BeFore + After Session

 

Before you come in!

  • Numbing cream has gotten increasingly popular these days. Please do NOT arrive with any on your skin without talking to me first. I have very particular rules about what I’m willing to work with. Adding numbing cream to the mix of getting tattooed is an unpredictable variable that can affect the tattooing AND healing process. Showing up with an unknown cream applied will forfeit your appointment.

  • Be hydrated, inside and out! Make sure you're drinking water! Moisturizing the area with lotion the week or so before your appointment is great, though don't apply anything the day of. Both of these help your skin arrive in the best condition to be tattooed.

  • Eat a full meal. I know nerves can make this difficult but it's much harder to be tattooed on an empty stomach. Bring a couple snacks and bottled drink if you're coming for a longer session.

  • Wear something comfortable that makes the tattoo area easy to access and you don't mind potentially being stained by ink. If you have any questions or concerns about privacy or what to wear, please don't hesitate to ask! I have plenty of suggestions for all tattoo placements and want my clients to feel as cozy as possible.

  • BRING CASH! This is my preferred method of payment. I try to always give an estimate of cost ahead of your appointment so that you can be prepared. I also accept Zelle if you have it. Paypal is for deposits only. There’s an ATM at the sports bar next door if needed.

  • Bring headphones if you’d like to listen to your own media, I’m not offended! I am happy to chat as much or as little as my clients like. Sometimes I’ll get pretty focused and quiet myself, but I am here for you the whole time!

 

AFTER YOUR SESSION

  • Go get some rest and some food! Take it easy. Ibuprofen and light icing is totally okay if you feel the need. You're rocking a delightful fresh WOUND, don't forget to treat it as such. If you have ANY questions or concerns please email me or DM me straight away.

  • No water submerging for 2~ weeks! Showers are fine but no lakes/pools/hot tubs/etc until healed. Avoid lots of direct sun right away. No picking!! No scratching! No shaving! Working out is fine but be cautious in public gyms where it can get germy.

  • Sunscreen is your tattoo's best friend once it's healed! You spent a lot of time and money to get your beautiful work, so don't get wet and wild in the sun without caring for it. Regular lotion is good always!

    I send most of my clients home wrapped with Derm Shield, unless they prefer otherwise. I recommend leaving the bandage on for 4-5 days. An accumulation of ink and fluids is totally normal!! If the seal of the bandage becomes compromised you have to address it! If stuff can get out, stuff can get in! Yuck! Small leaks can be cleaned and patched with the sticky part of a band-aid or medical tape. Larger leaks mean early removal. If you've got to remove it within the first 24 hours, you can reapply a new piece or refer to non-derm healing methods below. Clean thoroughly and air dry before reapplying, leaving at least one inch excess border all around the tattoo.

    You can buy various brands of derm bandages online and usually find tegaderm in the band-aid section in most store pharmacy sections. For folks getting tattooed regularly, it can be handy to keep some of the bandage at home!

    To remove the bandage:
    Best removed at the end of a hot shower. Slowly peel bandage back from the edges onto itself, kind of like a command strip. Take your time!! It’s a strong adhesive and might take more than a few minutes. If you’re having trouble, a small amount of coconut oil may help. Once you’ve gotten the bandage off, wash your tattoo well and moisturize when you’re out of the shower.

    If you choose not to use derm or need to remove early:

    Wash your tattoo 3-5 times a day for 3-4 days with liquid unscented soap (Dial Gold, Dr. Bronner's) - no bar soap, no body wash. Wash thoroughly with damp paper towel and warm water. Let it air dry or pat dry with paper towel. After the first day apply a small amount of ointment (shea/cocoa butter, aquaphor) to your tattoo and rub in thoroughly - you want it to be able to breathe still, don't suffocate it.

    Before you go to bed, wash and wrap securely with plastic wrap. Use medical tape, if needed. This will prevent any sticking to sheets/clothing/etc while sleeping. Do this for 2-3 nights. Wash it right away in the morning - it might look a bit gross with blood, ink and plasma but that's normal. If you want to wrap it through the day, make sure you wash and change it every 4-5 hours. Otherwise just keep clothing off it as much as you can. If you will be performing activities where you'll get hot n sweaty, do not keep it wrapped during or you could get a heat rash.

    Within the week it should start peeling like a sunburn. Don't pick or scratch. Slap it if you need to! Let it peel naturally. If there is any scabbing, baby it. Don't let anything peel off too early or it could damage the tattoo. At this point (3-4 days from getting the piece) you can wash 1-2 times a day and switch to an unscented lotion like aveeno or lubriderm. Once it's all peeled and smooth again you're good to go!