Day of Tattoo

Arrive rested, fed and hydrated. Avoid alcohol 24 hours before and after your appointment. For larger tattoos or all day sittings, it’s a good idea to bring some food to eat during the session.

Make sure you bring a valid, government issued photo ID (driver’s license/permit or state ID, passport, military ID) showing that you are 18 or older.

Please be prepared to pay for your tattoo in cash at the end of our session.

Aftercare

-For traditional dressing, keep the bandage on for a minimum of 2 hours. I recommend keeping it on overnight provided the dressing feels comfortable and secure.

-For tattoo film dressing (seniderm, second skin), keep the film on for 1 to 5 days. If within that time any moisture seeps out from under the film or the film peels back to the edge of the tattoo, remove it. 

Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin. This can be DABBED with a clean paper towel. Do not wipe the tattoo or be rough with it.

Taking off the Bandage and Cleaning Your Tattoo

Before you start, make sure your hands are clean and you have unscented antibacterial soap ready. Avoid soap with fragrance, dyes, or exfoliating beads. 

    1. Carefully remove the bandage and tape. If you feel the bandage sticking to the tattoo, wet it with lukewarm water and gently slide it off.

    2. Make a lather in your hands with soap and warm water. No washcloths, towels, or sponges on a fresh tattoo.

    3. Gently clean the tattoo using a circular motion until all ointment and plasma are removed, at least 30 seconds.

    4. Rinse the tattoo gently until the skin is clean.

    5. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel then allow to fully air dry for a minimum of 10 minutes. DO NOT SCRUB.

    6. Once the tattoo is dry, apply a VERY small amount of Aquaphor or A&D ointment. Gently rub the ointment into your tattoo. Dab any excess off with a clean paper towel. Don’t use Triple-antibiotic ointment or 100% petroleum jelly.

Applying too much ointment can cause your tattoo to “suffocate.” Apply only a very thin coat so your tattoo can breathe.

Clean your tattoo this way once a day for the first 2-3 days.

There is no need to re-bandage the tattoo, but please be mindful that your tattoo is a wound and when unwrapped, it is prone to dirt and bacteria which may cause infection. Avoid direct contact with any surface. 

Your Daily Tattoo Aftercare Routine

Apply ointment 2-3 times a day (Remember, keep it light!) for the first 5-7 days or until your tattoo starts to flake/peel like a sunburn. When the peeling begins, switch to a regular FRAGRANCE FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance free brand for an additional 2 weeks.

Your tattoo should be completely healed within 2-4 weeks.

After the first few days, your tattoo may become itchy or begin to form flaky scabs. They will fall off on their own, so DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH AT YOUR TATTOO. Doing so can cause some of the pigment to disappear, and your tattoo may not heal properly. Keep it moisturized and the scabs will eventually dissipate.

Important Dos and Don’ts

  • Only use clean towels, bedding and clothes during the healing process.

  • Showering is fine, however, DO NOT submerge your tattoo for at least 2 weeks. This means no swimming, baths or soaking your tattoo in water for long periods of time.

  • Avoid direct sunlight on your tattoo for at least 2 weeks and your tattoo is completely healed. After that, I advise wearing SPF 50 on your tattoo whenever you find yourself in direct sunlight for the rest of your life. The sun will undoubtedly cause damage and compromise the longevity of your tattoo.

  • Wear loose clothing (preferably cotton) and avoid constricting accessories like bra straps and tight waistbands over a fresh tattoo. Avoid dirty, sweaty or itchy clothing as they can create healing problems.