preparing for your appointment
1+ week before
Moisturize your skin with a gentle lotion. This helps the tattoo process go more smoothly especially over drier parts of the body (ex. knees).
Stay hydrated and try to be well rested! Hydrated skin can increase the quality of your tattoo.
Avoid getting sunburnt before your tattoo. I cannot tattoo over sunburnt skin.
I recommend purchasing Dial Gold Antibacterial Soap and a gentle healing balm such as Aquaphor before your appointment so you have them ready for aftercare.
day of your appointment
Eat a nourishing meal before your appointment. Wear comfortable clothes that you’re okay with getting ink on.
Remember to bring a valid ID & cash for payment. I also recommend water, snacks, and something to pass the time.
aftercare instructions
The healing process takes about 6 weeks to fully heal. Your skin will be extra sensitive to sun damage for 6+ months after your tattoo. Take precautions to avoid damaging your tattoo.
Your tattoo is an open wound. Following aftercare instructions correctly is crucial to avoid infection and have your tattoo heal the best it can.
During the healing process avoid: gyms, recreational water activities (pools, spas, lakes, beach, etc.), excessive sweating, direct sun exposure, gardening, and direct contact with pets.
cleaning your tattoo
Recommended soap: Dial Gold Antibacterial Soap, unscented in the liquid form
Wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day with a gentle antibacterial soap. Pat dry with a clean and paper towel.
Moisturize with a thin layer of aftercare ointment, too much will cause irritation! Wipe excess ointment with a clean and dry paper towel.
Having pets, excessive sweating, or dirty environments may require you to wash your tattoo more often.
Do not pick off flaking skin.
healing with a second skin bandage
Leave your bandage on for up to 3-5 days.
Take quick, cold showers while the bandage is on to prevent the adhesive from peeling off. If any water gets into your bandage, remove it immediately.
Your bandage may fill with an ‘ink sack’ of blood & plasma, this is normal.
If your bandage is leaking its ink sack, if sweat has accumulated underneath, or if you have a reaction to the bandage then take the bandage off immediately.
Taking off your bandage:
In a warm shower, pick a corner and pull slowly perpendicular from the skin. Allow water to flow into the bandage during this process for easier removal.
Proceed to clean your tattoo 1-2 times a day as needed
You may experience an allergic reaction to the second skin bandage adhesive, if you are experiencing excessive itchiness or a burning sensation (especially around the corners of the bandage), remove the bandage immediately.
signs of infection
Seek medical care immediately if you are showing signs and symptoms of infection this includes, but is not limited to, redness, swelling, tenderness of the procedure site, red streaks going from the procedure site towards the heart, elevated body temperature, or purulent drainage from the procedure site.
1+ month after
Please send healed photos!
Take a photo of your tattoo, head on, in natural sunlight. I love to see how they settle into skin and track the progress on how my tattoos heal up.