Tattoo Prep and Aftercare

• Get plenty of rest leading up to your appointment.
• No alcohol or drugs before or during your tattoo.
• Always eat a well-balanced meal before getting tattooed. If your session is expected to be long, bring a light snack. Granola bars, pretzels, and fruit are all great choices!
• A sugary candy or soda may be useful if you have a history with low blood sugar.
• Stay hydrated before and during your session.
• Exfoliate and moisturize the area to be tattooed daily starting 2-3 weeks prior to your appointment.
• Stay out of the sun and tanning beds. If you are sunburnt or peeling we unfortunately will not be able to tattoo you and you will be asked to reschedule.
• Dress comfortably, and preferably in loose fitting clothing. If you are unsure of what to wear, just ask your artist!
• Feel free to bring a source of entertainment that doesn't require movement. Laptops/tablets and headphones for watching movies and/or listening to music are good options!

You will need to bring with you a form of ID with your name, birthday, and a photo. Most commonly used form of ID verification is a drivers license.

If you are under 18 years old, you will need a photo ID and birth certificate. Your parent who is signing for you will also need a photo ID. Your parent must stay during the entire tattoo procedure.

If you have no allergies or sensitivities to adhesives, we will use a breathable tattoo film bandage that provides a barrier against water, dirt, germs, and anything else that shouldn't make contact with your tattoo. Leave this bandage on for at least 24 hours, and up to 72 hours. When it is time to remove your bandage, take it off in the shower. Starting by peeling one corner, pull the film back and across the skin, never pull it straight away from your skin.

If you opted for a non-adhesive bandage, you will leave this on for 1-2 hours.

Regardless of the bandage your artist uses, the aftercare is exactly the same once the bandage comes off.

Once the bandage has been removed, clean your tattoo thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap (we recommend Dial Gold) 2-3 times a day. Pat dry with a paper towel or CLEAN towel. If your tattoo is dry, you may apply an unscented, fragrance free lotion. You may use tattoo specific tattoo aftercare ointments, but please be sure to use sparingly. You do not want to over apply or smother your tattoo. It's important to allow room for your tattoo to breathe. Make sure your hands are always clean when touching your tattoo!

Now that your bandage is off, it is very important that you stay mindful of what you expose your tattoo to. Do not forget, a tattoo is an open wound. Wear clean clothes, use clean sheets and towels, and practice good hygiene.

Repeat the cleaning process for 2-3 weeks, moisturizing as needed. Depending on the area and style of your tattoo, it may take an extra week to completely heal.

• Scratch, peel, or pick at your tattoo.
• Soak your tattoo. Absolutely no baths, pools or hot tubs.
• Use a tanning bed or expose your tattoo to the sun.
• Wear tight clothing.
• Use Neosporin or Vaseline.
• Use a loofah, sponge, wash cloth, or any other abrasive object to clean your tattoo.
• Over-moisturize your tattoo.
• Shave over your tattoo.
• Let your friends touch your tattoo.

• Peeling and flaking is normal. Remember not to pick at the skin.
• Itching is common. It is important not to scratch.
• Once your tattoo is healed, applying sunscreen whenever you are in the sun will help keep your tattoo from fading prematurely.
• Swelling, redness, and tenderness are common for the first few days after getting tattooed.
• If you got a larger tattoo, it isn't uncommon to feel a bit under the weather for a day or so. This is one reason we recommend not making any plans for after your tattoo appointment.
• Family and friends may say they know ways to quicken and/or better your healing process, but ALWAYS listen to your tattoo artist, not your friends!

Seek medical attention from a professional and contact your tattoo artist if you are experiencing one or more of the following...

• Intense pain.
• Chronic swelling on or around the tattoo.
• Fever.
• Feeling waves of heat or cold.
• Shivering, chills, or sweats.
• Pus draining from tattoo.
• Red lesions around tattoo.
• Hard, raised tissue on or around the tattoo.
• Photosensitivity (Pain to light exposure)