Tattoo Care

I pride myself in educating my clients in healthy tattoo handling practices, before and after the tattoo session. Below are some suggestions to ensure a smooth healing journey for you and your tattoo.

Prepping for a tattoo

Prepping for a tattoo starts before the day of the appointment.

If you know the general area you are getting tattooed, you should start prepping by exfoliating 4-6 days before your appointment to start. Don’t worry about shaving, you’re artist will do that for you.

What to eat before your tattoo session ?

Hydration and eating a meal that is dense in protein, carbs and fats is needed before your tattoo session. If you haven’t eaten, let me know, and we’ll grab/order some food nearby.

Make sure to bring snacks and water to stay hydrated and alert. If at any time of the session, you feel light headed, let me, or your artist, know ASAP.

What should you bring to the session ?

I have entertainment set up in my studio for you to watch your favorite shows while getting tattooed. However, if you feel more comfortable bringing your headphones and zoning out, that’s fine too! As long as you’re comfortable (as comfortable as you can be at least). Feel free to bring a blanket or hoodie, socks or something to keep you warm, as the studio does get cold.

I don’t recommend bringing any handheld gaming system, as there could be a lot of movement that can interfere with the tattooing.

After Care Instructions

You powered through your appointment! Now this is where you do your part to make sure your tattoo heals great and last.

Your tattoo is wrapped up in a second skin. We have discussed how long to keep it on, around 4-6 days, before you should take it off. While you have the second skin on, you can shower, dress and lay on top of it like normal. The second skin is usually pretty sturdy and will last the intended time.

If at any point, the second skin starts to itch or become uncomfortable as it is healing, please take if off, and start the process of washing it with anti-bacterial soap with warm water, patted down dry with a paper towel, with un-scented lotion applied to the skin. You will repeat this process for 3 weeks.

If the second skin falls off before the 5 days are up, whether its in the shower or while you were sleeping, please give me a call. If I am unable to get back to you, here is what you do; immediately wash the tattooed with anti bacterial soap and warm water, pat it dry with a paper towel and leave it alone. Once I contact you, we can talk about further instructions if needed be.

  • Do not wrap it in cling wrap

  • Do not put alcohol on it

  • Do not be scared to contact me

If you’re able to keep it on for 6 days, take it off (with warm water and antibacterial soap, its feels like a giant bandaid being taken off). Clean the tattoo with anti-bacterial soap and warm water for 2 weeks, every 3-4 hours or 3-4 times a day, followed by unscented lotion.

Once your second skin comes off, if your tattoo is in an area where you have to wear clothes over it or it comes in contact with your sheets, make sure the clothes/sheets are clean, as it is still in the healing process.

After your two weeks are up, remember to put sunblock on your tattoo if you’re going to be out in the sun and enjoy showing it off!

One of our sponsors has amazing products that makes the healing of a tattoo less miserable. If you’d like to know more about it, let us know!

Things to NOT do while you have a fresh tattoo:

While the tattoo is healing, remember it is still an open wound that needs to be taken care of. There are a list of things to avoid to make sure the healing process isn’t disrupted and there are no complications.

  • Do not go to the beach/pool.*

  • Do not expose it to direct sunlight.

  • Do not workout while you have the second skin on. This includes yoga, lifting, pilates, walking, running… any physical activity that can cause you to sweat.*

  • Do not pick at the skin while it is healing. The itchy can be tempting but scratching the skin can do damage to the tattoo you just got. It’s not worth it.

    • * Bacteria party and you will be the host. Don’t do it.