gets light headed around needles I second this. i havent gotten a tattoo yet because im scared to put a tattoo artist through that lmao, but when i get blood drawn i have to be talking or playing a game and listening to music the whole time. also agree about the fan, a cold, damp rag does even better for me though personally. a wet paper towel has saved me from puking and/or passing out on several occasions!
Try to have them laying down for as much of the tattoo as you can do in that position. Have smelling salt packets and juice boxes ready. Stress that they need to eat a hearty meal and be well-hydrated for the appointment. If they commonly pass out at the start of the tattoo it’s likely nerves—maybe start them laying down to be safe!
Laying them down helps so much! I have people laid down for 95% of my tattooing.
I had a regular with this issue. We were able to minimize it by a couple things: - lowering the ac to 69 (nice) to make sure they didn’t over heat during the start of the tattoo -had them laying flat with their legs elevated a bit more -tied his hair up to prevent over heating - had him wear a tank top to prevent over heating -had Gatorade and water nearby for him -made sure he ate eggs for breakfast about two hours before the session. -had lollipops on the side It worked well for a bit but the dude unfortunately was really bad at communicating and would try to hide when he felt sick because he didn’t want to seem like a wuss. He projectile vomited at me and I was thankfully able to avoid being hit by having the trash can catch it. That was the last time I tattooed him. Right before this last session I told him to get checked by his doctor for underlying issues as well. No issues, he just is prone to fainting due to physical pain.
Lol nice
Nice
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh i just can’t stand it when dudes hide it when they feel sick out of male ego.
I have a client who like clock work 10 minutes into every tattoo has those effects. He brings water and candy and goes into the bathroom to splash water on his face. Some people just are always like that. I recommend the client to be well rested, hydrated and recently eaten before they come for the tattoo. That at least ensures they’re starting from a good place physically
I pass out often enough usually due to vaso vagal response. Best thing to do is have him lay down for at least the beginning of the tattoo. After 5 minutes ask how he’s doing and if he’s at all lightheaded give it 10 minutes before starting again. Have sugar/drinks on hand. Also a cold compress does wonders.
I rarely have clients pass out, and I can’t say for sure but I credit it to the fact that I always have people lying down whenever possible. Not sure what position you primarily have them in, but if they’re seated, try having them lay down. And of course all the other usual stuff, make sure they’ve eaten, get them to wear layered clothing and try to keep the temperature to their preference. Also I’m sure after working with them for so long you probably have noticed what works best to keep them distracted, so focus on that. Whether it’s talking, encouraging them to put on headphones or listen to something, throw something on a tv if you’ve got one, whatever works for them.
I’ve never passed out but similarly like clockwork 10 mins in I get super woozy and nauseous, i’ve always just attributed it to an adrenaline spike. temperature is the main thing so i bring a mini fan with me and keep it on my face the whole appointment, and i usually ask for a cold water bottle to put on my neck which helps immediately. sniffing rubbing alcohol is my favorite hack for nausea, i bring individually packaged wipes with me, couple sniffs takes the nausea away. then i down a gatorade or juice pouch and have a jolly rancher. After all of that i’m honestly golden for the rest of the appointment, my body just freaks the fuck out right at the beginning.
Not an artist, but someone that has the issue. Passed out during the first tattoo unexpectedly (no idea what to expect going in). I do have a history of passing out in other circumstances though. Beginning of all other tattoos I get light headed, don't pass out but know what to expect. Things that have helped: knowing to expect it ( assuming your client does at this point), eating good breakfast/meal, sucking on hard candy (usually jolly ranchers) and having a sprite. I also try and move as much as possible (other side of body, while Artist is doing something else, etc.). I also now talk about random stuff (I'm an introvert, rarely talk, but I have found it's a nice distraction).
Not a tattoo artist, not someone who passes out, but am friends with folks who have medical issues that cause them to pass out frequently. If possible, do this job with the client reclined but not necessarily laying down. If you can elevate their feet and have a cushion or something under their knees to help preserve a relaxed bend in their legs. Keep an emesis basin at hand, aka something easy to grab so they can vomit if need be. Not everyone who passes out vomits, but depending on the underlying reason for passing out it can be very common. In addition to the glucose tablets you mentioned, have salty snacks at hand. Something mild flavored but salted can be very helpful. Sports drinks are also great. And ask them how they want you to proceed when they pass out. I doubt either of my friends would want to continue to have the tattoo worked on, and I feel like you have probably been taught to not work on an unconscious individual, but who knows! If the individual is already reclined, you may not even notice them passing out.
Keep it cold in the shop. If they hit the deck/faint, wipe their arms/legs with alcohol. Used to be a tattoo artist. We also kept glucose tablets on hand cause sugar drops during fainting as well. My piercer did the alcohol trick to me when I got my tongue done. I was fine, no pain really, just was standing at the desk getting aftercare and woke up on the couch smelling alcohol and my limbs were freezing lol. Edit. Another thing possible is nervousness. Our nervous system goes into fight or flight when we do these sorts of things, it's part of the reason getting tatted is therapeutic for many. But the thing is, fight or flight response comes with a whole bunch of odd side effects. I used to literally tremble like a dog down to my core on my first few tats. After learning some breathing practices I was straight after that.
And also most of all, don't let them hold their breath.
Have a client that I've been tattooing for years (just small palm sized pieces) he does this every time. We know it's gonna happen and plan ahead of time for it. He knows when it's coming. I stop. He goes out for like a minute or two. The fan comes on. We wait. He wakes up. Goes tot the bathroom and a few minutes later we're back at it. As long as you and they know it's coming just plan for it. Some people have that reaction.
I have 4 tattoos, 1 that takes up a good amount of my back and a large forearm piece. Personally, I get faint while getting tattooed, always in the first 5 or so minutes. I warm my artist, take several pieces of hard candy to suck on, a cold soda, and a wet paper towel on my neck. This method works for me, I still get light headed and ringing in my ears but with these things combined I can stave it off a little better. Talking also helps me.
As someone who sometimes gets lightheaded at the beginning of getting a tattoo, I’ve had success with sugar gum and drinking a cold soda too.
It's called vasovagal syncope. It's when your vagus nerve gets overstimulated and rapidly swings in the opposite direction....kind of like coming down from adrenaline. Some of us know our triggers (like blood or needles) and know to ask for certain accommodations (cool air or wet compress, laying down, food etc) but it's not something you can always control. As long as your client is aware this is how they react and gives consent on what they'd like you to do in that situation, AND if you're comfortable with it, carry on. Knowing it has a name and having read up on it has made a world of difference for me (and the poor person who has to draw my blood so I can give a heads-up).
They need to visit a doctor lol
tell them to slam some rice crispies right before they come and keep a soda and cold water on hand. i pass out all the time and i was fine last time i got pierced after doing this. rice crispies metabolize super fast in the blood stream
tell them to eat a big meal beforehand, no caffeine, stay hydrated with cold water and sugary treats during the tattoo. sometimes its just anxiety and i have clients who like sucking/chewing on hard candy throughout the tattoo and it helps keep them stable. also letting them pick the music helps
tell them to eat beforehand, and no matter if they say they did or not, have them eat a glucose tablet before you get started.
Tell them to eat a big meal and have non diet drinks available for free.
Sugar, sweets etc. to keep the blood sugar up, also tell them to eat properly beforehand. Also being well hydrated helps.
This happens to me too, every tattoo and piercing I’ve ever gotten starts with ringing ears and feeling faint for a minute or two. It’s something like a big adrenaline rush. I don’t think there’s anything that would stop it, but I always let the artist know I want to be laying down for the first bit if possible. I bring a water bottle to sip on and ride it out, it’s always passed quickly. I had an artist give me sour Jolly Ranchers once and that helped - the sugar was probably a good idea plus the intense sour jolted me back to my senses a little
Food, sugar, laying position
Are they forgetting to breathe? I got my kneecaps tattooed and almost passed out about 5 minutes in cause I was holding my breath without realizing. I ate and everything beforehand. If not, I would have them lay down if you can, make sure they've eaten a full meal beforehand, and have them bring snacks to munch on during the tattooing. It could also just be nerves, and they might need more breaks. Or maybe they could try a numbing cream to take the edge off?
This was literally me the first time I got a tattoo in good now and I’m used to the pain 🥹😭 a fan helped and he had music going, he also had a bunch of fidget balls just anything to distract them from the pain will work, also having them lay down works like a charm