BEFORE YOUR TATTOO
Preferably beginning at least 24 hours in advance:
Please eat a good meal
Try to get a good night’s sleep
Make sure to drink lots of water
Avoid alcohol & drugs
For your appointment:
Please wear something comfortable and loose (especially around the area to be tattooed)
Bring your ID & a snack
In order to facilitate a space that is accessible to everyone, we maintain a low scent environment at our shop and request that clients avoid applying any heavily scented products before their appointment. If you arrive heavily scented, you may be asked to reschedule
Lastly, please be prepared to mask up for your appointment. If you feel ill or think you have been exposed to covid, PLEASE let your artist know and we can reschedule at no penalty.
AFTER YOUR TATTOO
After completing your tattoo, you can expect that your artist will clean and then wrap or patch the tattooed area. Typically, our artists use Saniderm self-adherent wrap or a loose bandage. You can leave the Saniderm wrap or bandage on your new tattoo for 8 to 24 hours. It is essential that your new tattoo is kept clean, allowed to breath, and the skin kept slightly moist during the healing process.
Everyone heals differently, so the length of time will be dependent upon how much fluid your tattoo leaks (which may effect the adhesive). If you notice excessive fluid under the wrap, it will need to be removed.
The best way to remove the wrap is in a warm shower. Find an edge and gently pull away from the bandage to free the adhesion. Next, clean your tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap and warm water, followed by gently but thoroughly drying the area with a clean paper towel.
After cleaning, you can use another patch; which can be left on the tattoo for 3-5 days or apply a thin layer of ointment and follow the cleaning instructions outlined below:
Wash the tattooed area, twice a day (morning and night), using an antibacterial soap with warm water; Dab or blot dry the skin gently but completely.
Once dry, with clean hands you can apply a thin layer of unscented lotion, like Aquaphor.
Do not swim, soak in a hot tub or bath for at least 3 weeks after getting your tattoo.
Avoid direct sun exposure.
Do not scratch your tattoo. It will itch during the healing process for up to two weeks.
A tattoo causes trauma to your body. Depending on the placement, the size, and an individual’s hygiene, and daily activities, healing is different for everyone. Because a tattoo is an open wound they are susceptible to infections, it is best to follow the aftercare instructions listed above to lower your risk of problems during the healing process.
What To Expect
You should expect your new tattoo to be red, irritated, swollen, and possibly bruised. These are normal reactions to the tattoo area. Usually, you can anticipate 1 to 3 days for red or irritated skin to subside. If swelling or bruising occurs, this could last for up to a week, especially if tattooed in a sensitive area such as the feet.
Scabbing is a result of the body’s healing process. For some, your tattoo may have some scabbing. If you experience any scabbing, it is imperative that you do not pick at it. Let the scab fall off naturally. You will also want to make sure that you keep the area clean as well as moisturized, but do not over moisturize, follow the instructions listed above.
During the final stages of the healing process, typically 3 to 10 days you can expect the skin to start to flake and peel. It is imperative that you do not pick or scratch at the area, this could remove ink from the tattoo and damage it. A light slap, preferable over clothed skin, will give you relief when itching occurs.
If during the healing process you experience bubbles forming on the surface, not as common but can occur, stop applying any ointments, the moisture can get trapped and lead to possible scabbing; you want your tattoo to dry out. Make sure should wash the tattoo, pat dry it, and let it dry and peel on its own. Any scabs should fall off on their own, and if no trauma occurred such as scratching, the ink should remain.