NOTE: we CANNOT tattoo you if you are under 18, pregnant, on antibiotics, have gotten a tattoo in the last 2 weeks, under the influence of drugs or alcohol
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
To ensure that your tattoo experience is as enjoyable and successful as possible, please take note of the following pre-appointment care guidelines.
-
Stay hydrated, get a good night's sleep, and eat a solid meal before
-
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and any blood thinning medications 24 hours prior to your appointment.
-
Wear comfy clothes with easy access to the area being tattooed, and bring a sweater/blanket if you run cold (our tattoo artist, Alex, runs very hot so we keep it chilly).
-
Arrive well groomed (like if you worked out that morning, please shower :) please).
-
Bring whatever you need to make yourself comfortable -- water, food, and anything to help entertain/distract you (headphones, charger, book, etc.).
-
Keep your day free in case your appointment runs longer than expected (your body will also be tired after getting a tattoo).
-
Communication is KEY! Please communicate any questions or concerns prior to AND during your appointment (we want you to have the best experience possible!).
AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT
To help your healing process go as smoothly as possible, please follow this aftercare guide.
ADHESIVE BANDAGE CARE ("second skin")
-
Leave the bandage on for 3-5 days. You can shower and wear clothes over it (but nothing super tight fitting that will rub against your new tattoo). Avoid sweating, soaking, sun, and saunas while it's on. Small bubbles, plasma excess ink, and blood under the bandage are normal -- do not pop or try to remove any of this! Just let it be. If it feels irritated or gets dirty, or if water gets in the bandage, remove it early.
2. Removing the bandage: Pull the bandage low and slow along your skin, not straight up. With fingers only, was the area with an unscented, liquid soap. Pat dry with a clean paper towel and apply a thin layer of unscented moisturizer. Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo!
3. Now that your bandage is off, wash your tattoo (fingers only) with your unscented, liquid soap and apply a thin layer of your unscented moisturizer morning and night until fully healed (about 2 weeks). Your tattoo may feel itchy or tight and start to peel like a sunburn. This is normal! Do not scratch or pick at it. Exercise/sweating is okay now that your bandage is off -- just wash and moisturize your tattoo afterward. Wear loose, sun-protective clothing over your tattoo until it is fully healed as well.
NON-ADHESIVE BANDAGE CARE
-
Keep the bandage on for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
2. With fingers only, wash the area with an unscented, antibacterial, liquid soap and distilled water (NO tap water for 24 hours). Clean off all plasma, ink, ointment, and blood.
3. Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
4. Continue to wipe off plasma from your tattoo using witch hazel on a clean paper towel. You want to prevent the plasma from drying on your skin and forming a scab.
5. Apply a thin layer of unscented moisturizer.
6. Continue to wash your tattoo (fingers only) with your unscented, liquid soap and apply a thin layer of your unscented moisturizer morning and night until fully healed (about 2 weeks). Your tattoo may feel itchy or tight and start to peel like a sunburn. This is normal! Do not scratch or pick at it. Weare loose, sun-protective clothing over your tattoo until it is fully healed as well.
THINGS TO AVOID
-
Do not scratch the tattoo if it becomes itchy! This could damage your new tattoo. Just add witch hazel or unscented lotion.
-
Do not bathe or submerge yourself in any water, hot tubs, pools, baths, the ocean, etc. for at least two weeks. Bodies of water are full of bacteria that could cause infection. Showers are fine.
-
While the adhesive bandage is on, ensure water (even shower water) does not get into it. If you must shower, please wait at least 24 hours before getting tap water on your new tattoo. Tap water has bacteria in it and can cause infection.
-
Don't wear tight clothing that can constrain or rub against the tattoo (socks, bras, jeans, etc.)
-
Don't let pets or children touch the tattoo for at least 2 weeks.
-
Avoid excessive sweating and intense workouts for at least one week after receiving the tattoo.
-
Avoid direct sunlight during healing. Once the tattoo is fully healed, apply sunscreen diligently to the tattoo for optimal again and longevity.
HEALING WELL
-
Your tattoo may look faded for a bit. That's part of the process. By 2-3 weeks, your tattoo will settle and look bright and beautiful. Full healing can take up to 6-8 weeks.
-
Tattoos age as our skin ages, so incorporate tattoo moisturizing, limited sun exposure, and sunscreen use into your daily routine. And your art will be as beautiful as it can be for many years
JUST IN CASE
-
Signs and symptoms of infection include but are not limited to redness, swelling, tenderness, red streaks going from the site toward the heart, elevated body temperature, or purulent drainage from the procedure site. #1 DO NOT PANIC. We have ways to heal this rapidly and with over-the-counter first aid. Please CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY with photos of your tattoo so we can walk you through how to care for a possible infection. Please call a physician if any addressed signs and symptoms appear from or are related to the tattoo. If medical care is required, please inform us of the problem and the resolution by a physician or clinic.
We are here for you every step of the way - before, during, AND after your appointment. Never hesitate to reach out. We genuinely care about you and your tattoo. Good or bad, we want to hear from you :)
