Thank you for being tattooed by me, or thank you for thinking of having me do so!
However remember I am an artist, not a dermatologist! If in your aftercare process, something seems wrong, painful or uncomfortable that is not addressed here, please let me know immediately as well as contact your doctor and/or dermatologist. Now, onto my free advice!
Keep your tattoo clean. Between 2hours-24hours (artist’s preference) after your tattoo was finished and wrapped in a bandage, you should wash your hands, unwrap your tattoo, wash it with Unscented Liquid Antibacterial soap and hot water, then rinse with cold water. DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO TOUCH YOUR NEW TATTOO, AND YOU DONT EITHER UNLESS YOUVE WASHED YOUR HANDS.
Do NOT use ANYTHING to wash your tattoo with other than your CLEAN HANDS.
Pat your tattoo dry with a paper towel. Do NOT use ANY MATERIAL to dry your tattoo with other than CLEAN PAPER TOWELS. Bath towels, kitchen towels, wash cloths, etc all leave fibers behind that can get your new tattoo infected.
Let your tattoo AIR DRY for a minimum 20min, you want to wait however long it takes for your skin to completely dry before applying lotion. Your tattoo will feel “tight” when it’s dry, kinda like how your skin feels when you get a sunburn.
Apply a SMALL amount of Aquaphor to your tattoo, rubbing it gently into your tattoo plus the area directly around it. A good rule of thumb here is that for every palm-sized area of skin that’s been tattooed, you should apply a pea-sized amount of lotion.
DO NOT RECOVER YOUR TATTOO. Obviously, you can wear normal clothes and socks and shoes. You want to lean more towards natural, loose fitting fabrics as the #1 thing your tattoo needs to heal the quickest and the best is OXYGEN.
DO NOT SCRATCH OR PICK AT YOUR NEW TATTOO. It’s gonna itch. Deal with that now so you don’t waste the artist’s time and your money by ruining what you just put yourself through pain for. Best solution: pat your tattoo like it’s a weave to stop the itching.
It's simple, don't fuck it up!
THINGS TO AVOID:
Do not pick, scratch, peel, slap, rub or irritate your tattoo.
You can shower, but you may not soak your tattoo for 2 weeks. No swimming, soaking or hot tub.
You may not expose your tattoo to the sun for at least 3 weeks, after that you must use sun block.
Do not wear abrasive materials, jewelry, or shoes that rub against your tattoo.
Do not let anyone touch your tattoo unless they wash their hands.
Beware of gym equipment, wash it well before using it.
Don't be an idiot take care of your tattoo.
Tattoo prices vary based on size, complexity, location on the body, and the artist’s experience. Small tattoos might start at a minimum charge, while larger, intricate designs can cost significantly more
Pain levels depend on the individual and the tattoo’s placement. Areas with more nerve endings (like ribs, feet, or inner arms) tend to be more sensitive. Most people describe it as a tolerable discomfort rather than intense pain
Ensure you’re well-hydrated, well-rested, and have eaten before your appointment. Avoid alcohol, drugs, and caffeine 24 hours before, as they can thin your blood, making the process more difficult.
Initial healing takes about 2-3 weeks, but full healing can take a few months. Your artist will provide aftercare instructions for optimal healing
Yes, but it depends on the scar’s age, type, and location. Fresh scars are not ideal for tattooing, while older, fully healed scars can often be tattooed successfully. Consult with your artist to determine the best approach
Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed. For instance, a sleeveless shirt for an arm tattoo or shorts for a leg tattoo. Make sure you’re comfortable for an extended period as some sessions can last hours.