• How you prepare for your appointment will play a large roll in your experience being tattooed. It is important to take care of your physical and mental well being in the days leading up to your appointment.

    Two weeks before your appointment…

    -Keep skin healthy and moisturize daily

    -Drink lots of water to keep skin hydrated

    -Wear sunscreen, do not come sunburned

    -Please check with your doctor if you have any health/skin conditions, or are on any medications

    -Check with your artist first if you plan on using numbing cream. Perform an allergy test a couple weeks before you appointment in a different location than the area being tattooed.

    The day before your appointment…

    -Avoid alcohol, aspirin, or any other blood thinners

    -Limit caffeine

    -Eat well and get a good nights rest

    Immediately before your appointment…

    -Be sure you bring valid photo ID

    -Eat a good meal before you come in

    -Be in proper hygiene

    -Do not shave the area being tattooed

    -Do not apply any lotions, perfumes, or cosmetics to the area being tattooed

    -If using, apply a thick layer of numbing cream to the area being tattooed at least 30 min before your appointment. Seal the area with cling wrap to trap heat.

    What to wear…

    -Wear something clean and comfortable that can possibly be stained with blood and ink (ink splatter will not wash out of clothes)

    -Be sure your clothes provide easy access to the area being tattooed (you can bring a change of clothes if needed)

    -Button downs and zip ups can be worn backwards for back placements

    -Bathing suits with ties can be worn for hip placements

    -I will provide pasties and privacy barriers if necessary

    Things you may want to bring…

    -Water

    -Food, snacks, candy

    -Eye mask/sunglasses

    -Stress ball/fidget toys

    -Headphones/books/entertainment

    -Extra layers/clean lint free blanket

    -A friend (please limit to 1 or 2 guests)

    For my menstruating clients…

    A person with a monthly hormonal cycle may have varying experiences being tattooed based on the phase they are in. Generally, pain tolerance and endurance are higher during the follicular phase and ovulation. Whereas, the luteal and menstruation phases may feel more exhausting and less tolerable.

    If you would like, I can do my best to schedule your appointment to align with your cycle. I especially recommend cycle syncing with large projects, and areas that are typically more painful.

    However if you do find yourself being tattooed during the luteal or menstrual phase, it is particularly important to support your body the best you can.

    -Be sure to eat and rest well, bring nutritions snacks to replenish your energy.

    -Bring heating pads and over the counter pain medications to help manage pain and cramps.

    -Listen to your body, you may need to take more breaks

    I will have water, snacks, and a variety of extra sanitary products on hand.

  • What to expect…

    Days 1-4 : The tattoo is fresh, it may appear red and feel sore. It is normal for the body to weep fluid. This is a mixture of blood, plasma, and ink and it will be slimy to the touch.

    Days 4-8 : The tattoo will begin to feel tight and start peeling, much like a sunburn. You may develop some scabs, and the area might become itchy. It’s important not to scratch or pick at the healing skin.

    Days 8-14 : the skin will continue to peel and itch. the remaining scabs should fall off revealing a fresh layer of new skin, this new skin is still quite fragile and may feel sensitive.

    It will take around 2 weeks for the first phase of the healing process to be complete. During this phase the tattoo is in it’s most vulnerable state, it’s important to keep the wound clean to avoid infection. You will know this phase is over when the skin is done peeling and all scabs have healed.

    After this, the tattoo will take an additional 4-6 weeks to settle into the skin and become fully healed. The tattoo may appear shiny or raised during this period and should still be protected from UV exposure.

    These time frames may vary based on various factors. Tattoos that are more saturated, or in an area with a lot of movement (e.g. joint/torso placements) may take longer to heal. Whereas fine line styles and light shading will heal faster.

    Other factors that may affect the healing process are medications, skin conditions, and overall health.

    • Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo

    • Remove bandage after 1-2 hours

    • Apply a small amount of mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap into your hands and work into a lather. Apply lather to the skin and gently wash the tattoo. (Do not use any sponges, washcloths, or exfoliants)

    • Rinse and repeat until the tattoo is no longer slick, or slimy.

    • Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

    • Once clean and rinsed, allow to dry. Either air dry, or pat dry with a clean paper towel. (Do not use reusable cloth towels)

    • Moisturize. Apply a small amount of fragrance-free lotion to your hands and rub together. Gently pat a thin layer of lotion onto dry skin. Do not rub in the lotion as it will cause unnecessary irritation.

    • Repeat this process 1-2 times a day, or when the tattoo becomes dirty.

    • Continue with this aftercare until the tattoo is done peeling and all scabs have healed.

    I do not recommend Aquaphor, ointment, or any petroleum based product.

    Please note…

    Do not over moisturize. Your body heals the tattoo, not the lotion. Lotion helps to keep the skin from drying out too much and becoming uncomfortable, especially during the dry and peeling phase of the healing process. You may want to wait to start applying lotion until after the first few days, or until the tattoo is done weeping.

    If you notice any signs of infection, contact your artist or a healthcare professional. Signs of infection may include; excessive redness and swelling, worsening pain, warmth to the touch, pus, bumps or blisters.

    Things to avoid

    -No picking or scratching

    -Do not soak or submerge in water (showering/running water is okay)

    -No baths

    -No hot tubs

    -No swimming

    -No saunas

    -No tanning beds

    -No sunscreen until skin is done peeling and all scabs have healed

    -Limit sun exposure as much as possible

    -Avoid tight clothes or anything that causes friction on the tattoo

    -Protect the tattoo from pet fur and saliva

    -Avoid bug repellants, chemicals, cosmetics, and perfumes

    -No gym or heavy workouts for the first 7-10 days

    Things to do

    -Wear loose, clean, breathable clothes

    -Clean bedsheets

    -Shower daily and keep good hygiene

    -Support your immune system with healthy habits and food

    Extended care

    Your tattoo is with you for your lifetime. It’s important to always care for your skin so your new artwork can age gracefully with you. For long term tattoo care, avoid sun and UV exposure, keep skin moisturized, and practice general heathy habits to maintain overall skin health.

  • I do provide the option to heal with derma shield or “second skin” upon request. This is a clear adhesive bandage that will keep the tattoo protected for the initial days after receiving your tattoo.

    Derma shield instructions

    • Keep the bandage on for up to 7 days, you can remove it sooner if needed or wanted

    • It is normal for the bandage to fill up with fluid, especially if the tattoo has a lot of shading or color. This is a mixture of blood, ink, and plasma.

    • Remove the bandage immediately if the fluid starts leaking, the tattoo becomes exposed, or if the seal is in any way broken. Once the seal is broken the tattoo is no longer protected.

    • If any redness or irritation forms along the edges of the bandage, remove immediately. If the irritation does not improve after 5 days, contact your artist or a healthcare professional.

    • To remove the derma shield, first let it soak in warm water to loosen the adhesive. Grab the edges of the bandage and gently pull it down against your skin, rather than pulling away from your skin. Think of this method similarly to removing a command strip. You may want to use a mild fragrance free soap to help with this process.

    • Once the derma shield is removed, proceed with regular aftercare as stated in the above drop-down.

    Please note…

    Derma shield only protects from surface contaminants and does not protect from UV exposure. Do not soak or submerge in water (running water and showering is okay) and do not expose to UV or sunlight.

    Derma shield is not a viable option for all situations. I do not recommend this method for those with allergies to adhesives, or those with sensitive skin. This method is not always ideal for large tattoos, or areas with a lot of movement (e.g. joint/torso placements).

    We will discuss the best healing options for your situation at the end of your session. Feel free to message me with any questions.