Tattoo Care

Before Your Appointment

Get plenty of rest the night before your appointment: Being well rested will help you relax during your tattoo and will also help to prepare your body to recover.

Avoid drinking alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment: Alcohol thins your blood and can cause excess bleeding while being tattooed. It is best to avoid drinking the day before and the day of your appointment.

Drink plenty of water leading up to your appointment: Staying hydrated is always good for you but is especially important when you are getting tattooed! Hydrated skin takes ink better and will make the whole process smoother.

Shower: This might seem obvious but it is important to shower prior to your appointment so your skin is a clean canvas.

Don’t worry about body hair: You can shave before your appointment if that is what you are comfortable with but no worries if you don’t! I can take care of that for you.

Eat and bring snacks: I cannot stress this enough. Getting tattooed on an empty stomach is never a good idea, it can make you feel light-headed and increase pain levels. I also recommend bringing snacks to your appointment in case you get hungry throughout the session.

Dress for your session: Wear clothing that is comfortable and allows easy access to the area you are getting tattooed. For example, wear or bring shorts to change into if you are getting your thigh tattooed. If you are being tattooed in an intimate area and aren’t sure what to wear, just ask and I can give you some suggestions!

During Your Appointment

Don’t be afraid to communicate with me: Communication is key in making sure you get the best tattoo possible. Be open and honest throughout the entire process. For example, if you don’t love the placement of the stencil, tell me! This is going on your body forever and I want you to love it. If you aren’t feeling well or need a break, don’t be afraid to speak up!

Do not show up intoxicated: Another thing that seems obvious but may not be. Please show up for your appointment sober.

Bring something to entertain yourself: You might be sitting for several hours so be sure to bring something to entertain yourself. Headphones, a phone or tablet, a book, etc.

Relax: I know this is easier said than done, but the more you can relax during your session, the better it is for everyone. It will help to minimize any pain and will make your experience more enjoyable.

After Your Appointment: Healing Your Tattoo

Bandage Removal: Bandage removal time depends on what I wrapped your tattoo with immediately after our session and also what it is you have gotten done that day. I will typically let you know before you leave, how and when you should remove your bandage. If you are unsure how to remove your bandage please refer to the details below. If you have any questions feel free to contact me.

If you have linework or light shading in your tattoo and I've applied derm shield, you can leave the bandage on for 3-5 days before removing.

If you have a lot of shading or color, and I have applied derm shield, you should remove the bandage after 12-24 hours. I recommend this to avoid plasma build up. I may have given you a second piece of derm shield which you can re-apply at home. If I have given you a second piece, you can keep that on for 3-5 days before removing. DO NOT apply tattoo salve or lotion before putting on the second piece of derm shield. Just pat dry after cleaning and apply the second piece.

How To Remove Derm Shield: When removing derm shield you should have your tattoo under luke warm water. Allow the water to run under the bandage as you slowly peel it off. You will notice it will look like some of your tattoo is coming off with the bandage. No need to worry the dead cells were already ready to come off the tattoo!

Cling Wrap Removal: If I wrapped you with cling wrap you can remove that as soon as you get home. Clean your tattoo right after you take the bandage off and keep your tattoo clean. You may want to re-wrap it in cling wrap when you go to bed to avoid having clothes/fibers stick to your fresh tattoo.

Cleaning Your Tattoo: Once the bandage is removed you will need to cleanse your tattoo using an unscented, antibacterial soap. I recommend dove unscented soap for sensitive skin. Wash your tattoo gently, do not use anything abrasive to wash it. Once you've cleaned your tattoo you will need to pat the area dry again with a clean paper towel. You will want to keep your tattoo clean mainly during the first week of healing. Wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day during the first week or the remainder of the first week after your derm shield bandage is removed. The second week you can wash once a day.

Moisturizing Your Tattoo: Depending on when you removed your bandage you will need to moisturize your tattoo after cleaning and throughout the day as needed. You should not use lotion on your tattoo until it is dry and peeling, however if you have tattoo salve you can apply this throughout the entire healing process. Always use tattoo recommend salve or unscented lotion. You only need a small amount of lotion/salve, just enough to cover the area.

Helpful Tips for the Entire Healing Process

Throughout the entire healing process (usually around 2 weeks), do not use any soaps or moisturizers with scents or harsh ingredients. Stick to simple formulas like Dove and Lubriderm.

Try to wear loose fitting clothing that will not rub against or stick to your tattoo while it is healing. Be especially careful of bra straps and panty lines that tend to be tighter fitting. If your tattoo is on your foot, try to be barefoot as much as possible. If you must wear socks, wrap your tattoo before putting them on to avoid getting fibers stuck to the area.

Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight while it is healing and never put sunscreen on a healing tattoo.

Do not submerge your tattoo in water including baths, hot tubs, pools, lakes, etc. for at least 2 weeks.

Do not scratch or pick at scabs on your tattoo. I will not touch up tattoos that have been picked at or poorly cared for. If your tattoo itches, you can gently pat it. Never scratch or rub it!

Be careful around pets with your new tattoo. Do not let your dog or cat lick your tattoo and be careful of their claws.

If something goes wrong: I understand that things happen and sometimes you can do everything right and still run into problems. This is rare but possible. If you run into issues throughout the healing process, please contact me with any concerns. I will be able to give you advice and point you in the right direction.

After Your Tattoo Is Healed

It usually takes around 4 weeks for a tattoo to fully heal. Everyone is different so this time can vary. It is never going to hurt to give it extra time to heal so always lean toward giving your body plenty of time.

Keep it moisturized: Tattoos will always look more vibrant when your skin is moisturized!

Protect your ink from the sun: To prevent fading and keep your tattoo looking awesome, always use sunscreen on your tattoos when you know they are going to be getting a lot of exposure (only after they are fully healed). Getting sunburned not only sucks but can really increase the chances of your tattoo fading.

Enjoy Showing Off Your Artwork!