What to Know Before Your Appointment
What to do:
- Eat a solid, well balanced meal about an hour before your appointment. This will give your body the fuel it needs to get through the tattoo.
- Drink plenty of water. You need to be hydrated.
- Avoid drinking alcohol not only the day of, but also the day before your appointment.
- Do not go tanning or get too much sun for at least 3 weeks prior to your appointment. If your skin is damaged/sunburnt, we will be forced to reschedule, with your original deposit being forfeit and a new one required.
- Please do not pre-shave unless instructed to do so. I will shave you at the appointment.
- Please note that I cannot tattoo over eczema or psoriasis, wounds of any kind, raised skin blemishes like a mole, or other damaged skin.
- If you have any medical conditions or take medication, consult with your doctor before setting up your appointment. These conditions can affect how your body receives the tattoo as well as the healing process.
What to wear:
- Back: Zip or button up shirt. It can be worn backwards to access the back.
- Arms: Tank top or loose fitting t-shirt. If the tattoo is going on to the shoulder, a cami strap can be pulled down under the arm.
- Chest: Halter or cami tops that can be pulled down.
- Ribs/Stomach: Zip or button up shirt that can be pulled open. A bikini top that can be untied works great.
- Thighs: Bikini bottoms that can be untied or loose fitting shorts that can be pulled up
- Lower legs: Loose pants that can pulled up or shorts
- Feet: This area is best to get tattooed from late spring into early fall. Flip flops or open shoes are the best to wear during the healing process. Heavy or tight shoes can be very uncomfortable and cause issues with healing.
Please note: This is a private studio not open to the public. Your privacy is of the utmost importance to me, and there is no danger of exposing yourself to random strangers.
What to bring:
- A valid government-issued ID. This is the most important! No ID = no tattoo = forfeit deposit.
- Snacks! I have some at the studio, but please feel free to bring your own. But NO TREE NUTS! I am deathly allergic. Peanuts are fine, though
- Non-alcoholic beverages. I offer water and coffee, but you may bring whatever you like. Just no alcohol.
- For longer sessions, we can take a break to eat. I have a microwave and fridge, so you can either bring a meal, or have something delivered/brought in.
- A blanket. I can’t provide one for sanitary reasons, but having one with you is amazing.
- Distractions are a great way to get through a tattoo. Books, a Nintendo switch, crochet, a tablet to work on, etc. You can throw on some earbuds and listen to music, a podcast, or audiobook. I also have a TV with Netflix available so you can rewatch or get caught up on your latest show.
- Up to one (1) Emotional Support Human of your choosing.
Aftercare
Upon completion, your tattoo will be cleaned and bandaged. I typically use a derm shield. It’s like a breathable sticker that you leave on for an extended period of time. Alternatively, I can use a non-stick bandage that is left on overnight.
For the Recovery Derm Shield:
- Recovery Derm is a latex-free, transparent film adhesive bandage. It eliminates scabbing and reduces the risk of scarring, while preventing exposure to bacteria, dirt, and abrasion. Derm shield is waterproof, but permeable to allow skin perspiration.
- While the Derm is waterproof, it should not be soaked in water. This will loosen the adhesive prematurely.
- It is perfectly normal and expected for fluids and excess ink to collect under the film. It’s going to look disgusting. But once the bandage comes off, everything will look ok. Black and grey tattoos are less traumatizing to the skin and will have less leakage, whereas color pieces will cause more fluids to build up under the film. DO NOT MESS WITH THE POCKETS OF FLUID!
- I usually recommend the derm shield be left on for 24 hours. Once the appropriate time has passed, wash your hands, then gently peel off the film. Starting at the bottom, pull straight down, not perpendicular from the body. It’s very similar to taking a Command strip off a wall. I recommend removing it under warm, running water; either in the shower or a clean sink. You can do it dry, but it’s a lot more uncomfortable.
- Once the film is off, gently clean the area with a mild soap and pat dry. I typically use Dial Gold or Dr. Bs, but any similar soap will work. Once it’s clean and dry, let the skin breathe for about 20 minutes.
- Re-apply a second derm shield. To do so, peel off the white paper backing, exposing the adhesive. Press the derm adhesive-side down onto the tattoo. It’s easiest to start in the middle of the tattoo and work your way to the edge. Once the film is on your skin, remove the top layer of the film (with the black crosses/plus signs).
- After 5 days, remove the bandage the same way you did the first, then apply a thin layer of unscented lotion. Continue applying lotion 2-3 times a day for the next week.
- 3-4 days after you remove the film the final time, the tattoo will begin to look crusty then start peeling. This is normal. DO NOT PICK AT IT!
PLEASE NOTE: While the Derm shield is amazing for the healing process, it’s not for everyone. Occasionally someone will have an allergic reaction to the adhesive. You’ll know there’s an issue if the skin around the edge of the Derm becomes excessively red and irritated, feels like it’s burning, or becomes very itchy. If any of these symptoms occur, remove the Derm immediately following the directions above. Do not re-apply. Follow the healing instructions below instead.
Without the derm shield:
- You’ll be sent home with a non-stick bandage. Try to leave this on overnight,as it will soak up the drainage from the fresh tattoo.
- Remove the bandage in the morning, gently clean the area with a mild soap, and pat dry. I typically use Dial Gold or Dr. Bs, but any similar soap will work.
- Once it’s clean and dry, let the skin breathe for about 20 minutes. Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion.
- Clean and apply the lotion mid-day and then again before bed. Repeat this process for the next 3 days, reducing application to twice a day for the next 2 weeks.
- Your tattoo will ooze for the first 24-48 hours. Be mindful of what clothes you wear over the area. They should be nice and loose so the oozing doesn’t stain them.
- Try your best not to sleep on the fresh tattoo.
What to avoid during the healing process:
- Your tattoo should not be submerged in water for a minimum of 4 weeks after your appointment. Showering is fine. Keep the area clean, just no soaking.
- During the first 4 weeks you should also avoid direct sunlight and sunscreen.
- Avoid activities that would cause excessive sweating, as it can attract dirt and other irritants.
- Do your best to avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing around the healing tattoo, as it will cause discomfort and impede the healing process.