Prep & Aftercare

Before your tattoo-

  • hydrate & exfoliate/moisturize the area up to a week before your appointment. Hydrated skin takes ink easier & can make the process smoother. Dry flaky skin can be tough to tattoo & is more likely to need a touch up

  • Do not shave or expose the area to sun before your appointment. Any irritation, razor rash, or major sunburn could result in needing to reschedule

  • Get a good night’s rest, avoid alcohol, and eat a meal beforehand

  • Feel free to bring entertainment- a book, headphones, iPad can all help with distraction & restlessness

What to Wear-

Loose, comfortable clothing is best for long sessions. Stencils & ink can stain clothing so keep this in mind before choosing light colors or anything of value.

-For sternums, chests, spines- it is good idea to bring a zip-up/flannel with you that can be worn open in the front, or put on backwards to expose the back. Bathing suit tops are also a good option, but nipple covers are provided if needed. Sports bras are not usually a good option unless the entire area is exposed while you’re wearing it.

-For hips, butt, or top of thighs, you can wear full coverage underwear, a bathing suit bottom (preferably with side ties) or a loose skirt with a high slit or side tie. Privacy screens are available

Aftercare

Your tattoo can be wrapped one of two ways-

Saniderm- Clear waterproof bandage that can stay on for 3-5 days. Useful for smaller tattoos and areas that don’t bend or flex much. Great for fast healing and protection, good option for people who do not have sensitive skin or adhesive allergies.

-in 4-5 days remove the bandage in the shower, the heat and water will help break down the adhesive. Pull the saniderm “‘down,” like a command strip, rather than off like a bandaid.

-gently wash tattoo with soap and air dry. You can use regular unscented lotion as needed for the rest of the healing process

**‘if any redness or burning occurs while wearing the saniderm bandage, you may be having an allergic reaction. please remove immediately and use the steps below for the remainder of the healing process

Short term bandage- best for large projects or people with sensitive skin.

-remove bandage in 1-3 hours, gently wash with antibacterial or non scented soap- gold dial soap works well for this.

-after washing, pat dry and apply a thin layer of Aquafor or coconut oil. Moisturizing is not to help heal the tattoo but only to lessen the dryness/itchiness. Applying thick layers can negatively impact the healing process & can result in needing touch ups

-wash your tattoo daily, and apply ointment 3x a day for the first 3-4 days. After 4 days, switch to regular moisturizing lotion

-moisturize several times a day and/or whenever the tattoo is appearing dry for the first 3 weeks.

do’s & dont’s

-it is normal for your tattoo to ‘leak,’ blood, ink, and plasma over the first few days, so be careful with bedsheets and clothing that could get stained.

-limit sun exposure for the first few weeks, after that be sure to apply sunscreen. Sun exposure can prematurely fade your tattoo

-you can shower normally, but do not submerge your tattoo in water while it’s healing. This includes swimming/hot tubs/baths etc.

-don’t do any strenuous exercise that results in sweating or stretching of the tattoo’d area for at least 48 hours.

-do not pick, itch, scratch, or shave over your tattoo while it’s healing

-let your tattoo breathe, do not re-bandage it

-wear clean, loose fitting clothing around your tattoo to prevent irritation and rubbing