PRE-APPOINTMENT & AFTERCARE INFO
PRE-APPOINTMENT & AFTERCARE INFO
PRE-APPOINTMENT & AFTERCARE INFO PRE-APPOINTMENT & AFTERCARE INFO
PRE-
APPOINTMENT
Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is essential for healthy skin and optimal healing. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment to ensure that your skin is well-hydrated and in the best possible condition for tattooing.
Get Plenty of Rest: Adequate rest is crucial for your body's ability to handle the stress of getting a tattoo and to promote optimal healing afterward. Aim to get a good night's sleep before your appointment to help you feel refreshed and ready for your tattoo session.
Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: Alcohol and caffeine can thin the blood and increase sensitivity to pain, making the tattooing process more uncomfortable. Avoid consuming alcohol and caffeinated beverages for at least 24 hours before your appointment to minimize any potential complications.
Eat a Nutritious Meal: Fuel your body with a nutritious meal before your tattoo appointment to help maintain your energy levels and support your overall well-being during the session. Opt for balanced meals rich in lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to provide sustained energy throughout the day.
Avoid Blood-Thinning Medications: Certain medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen/advil and blood thinners, can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising during the tattooing process. If you are taking any medications, consult with your healthcare provider or tattoo artist beforehand to determine if any adjustments are necessary.
Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area of your body where you will be getting tattooed. Avoid tight or restrictive clothing that may rub against the tattooed area and cause irritation or discomfort during the healing process.
Arrive Well-Groomed: Take the time to shower and clean the area of your body where you will be getting tattooed. Avoid applying lotions, oils, or other skincare products to the tattoo site on the day of your appointment, as these can interfere with the tattooing process and affect the outcome of your tattoo.
Communicate Any Concerns: If you have any questions, concerns, or specific requests regarding your tattoo appointment, don't hesitate to communicate them with your tattoo artist beforehand. Open and honest communication is key to ensuring that your tattoo experience meets your expectations and preferences.
AFTER
CARE
Leave the Bandage On: Your tattoo artist has applied a protective bandage or wrap to your tattoo to prevent bacteria from entering the open wound. Leave this bandage on for the recommended time (usually a few hours to overnight) before removing it.
Gently Wash the Tattoo: After removing the bandage, wash your tattoo gently with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free LIQUID soap. Use your clean hands to gently lather the soap over the tattooed area, then rinse thoroughly with water.
Pat Dry and Apply Unscented Lotion: Gently pat your tattoo dry with a clean, soft paper towel. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the tattoo, as this can irritate the skin. Once the tattoo is dry, apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer recommended by your tattoo artist.
Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect your new tattoo from direct sunlight and tanning beds, as UV rays can fade the colors and damage the skin during the healing process. Wear loose clothing or use a clean, breathable covering to shield your tattoo from the sun when outdoors. Once the tattoo is fully healed, apply zinc/sunscreen diligently to the tattoo for optimal aging and longevity.
Avoid Soaking in Water: Avoid submerging your tattoo in water, such as swimming pools, hot tubs, or baths, for at least two weeks. Prolonged exposure to water can soften the skin and increase the risk of infection. Showers are okay!
Keep It Clean and Moisturized: Continue to wash your tattoo gently with soap and water twice a day and apply a thin layer of ointment or moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. Avoid picking, scratching, or rubbing the tattoo, as this can disrupt the healing process and lead to scarring.
Monitor for Signs of Infection: Keep an eye on your tattoo for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or oozing discharge. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your tattoo artist or healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation and treatment.
Follow Up with Your Tattoo Artist: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your tattoo artist as recommended to assess the healing progress of your tattoo and address any concerns or touch-up needs. Your tattoo artist is here to support you throughout the healing process and ensure that your tattoo looks its best.
Do not scratch the tattoo if it becomes itchy! This could damage your new tattoo. Just add witch hazel or unscented lotion.
While the 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 or clothes that can constrain or rub against the tattoo. (socks, bras, jeans etc.)
Don’t let your 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.
DAYS 1–5: Let the Bandage Do the Work
Leave the sticky bandage on for 3–5 days— you can shower and wear clothes over it. Avoid sweating, soaking, sun, and saunas while it's on. Just relax and let your body heal. Drink chamomile tea too! Small bubbles under the bandage (ink/plasma) are normal—don’t pop them. If it feels irritated or gets dirty, or IF WATER GETS INTO the bandage, remove it early—just follow the steps below.
Removing the Bandage
Take a warm shower (not hot) Pull the bandage low and slow—along your skin, not straight up. With fingers only wash the area with liquid unscented soap until it feels like your normal skin again. Pat dry with a clean paper towel and apply a thin layer of unscented moisturizer. ALWAYS wash your hands before touching your tattoo!
DAYS 5–7: Wash, Moisturize, and Don’t Pick!
Now that your bandage is off, wash your tattoo morning and night with gentle soap. Moisturize daily with a natural, unscented lotion. Less is best. Your tattoo may feel itchy or tight and start to peel like a sunburn—this is normal. Do not scratch or pick! Gently exfoliate with your fingertips in the shower. Exercise is okay now—just wash and moisturize afterward. Wear loose, sun-protective clothing over your tattoo until fully healed (about 2 weeks)