Tattoo Guide: Before, During, and After Your Tattoo
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Research and Choose Wisely: Getting a tattoo is cheaper than removing it. Invest time in selecting a design you will love for years.
Have a Design in Mind: Your tattoo will be a collaborative effort. Come with a concept, as it’s challenging to build from “I don’t know what kind of tattoo I want.”
Think About Placement: Consider where you want your tattoo and how it fits your body.
Originality Matters: Feel free to draw inspiration from other designs, but avoid asking for an exact copy of another artist's work.
Read the FAQ: Before your consultation or appointment, ensure you're well-informed by reading the F.A.Q. and addressing any questions.
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Online Booking: Appointments can be scheduled through my website by filling out the Request an Appointment form.
Design Review: I will review your design during booking, offer feedback, and give you an estimate.
Retainer Fee: A retainer must be paid within 24 hours to secure your appointment. This fee is non-refundable but will be deducted from the cost of your tattoo.
No Previews: Design previews are typically not provided before the session. It’s best to discuss any adjustments in person.
Budget Accommodations: While I aim to work within your budget, compromising on the artwork's quality is not an option. Saving up for the full design is advised if necessary.
Consultations: A consultation might be required to refine the artwork and discuss design details. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Calendar/Reminders: Add your tattoo appointment and time to your calendar. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to show up for your appointment.
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Before the Session
Valid ID: Bring a valid state or federal-issued photo ID for age verification.
Adhere to Cancellation Policy: Provide at least 72 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling, or the retainer will be forfeited.
Maintain Good Hygiene: Shower and avoid using perfumes and scented lotions to prevent potential irritations.
Prioritize Health: Ensure you’re well-rested, hydrated, and have eaten within two to four hours of your appointment.
Snacks and Water: Bring some water and snacks to stay comfortable and maintain energy.
Avoid Alcohol: Refrain from consuming alcohol before your appointment.
Charge Your Devices: Ensure your phone is fully charged to entertain you during longer sessions.
Day of the Session
Arrive Early: Allow extra time to get to the shop without having to rush. Avoid scheduling travel on the same day.
Dress Comfortably: Wear loose-fitting clothing that lets you sit comfortably for an extended period. Consider bringing a change of clothes in case of ink transfer.
Leave the Entourage at Home: Bringing friends or family might seem helpful, but coming alone can create a more focused and calm environment.
Check-In at the Front Desk: Upon arrival, check-in, scan the QR code for your artist, and complete the consent form.
Pre-Session Preparation: Use the restroom and take any necessary breaks before starting your appointment.
Meet the Artist: This is a welcoming environment where you can discuss concerns and review the design. Guidance will be provided throughout the process.
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Design Review, Placement, Adjustments
The artist will review the artwork, finalize details, and create a preliminary design. Before starting, discuss size, placement, and any necessary adjustments.
Be prepared to roll up or remove any clothing that might interfere with the tattoo placement.
The artist will disinfect the area and, if necessary, use a disposable razor to remove any hair.
A tattoo stencil will be placed on your skin, or the tattoo will be freehanded directly onto your skin.
The artist will ask you to double-check all tattoo scripts for errors before the process begins to ensure a flawless design.
Once the placement is perfect, the artist will start by outlining the design and then proceed to fill in colors or gradients.
Tattooing Begins
The first 10 minutes might be the most challenging as your body adjusts to the sensation. The artist will ease into the session and regularly check your comfort levels. Based on the artist's preference and the design's complexity, breaks may be offered.
Snacking and drinking during the session can help maintain consistent blood sugar levels. Stay still and mindful to avoid unexpected movements.
Engaging in activities like reading, listening to music, or chatting with the artist can make the time pass more pleasantly. Keep communicating with the artist to let them know how you feel throughout the process.
Towards the End of Your Session
The artist may take photos or record a video of the process and the finished tattoo. If you prefer not to share your tattoo, please inform the artist. You can request a personal copy of the photo or video.
After the tattoo is complete, the artist will clean the tattooed area and apply a protective covering, such as a clear adhesive bandage.
Aftercare instructions will be provided at the end of your session and emailed to you. Additional assistance is always available for any questions. Refer to previous posts or visit the website for more details.
Tips are appreciated but not obligatory. They are a lovely gesture of appreciation for a job well done and your overall experience.
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24 HOURS
Wear the Recovery Derm bandage for up to 24 hours before removing it. Remove the Recovery Derm from your tattoo and wash it gently but thoroughly using liquid antibacterial soap and warm water. Clean off dried fluids and rinse the area well to remove all soap residue. Pat your tattoo dry with a paper towel and allow it to air dry for a minute. Afterward, re-wrap your tattoo with a fresh, clean piece of Recovery Derm provided by your artist. Ensuring your new tattoo is covered during this initial phase is crucial.
Recovery Derm: Recovery Derm (second-skin bandages) is a medical-grade latex-free, transparent matte film adhesive bandage used to seal the tattooed area from outside elements. It is waterproof but permeable to allow skin perspiration. The adhesive bandage will generally stay applied for 3 to 5 days following the initial 24 hour re-wrap. Showers are fine, but avoid pools, spas, baths, etc.
Directions for Removal: Remove the Derm Shield by gently peeling it slowly from the edge back over itself. Do not pull the bandage upwards. It is best if removed in the shower.
Plasma Build-Up: A build-up of plasma may be noticeable for larger tattoos, causing the tattoo to appear blurred. This is normal and generally a good sign, not an indication of the tattoo blurring.
DAYS 1-5
Leave Recovery Derm on for 3 to 5 days. See the removal process above.
DAYS 3, 4, 5 – 14 DAYS AFTER RECOVERY DERM REMOVAL
Washing Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo. This helps to prevent an infection.
Cleaning Your Tattoo: Use lukewarm water and a mild, unscented antibacterial soap (E.G. Dial Soap). Avoid chemicals and exfoliants. If using bar soap, lather separately and apply over the tattoo.
Drying: Pat the tattoo dry with a paper towel or let it air dry, as towels can harbor bacteria even if they are washed constantly.
Lotion: Choose a lightweight, unscented lotion that supports the natural skin barrier (E.G., CeraVe, Cetaphil). Avoid anything with perfume, dyes, and petrolatum-based ingredients (E.G. Aquaphor, Neosporin, and Vaseline). You will apply the lotion for the first two to three weeks after getting a new tattoo.
Application: Apply a small amount and gently massage in circular motions, ensuring full coverage of the tattooed area. Repeat this two to three times a day. Using a smaller amount more often than a large amount less frequently is better.
Clothing: Avoid wearing skin-tight or abrasive clothing, and be cautious not to scratch or disturb the freshly tattooed area.
The Healing Process
Scabbing: After about a week, expect to see smooth, flexible scabbing. Avoid pulling at the scabs or soaking your tattoo in the shower to soften the peeling skin or scabs, and refrain from rolling the skin and scabs off.
Healing Time: Most of the healing process will be complete after the first 2 weeks but your skin could take from 4-6 weeks to be back to normal and 100% healed.
During Healing
Avoid Sun Exposure: Stay out of direct sunlight and tanning booths for 2 weeks (14 days). Wear sun-protective clothing to cover your tattoo if you must be in the sun. Do not use sunblock while your tattoo is healing.
Avoid Swimming: Do not go swimming. Stay out of pools, lakes, ponds, and oceans, and avoid soaking in a hot tub, spa, hot spring, or geothermal baths until your tattoo is completely healed. Short showers are okay.
Avoid Direct Contact: Do not letting your tattoo come into contact with pets, people, non-sanitary surfaces, dirt, standing water, chemicals, abrasive clothing, and your own unwashed hands.
Signs And Symptoms Of Infection
What is perceived as an infection is often actually an irritation. While allergic reactions or infections are rare, they can occur. Please follow all aftercare instructions. If there is a concern, please talk with the artist. If an actual infection occurs, a physician or dermatologist should be consulted to ensure proper care and treatment.
Be mindful of the following signs and symptoms of infection:
Severe redness
Swelling
Tenderness at the procedure site
Red streaks originating from the procedure site towards the heart
Elevated body temperature
Purulent (pus-like) drainage from the procedure site, which may be green/yellow in color and foul in odor
If you notice any of these symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately.
Long-Term Care
Sun Protection: Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight. Use sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect against UVA and UVB. Reapply sunscreen every two hours.
Moisturizing: Continually using daily body moisturizer free of silicone- and fragrance will help hydrate, replenish, and promote healthy-looking skin.
Exfoliating: Gently exfoliating your tattoo while showering with a washcloth or loofa can work wonders for your skin. Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, promotes a smoother and more radiant appearance, and enhances the clarity and brightness of your tattoo, making it look as good as new.
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How to Maintain Your Tattoo After Healing.
Once your tattoo has healed, it's important to maintain it properly. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Sun Protection: Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight. Use sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to guard against UVA and UVB rays. Reapply sunscreen every two hours if exposed to direct sunlight.
Moisturizing: Use a daily body moisturizer free of silicone- and fragrance to hydrate, replenish, and promote healthy-looking skin. This will keep the tattoo looking vibrant.
Exfoliating: Gently exfoliate the tattoo while showering with a washcloth or loofah. This helps remove dead skin cells, promotes a smoother and more radiant appearance, and enhances the clarity and brightness of the tattoo.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Proper hydration helps maintain skin elasticity and overall health, which benefits the tattoo's longevity.
Following these steps will ensure the tattoo maintains its vibrancy for years.
