TATTOO TIPS & AFTERCARE

Some hopefully helpful information on how to get tattooed and how to care for your tattoo while it heals.

Tips for Getting Tattooed

  • CLOTHING: Make sure the area to be tattooed is easily accessible. For example, if you’re getting a leg tattoo, wear pants/skirt that can be rolled up without cutting off circulation, or bring a pair of shorts. Also note that tattoo ink may get onto your clothing, so try not to wear anything you’d hate to have potentially stained.

  • FOOD & DRINK: Drink plenty of water and eat a meal before getting tattooed! Bringing water and a snack is also a good idea.

  • ILLNESS: If you are feeling sick, please reschedule your appointment as soon as you can. If you show up visibly ill, I will not tattoo you and you will forfeit your deposit.

  • NUMBING CREAM: I am not opposed to clients using numbing cream, but with some stipulations:

    • Use these products at your own risk — I do not endorse, sell or apply any of these products and I am not responsible for any adverse reactions that may result from their use.

    • Most numbing creams need to be applied at least 30-60 minutes prior to being tattooed. If you choose to use one, you must apply it in advance. I will not apply it for you and do not plan on waiting for it to kick in.

    • Numbing creams are not 100% guaranteed to eliminate all pain. For some people, they may not work at all! Please do not expect a completely painless experience — if you can’t handle at least some pain, I would reconsider getting tattooed.

    • Keep in mind that the effects of numbing cream tend to wear off after a couple of hours. In my experience, the process can feel more painful once the numbing wears off, compared to not having used numbing agents to begin with. If you plan on getting tattooed for longer, I recommend going unmedicated to start and applying less intense topical pain relievers like Bactine later in the process.

    • If you have never used a product before, I recommend doing a skin test well in advance of your appointment to make sure no adverse reactions occur.

  • SUN EXPOSURE: Avoid sun exposure before and immediately after getting tattooed. If your skin is visibly sunburnt, it is not suitable to be tattooed.

  • SHAVING: While you are welcome to shave in advance, you are not expected to! That said, avoid waxing, exfoliation, or any other procedures that may cause irritation to the area being tattooed.

Tattoo Aftercare

If you get tattooed enough times by enough artists, I am sure you will hear some variation on how to care for your new tattoo, so if you are a seasoned customer and know what works best for you, go with that! If you are new to getting tattooed or unsure of what to do, here are my tips on how to take care of your new tattoo:

  • First off, remember that your brand new tattoo is an open wound and should be treated accordingly!

  • At our shop, we offer Tegaderm (a breathable, waterproof bandage that is designed to act as an extra layer of skin for the first few days) unless the client prefers not to use it. I will always check with you before applying it.

  • If you are using Tegaderm:

    • Try to leave the bandage on for 3-5 days.

    • During that time, residual ink/plasma/blood will pool under the bandage. This is normal.

    • Some liquid can leak from under the bandage. This is also normal.

    • You may shower with the bandage on, but do not submerge your tattoo in water.

    • It’s also possible that some shower water may get in under the bandage — if you notice this, remove the bandage.

    • Once the bandage is off, wash the tattoo and surrounding area thoroughly with warm water and soap, and dry with a clean towel.

    • Keep your tattoo clean and dry until fully healed. Use a small amount of unscented lotion if needed, but be careful not to over-moisturize.

  • If you are not using Tegaderm:

    • Your tattoo will be wrapped in Dri-Loc soaker pads and plastic wrap. Try to leave it on for at least a few hours. If your appointment was in the evening, you can leave it on overnight or remove it before going to bed.

    • Immediately after removing the bandage, wash the tattoo and surrounding area thoroughly with warm water and soap.

    • Dry your tattoo thoroughly with a clean towel (or a paper towel).

    • For the first 2-3 days, you may apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor or similar ointment if needed.

    • After about 3 days, discontinue using ointment and instead use a small amount of an unscented lotion to alleviate any dryness if needed. Again, do not over-moisturize. I personally tend to use no ointments or lotions.

  • General Aftercare Tips:

    • Do not submerge your tattoo in water (i.e. no baths, hot tubs, swimming) until it is fully healed, about 2 weeks.

    • Do not apply sunscreen to your tattoo until it is fully healed — and keep it out of the sun in the meantime.

    • Do not shave/wax the tattooed area until it is fully healed.

    • When your skin starts flaking, and if any scabbing occurs, do not pick at it. Peeling/picking at scabs/flakes can cause pigment loss and leave gaps in your tattoo.

    • A few days into the healing process, your tattoo can become very itchy. Do not itch/scratch it! Lightly slapping the area can. help alleviate the itch.

    • After your tattoo is fully healed, remember to apply sunblock before spending time outside — sun exposure will cause your tattoo to fade, especially colors. And also, you know, it’s just generally good to protect your skin, tattooed or not.