Tattoo Preparation & Aftercare

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Preparing for Your Tattoo Session

To ensure the best possible tattoo experience and healing process, follow these guidelines:

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What You Should Do Before Your Appointment:

• Stay Hydrated – Drink at least 1-2 liters of water per day leading up to your appointment. Hydrated skin heals better and withstands longer sessions.

• Get Proper Rest – A good night’s sleep is crucial. Avoid partying or drinking the night before. Getting tattooed while hungover is not fun for either of us.

• Eat Before Your Session – A big tattoo session is a major physical demand on your body. Eat a nutritious meal beforehand to help with pain management and prevent fainting.

• Bring Snacks & Drinks – You may not have time to leave and return during short breaks. I have a microwave and fridge available in the studio. Snacks that are easy to eat with one hand are ideal.

• Notify Me of Any Injuries – If you break a bone or have a major injury before your session, please let me know as soon as possible.

What You Should Avoid Before Your Appointment:

• No Tanning or Sunburns – Avoid sun exposure, fake tans, and chemical peels on the tattoo area for at least one month before your session.

• No Major Skin Damage – Any cuts, scrapes, or abrasions in the area to be tattooed can delay your appointment.

• No Intense Workouts – Avoid heavy lifting or excessive exercise on or near the tattoo area at least two days before to prevent unnecessary swelling and soreness.

Day of Your Appointment

• Do Not Bring Anyone With You – No guests will be allowed in the studio during your session.

• No Children or Babies – For safety reasons, please do not bring young children to your appointment.

• Dress Comfortably – Be prepared for temperature changes. If you’ll be removing your shoes, bring socks or flip-flops to wear while walking around the studio.

• Bring Entertainment – Feel free to bring an iPod, iPad, laptop, or other device with headphones to keep yourself entertained.

• Don’t Schedule Anything Immediately After – Sessions can sometimes run longer than expected, so keep your schedule flexible.

• No Numbing Products – Please do not apply numbing cream to the area before your appointment.

• Do Not Arrive Under the Influence – No drugs or alcohol before your session.

During Your Tattoo Session

• Do Not Touch Your Tattoo – Avoid touching the fresh tattoo during the session to prevent cross-contamination.

• Respect the Work Area – Do not touch any tattoo equipment or the artist’s workspace.

• Be Mindful When Talking – Talking is fine, but avoid talking with your hands, nodding your head, or moving excessively as this can affect the tattoo process.

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Tattoo Aftercare

What You’ll Need:

• Unscented antibacterial soap (Dial is recommended).

• Unscented, mild lotion (to be applied when the tattoo starts feeling dry).

• SPF 30+ sunscreen (for protection after healing).

• Clean, white paper towels (for drying).

• Clean sheets and bedding (keep pets away while healing).

Initial Cleaning & Wrapping Process (Day 1)

1. Keep the bandage on for 6 hours after your session.

2. First Cleaning – Wash your hands, then gently clean your tattoo with cold water and Dial unscented antibacterial foam soap. Do not scrub—gently rinse off ink, plasma, and bandage residue.

3. Let the tattoo air dry for 5-10 minutes before rewrapping.

4. Repeat Cleaning & Wrapping – Every 6 hours until the morning after your tattoo session.

Ongoing Aftercare (Morning after new tattoo- Day 3)

• Remove the bandage in the morning ,Do Not Rewrap Again for the remainder of healing process* and continue washing with cold water and Dial soap every 6 hours.

• Let the tattoo air dry completely before applying anything.

• Only if the tattoo starts feeling really dry, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion. Use just enough to lightly coat the area—do not overapply.

Healing Phase (Days 4-14)

• Continue washing every 6 hours with unscented antibacterial soap.

• Apply a thin layer of lotion if the tattoo feels dry or tight.

• Your tattoo will begin to flake and peel like a sunburn—this is normal. Do not pick, scratch, or peel your tattoo.

General Healing Guidelines

• Avoid Soaking the Tattoo – No baths, swimming, or saunas until fully healed (4-6 weeks).

• Avoid Heavy Exercise – Limit workouts for the first 2-3 days to prevent excessive sweating and irritation.

• Protect from Sun Exposure – Avoid direct sunlight for 4-6 weeks. After healing, always use SPF 30+ sunscreen to prevent fading.

• Do Not Use Spray Tan or Self-Tanner – Wait until your tattoo is fully healed.

• Avoid Tight Clothing – Loose, breathable clothing is best to prevent irritation.

For Leg & Foot Tattoos:

• Minimize walking/standing for at least three days to prevent excessive swelling.

• If swelling occurs, elevate your leg and take Advil as needed.

 

 

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