Getting a new tattoo can be exciting, nerve-wracking, and sometimes painful. Here are a few things to keep in mind before your appointment that will help you feel prepared and help your body through the experience
Make sure you are well hydrated for your appointment - hydrated skin heals faster and better! Exfoliate and moisturize the area the week before your tattoo to help it tolerate the experience and bounce back
Don't drink any alcohol or take NSAID painkillers 24 hours before your appointment
Dress appropriately for the area you are getting tattooed. A good option for tattoos on the torso/back/chest is a button down shirt worn open or backwards. A bikini or jockstrap can be worn for tattoos in intimate areas
Sleep well and eat a substantial meal before coming in. You may bring snacks and sugary drinks during your appointment to help maintain your blood sugar
You are welcome to bring a blanket, book, or a friend to ease your nerves and make you more comfortable. I like to chitchat while I tattoo my clients but if you would like a quiet space to relax and focus, please don't hesitate to ask me!
If you're getting tattooed on a muscle, it can help to stretch and massage the muscle beforehand to prevent twitching and cramping, especially in the legs
Protect your skin from sun and damage before your appointment as well as after - I will not tattoo sunburned or damaged skin and we will reschedule the appointment
DEPOSITS: All appointments require a non-refundable deposit to book. This deposit will be applied towards the price of your tattoo. If we are working on a large scale project, you may roll your deposit from one session to the next. If you need to reschedule and aren't sure when you will be available again, I will hold your deposit on the books for one year from the original date to apply to a future appointment
CANCELLATIONS/NO-SHOWS: If you are feeling sick/having an emergency/unable to make it to your appointment, please reach out to me ASAP to find a time to reschedule. I require 48 HOURS NOTICE or your deposit will be forfeit, and you will have to put down a new deposit to book again. If you fail to provide notice, you will be considered NCNS (No Call, No Show) and your deposit price will increase. Repeated NCNS behavior will result in blacklisting
LATE ARRIVAL: Please arrive on time to your appointment. If you are anticipating arriving late, please reach out to me ASAP to let me know. If you are more than 30 minutes late to your appointment without contacting me, you will be considered a NCNS and your deposit will be forfeit
DESIGN AND EDITS: I do not send designs before your appointment. When you come in for your appointment, I will show you the design and we can discuss any amendments/edits at that time. If you happen to change your mind on the design or placement, this will affect the price and appointment length, and the appointment may need to be rebooked and deposit adjusted. I am available for in-person and video consultations and may request that we set up a free consultation appointment to discuss your design more specifically with me before booking
TOUCH UPS: If your tattoo needs a touch up, I offer them free within a year of your appointment with a few exceptions. I do not offer free touch ups on hands, fingers, feet, or neck/face tattoos
ZERO TOLERANCE: I have a zero tolerance policy for hateful, abusive, or discriminatory speech or actions in my space. I will not tattoo minors. I will not tattoo anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol. I reserve the right to refuse service to anyone at any time for any reason
DERMSHIELD/TEGADERM: This is a breathable adhesive latex-free bandage which you may keep on for up to a week - I usually recommend between 2-5 days. It is not suitable for all tattoos/locations/skin types. If there are any leaks/rips in the bandage, if you develop redness/itching in the area, or if it peels back to expose any portion of the tattoo, remove it promptly and resume your care traditionally. It is normal for fluid and ink to gather under the bandage in a bubble, and some will reabsorb into your skin. When you're ready to remove it, do so in the shower. Find a corner and gently peel it back by folding it over itself. Do not pull the bandage upwards. Wash it with a mild unscented soap and water and air dry or pat dry with a paper towel. Follow up with a THIN layer of white unscented lotion/moisturizer. Wash and protect your tattoo daily for the first 2 weeks. It will be fully healed in 4-6 weeks
TRADITIONAL HEALING: After 2 hours or whenever you're home for the day, remove the bandage placed on your tattoo. Wash it gently with warm water and a mild unscented soap until it feels matte and no longer slick. Pat it dry with paper towel or let it air dry. For the first 3 days, follow up with a THIN layer of coconut oil/A&D ointment after washing. After that, follow up with a THIN layer of your unscented white lotion/moisturizer of choice. Wash and protect your tattoo daily for the first 2 weeks. It will be fully healed in 4-6 weeks
For large pieces or color pieces: do not apply any ointment or moisturizer to your tattoo for the first 24 hours. Then continue with your aftercare as normal. While washing you may wish to soak a paper towel in water as hot as you can handle and then press it on your tattoo once clean. This will help soothe the tissues and prevent the formation of scabs. This is especially helpful in areas that are being irritated frequently (being rubbed on clothes, stretching a lot like the ditch of the elbow)
Keep your tattoo out of the sun, as UV rays damage the integrity of the ink. No tanning for 4-6 weeks. You may apply sunscreen to your tattoo once healed 3-4 weeks
Do not swim or bathe for 4-6 weeks to avoid risk of infection. Showering is fine
Do not work out for 4-6 weeks. Working out may cause damage to the design and migration of ink under the skin
Do not pick or scratch at the tattoo. Do not peel skin flakes. It may be itchy while it is healing - gently slapping the area or fanning it can sometimes help to alleviate the sensation. Washing and re-moisturizing is another effective solution
Avoid wearing tight clothes or clothes that rub the area, especially during the first 2 weeks
Getting and healing a tattoo is a unique experience for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns about your tattoo and its healing, you can reach out to me via email anytime or in-person