Before & After Care

Proper preparation is paramount!

Three Weeks Before Your Tattoo

Prioritize hydration and self-care! Maintain a healthy diet and drink lots of water in the weeks before your tattoo appointment. This is also a great time to begin moisturizing the area we’ve agreed to tattoo on a regular basis. Also, take time to moisturize other spots of your body you’ve been neglecting.

One Week Before Your Tattoo

Hydrate! Take care of your body. If you haven’t been drinking enough water, set a daily intention to drink at least three large glasses of water. Do your best, and keep in mind, that every sip counts. Eat healthy and make sure to get enough sleep each night. Please don’t drink or partake in any drugs leading up to your appointment.

The Day of Your Tattoo

Please remember to drink a large glass of water the morning of your tattoo and eat a healthy meal before arriving! Even for small tattoos – arriving at your appointment hydrated, well-fed, and well-rested means the world to me, and your skin will accept to ink better.

Hydrating and eating before getting a tattoo is essential for several reasons:

Hydration ensures that your body is adequately moisturized, making your skin more receptive to the ink. (Dehydrated skin can be more difficult to tattoo, and proper hydration promotes a smoother and more effective tattooing process.)

Eating before a tattoo is crucial for your overall well-being during the session. It helps stabilize blood sugar levels -- preventing potential dizziness or lightheadedness -- during the tattooing process. 

Since tattooing is a minor medical procedure, having food in your stomach provides energy and contributes to a more comfortable experience. Even for smaller tattoos, eating beforehand is recommended to support your body through the session.

How to work together to ensure your satisfied

For the most optimal experience and the finest artwork tailored to you, consider the following personalized tips:

Prepare Yourself - Nurture your skin, body, and mind. Hydrate, eat well and embark on this journey with a positive mindset.

Solo Session - Immerse yourself in the experience by coming alone to your session. This ensures a focused environment, allowing us to create a masterpiece unique to you. You will get my best work if you come alone.

Embrace Stillness - Remain comfortably still during the tattooing process. This contributes to a smoother and more enjoyable experience for you.

Open Communication - Your well-being is important. Please communicate if you are feeling unwell or need anything during the session. Your comfort is a priority.

Breaks Are Welcome - Don't hesitate to ask for a quick break. This experience is about you. A five-minute breather is no problem!

Your comfort and confidence matter to me, and I understand the significance of a permanent choice. It's essential that you love your tattoo from day one. If you find any aspect of the design not to your liking on the day of your tattoo, changes can be made. 

* Although solo sessions are encouraged, you may bring a friend for support. Please ask them to be mindful because this is a permanent medical procedure.

** Making changes to your design on the day of may be done with an additional charge based on the time required for adjustments.

How to enjoy your time tattooing with me.

Entertainment - Bring a captivating book or set up your favorite show on your device (when positioning allows).

Sounds - Curate a playlist of your favorite tunes or enjoy a podcast. Music can be a soothing backdrop to your tattoo experience. (We can broadcast on my in-house speaker, or you can bring your own earpods)

Conversation - I’m always happy to engage with you! Whether you want to talk about life in general, the arts, family, or current events.

Breathing/Prayer- Practice deep breathing techniques to center yourself. Inhale positivity, exhale any tension.

Visualize the Final Art - Envision the completed tattoo. Focus on the significance the design holds for you! Positive visualization has been proven to enhance overall well-being and happiness.

I encourage you to select the activities that resonate with your comfort and let them complement your journey. Above all, I want you to feel safe and confident in receiving your newest ink.

What to avoid for a happy healthy tattoo.

Thank you for trusting me to bring your tattoo vision to life! Knowing what to avoid can help with your healing process.

No Soaking - Refrain from soaking your tattoo in water! Prolonged exposure to water can cause bacteria and irritation.

No Swimming -  Keep away from swimming activities. Chlorine and salt dry out your skin and cause ink to blister, flake, and fall out of your beautiful new tattoo.

No Alcohol - Alcohol can thin your blood, impair your immune system and dehydrate your skin. All of which can lead to increased bleeding, slower healing and increases the risk of infection.

Sun Protection - Avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning activities to protect your new ink. UV rays cause swelling and color fade. Do not apply sunscreen to your tattoo. Treat it as an open wound. If you must be in the sun wear loose clothing to cover your tattoo until it’s healed.

Comfortable Attire - Opt for loose clothing in order to allow your new tattoo to breathe. Tight clothes create friction and cause sweating. This means unhealthy bacteria!

Mindful Shaving - Refrain from shaving on or near your tattoo until it is completely healed. (approximately 4-6 weeks)

Hands Off - Resist the urge to scratch or pick at your tattoo.

It is essential not to use petroleum-based products on your tattoo, as they can hinder the healing process by preventing the tattoo from breathing. Also, avoid antibiotic ointments designed for infection control. Using these ointments may pull out ink and compromise the integrity of your tattoo.

How to care for your ink.

In the days, weeks, and months following your fresh tattoo, proper care is not only critical, it’s fun! Whether we use Saniderm bandage on your tattoo or let it dance freely, your tattoo deserves the best care! Here are the steps you will want to follow in the days following our time together.

Treat your new art with the attention it deserves. 

1-3 Days After Your Tattoo

Start here if you choose NOT to use Saniderm. 

Prioritize your hygiene. Wash your hands before tending to your tattoo. Clean hands are essential to prevent infection and promote optimal healing. 

After a few hours, delicately remove the bandage. Expect some oozing – it is part of the process. Gently wipe it with a clean paper towel, ensuring a gentle touch.

Once the oozing subsides, treat your tattoo with care. Clean it using fragrance-free, antibacterial soap and apply a thin layer of tattoo ointment.

Pamper your new ink 2-3 times a day, always washing your hands before each cleaning and moisturization. Don’t forget to let your tattoo dry before moisturizing.

5-7 Days After Your Tattoo

This is for those who choose to use Saniderm. Those who opt out of using Saniderm can skip these next four steps and continue your daily routine from above.

1.) Take a hot shower and carefully remove the Saniderm from your skin with a downward pull. This can feel strange, but I promise your tattoo has been healing beautifully until now!

2.) Once you have peeled the bandage down and away, gently wash the tattooed area with fragrance-free, antibacterial soap and warm water. Be sure to wash away any adhesive residue.

3.) After washing, pat the tattoo dry with a clean, soft cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing, as it may irritate the sensitive skin.

Apply a thin layer of tattoo ointment. Easy does it! Too much will suffocate your porous skin. Use a recommended, tattoo-friendly ointment to keep the area moisturized. (Please ask me about this if you have any questions.)

*If the edges of your bandage begin to peel before the 5-7 day period is up, please remove the bandage in its entirety. You can take a hot shower or apply a warm washcloth to help loosen the adhesive. Pull the bandage off in a downward motion.

**Saniderm is hypoallergenic and while extremely rare, allergic reactions are possible -- especially in cases of very sensitive skin or known adhesive allergies. If you have concerns, you can always wear a small piece of Saniderm prior to your tattoo appointment.

1-4 Weeks After Your Tattoo

By this time, you have gained confidence in cleaning your new tattoo. You might notice a slight itching throughout the day. This is normal. Excessive flaking or redness means you are not cleaning and moisturizing enough. Don't stress. Everything will be okay.

1.) Continue keeping it clean! Wash the tattoo gently with mild soap and water two to three times a day. Avoid excessive scrubbing.

2.) Moisturize regularly. This aids in healing and preserves your tattoos' vibrancy. Continue applying a suitable tattoo lotion or ointment to prevent excessive dryness. 

3.) Avoid excessive sun exposure. Continue shielding your tattoo from direct sunlight, especially during the initial healing weeks. Sun exposure can fade the colors and damage the delicate skin.

Months Following Your Tattoo

Congratulations on a month of tattoo-care! These next three steps will help you keep your tattoo vibrant and healthy.

1.) Gradually transition to regular lotion. As your tattoo heals, switch to a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic lotion to keep the skin moisturized. Avoid products with harsh chemicals. (Read the ingredients)

2.) Sun protection is key. After the initial healing, use zinc oxide sunscreen on your tattoo when exposed to extended time in sunlight. UV rays can fade the tattoo over time.

3.) Watch for signs of infection. While infections are rare, monitor your tattoo for any signs of redness, swelling, or unusual discharge. If concerned, feel free to reach out to me. I’m happy to help!

Remember, every tattoo heals differently, so listen to your body and follow the specific aftercare instructions provided above.

Prioritize Yourself – On a Personal Level

To ensure your well-being, I will not proceed with your tattoo if:

Your skin is irritated from a recent sunburn or rash.

There are open wounds or cuts on the skin we will be decorating.

You are sleep-deprived from the night before.

You are hungover, drunk, or on drugs.