Planning for your new tattoo

I encourage you to bring in reference images when you make your initial appointment. The reference will allow me to visualize the type of look you want for your tattoo and allow us to converse about the possibilities for your new piece of art. Please keep in mind that I work with your reference images to ensure your tattoo will flow with your body. Thus, it is not always desirable to replicate an exact image. I will work with you to decide on tattoo design and placement and to ensure that your new tattoo will look its best. 

If you don’t have a reference image, don’t worry. We can discuss your ideas and work together to create an appealing design that fits your budget.

The day of your appointment

·  Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before and after your tattoo appointment. This promotes healthy skin which equates to a better healing process. Keep in mind that coffee, soda, energy drinks, etc. will dehydrate your body.

·  Eat. Healthy, good-quality food can aid in a positive healing process. It will also keep your blood sugar high enough during the tattoo application to help keep you from fainting. It is a good idea to bring a snack with you as well in case you begin feeling light headed during the appointment.

Tattoo aftercare

· Always wash your hands before touching your new tattoo. Remember, a tattoo is a type of wound and the best thing you can do to promote an effective healing process is to take care of your body and your new tattoo. Do everything you can to avoid contaminating it.

·  Leave the initial bandage on the new tattoo for a minimum of 2 hours. When you remove the bandage, wash the tattoo with warm water and a mild, dye-free, perfume-free soap.

·  You will need to apply lotion to your healing tattoo 3-4 times per day. I suggest using Aquafor until the tattoo begins to peel. After the peeling process begins use a mild, dye-free, perfume-free lotion, such as Aveeno. RUB IN your lotion. It is going to be a little sore so rub gently. Don’t overdo the lotion. Remember, less is more.

·   Wash your tattoo a couple times a day, such as in the morning and at night, for the first few days. Pat dry – don’t rub. Apply lotion after the tattoo is completely dry.

·   Typical healing time is 2 weeks. Keep yourself healthy and hydrated for a faster, more effective heal.

Don’t do it 

DO NOT (UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES)…

·  pick or scratch at your new tattoo. It will itch and you will be tempted to peel off dead skin. Don’t do it. Picking and scratching pulls out the pigment and will leave your new tattoo looking dull and lifeless. It also increases your chance of infection.

·   soak your tattoo. Avoid bathtubs, jacuzzis, pools, oceans, lakes, bays, rivers, waterparks, (you get the picture). Normal showering is fine, but do not immerse your healing tattoo in water for any length of time.

·   expose your tattoo to direct sunlight. If you are going outside, cover your tattoo. After your tattoo is healed, be sure to apply sunblock to ensure that color is not lost due to sun fading. This includes tanning beds. Tanning beds kill tattoos, healed or otherwise.