TATTOO PREP & AFTERCARE

Preparing To Get Tattooed

ensure you get a good night's sleep and eat a substantial meal the night before, and just before your appointment. Refrain from drinking alcohol the night before your appointment, and the day of your appointment.

Bring drinks, snacks, or something sweet to help keep your energy up during your tattoo appointment.

You may take Tylenol or Robaxacet beforehand, as long as it is not a blood thinner.

Numbing Creams

Please check with me before using any numbing creams. Numbing cream may not be effective for every tattoo project, and can create issues with both the tattooing process, and healing process. Using them without approval will require rescheduling your appointment and paying a new deposit.

Aftercare

Second Skin:

Leave on for 2-4 days.
Remove in the shower by gently pulling it up towards your face.
If you notice redness around the bandage, remove it immediately, clean the tattoo, and let it air out-- this may indicate an allergic reaction.

Other Bandages:

Remove 3-5 hours after your tattoo.

Cleaning:

Wash your tattoo gently with unscented soap (e.g., Dr. Bronners, or Dove) and pat dry with a clean paper towel. Avoid using your bath towel to keep it sanitary.

Moisturizing:

After the first couple days of cleaning and airing out, apply a thin layer of unscented moisturizer (e.g., Lubriderm) 1-2 times daily for 7-10 days, or until scabbing and flaking are fully healed.

Healing Tips:

Avoid soaking your tattoo (baths, swimming, showers) during the scabbing and flaking stage.
You may gently wash it once a day, but dry it immediately afterwards.
Avoid saunas, steam rooms, and heavy workouts during the first week or until the scabbing is complete.
Wear clean, loose, non-abrasive clothing over the tattoo to prevent friction.
Do not scratch your tattoo, even if it itches-- scratching can cause irritation, infection, or damage the healing process.
Keep your tattoo out of direct sun exposure while healing. Once healed, use sun protection to maintain vibrancy