After Care Instructions

BEFORE YOUR TATTOO APPOINTMENT:

  • Keep hydrated before and after getting tattooed

  • Always eat a good meal before the tattoo procedure. Consult with the tattoo artist about bringing food and drinks.

  • Having a good self-care protocol is great for getting tattooed. Taking daily multivitamins. Lotion skin regularly (DO NOT LOTION SKIN THE DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT). Eating healthy foods Taking an omega or oils for the integrity of your skin and accepting the pigments can help too, if you feel you have tough to dry skin.

  • Consult tattoo artist on numbing creams before tattoo appointment. Some have different opinions about it.

  • If on blood thinners please advise the tattoo artist.

  • If diabetic, please advise your tattoo artist.

  • If any medical concerns please consult with your doctor first, and then your tattoo artist.

AFTER YOUR TATTOO APPOINTMENT:

IF A TRADITIONAL BANDAGE IS UESD:

  • With clean hands, carefully remove the bandage 1 hour after your session.

  • Wash the tattoo using a non-scented antibacterial soap (ex. Liquid Dial) using your hands, with clean running water. Do not use a washcloth or paper towel. Lather soap in your hands and apply it to the tattoo washing the whole tattoo area thoroughly.

  • Rinse the tattoo thoroughly. If for any reason tattoo feels slimy or has a residue of adhesive, wash again and gently massage the area to remove it. It should feel like your natural skin. Then pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not use towels/washcloths as lint will stick to the tattoo and could cause infection.

  • After washing you will apply Aquaphor, a little bit of ointment goes a long way. Rub it in like lotion, but do not rub dry. You want a matte finish, not gloss. If too much, just dab with a clean paper towel to remove excess ointment. The idea is to allow it to breathe, not be smothered.

  • it is normal for your tattoo to seep serous fluids for the next 2-3 days. Dabbing with clean paper towel if need to, if can't wash it off, otherwise, you do not want this fluid to settle on the skin, as it can create the scabbing process and that's what we're trying to prevent. Washing tattoo is suggested

  • You will want to clean tattoo 3-4 times a day. Let it air dry for a few minutes then apply a thin layer of ointment.

  • After 3-4 days you will switch to a non-scented lotion. (Aveeno, Curel, Lubriderm, etc.) *Please check ingredients for any possible allergies. If you would like to use something different, please consult with your artist**

  • You want to keep your tattoo clean and moisturized for 3-4 wks, even if it looks healed. Your new skin needs the nourishment as it takes a month or so for the ink to settle into the skin.

  • Your tattoo can get wet but don't let shower water directly beat on it. Use hand to splash water on area of tattoo.

  • Always have clean sheets while healing a tattoo. No animals sleeping in bed while healing.

IF A TEGADERM/FIXMULL BANDAGE IS UESD:

  • For Black and grey work: leave it on for 4 days after the tattoo appointment. Remove at the end of the 4th day.

  • For Color work: leave it on for 5 days after the tattoo appointment. Remove at the end of the 5th day.

  • Your tattoo will seep under Fixomull, this does not look pretty, but completely normal. Please wear clothes that accommodate this process. Nothing restrictive or tight. The serous fluid that builds up is your own body's medicine and helps your tattoo heal faster. By 3-4 days it will seem that it is drying out. Your body takes back what it needs and leaves excess pigment on the skin. No need to worry. This is normal.

  • If for any reason it leaks, then the Fixomull healing process is compromised. You must remove Fixomull and proceed to the "traditional healing method". DO NOT rewrap with Fixomull or Tegaderm, as the tattoo is at a different stage of healing and could result in problems.

  • When removing Fixomull, peel around the edges of the bandage towards the tattoo all around first, then slowly remove by inching it off. The best results are when skin is taught. (Some say they like taking it off in the shower as the steam helps loosen the adhesive. This would mean, do it as your last step in the shower.)

  • DO NOT rip Fixomull off like a bandaid. It CAN rip the skin. Inching off is best. Some areas of the body may result in bruising removing Fixomull.

  • Try not to hyper-extend the area wearing Fixomull dressing. This will result in microscopic tearing on the edges of Fixomull adhered to the skin, you would see red lines where edges meet skin which can result in infection.

  • Wear and tear is normal with slight curling of edges, as long as the tattoo is not exposed to elements.

  • Once the bandage has been removed, let it air dry for a few minutes then apply a non-scented lotion. (Aveeno, Curel, Lubriderm, etc.) *Please check ingredients for any possible allergies. If you would like to use something different, please consult with your artist**

  • You want to keep your tattoo clean and moisturized for 3-4 wks, even if it looks healed. Your new skin needs the nourishment as it takes a month or so for the ink to settle into the skin.

  • Your tattoo can get wet but don't let shower water directly beat on it. Use hand to splash water on area of tattoo. Your Fixomul can get wet.

THINGS NOT TO DO:

  • Do not pick or scratch tattoo. (Apply lotion or wash with hot water to help itching phase). It is normal for your tattoo to itch and peel. DO NOT pick flakey skin. If it's not ready to fall off naturally, it isn't done healing. Don't touch your tattoo.

  • Wear clean clothing while healing... no linty fleece business for two weeks

  • don't wear restrictive anything (watches, necklaces, bracelets, bras, and elastics) over tattoo. Avoid for two weeks.

  • Keep tattoo out of sun for at least 2 weeks. Sunblock is suggested after two weeks. If burns, then skin is not ready. To protect the longevity of your investment, it is suggested to always use sunblock

  • No soaking in tubs, pools or jacuzzi for two weeks

  • It is suggested not to work out for two weeks due to sweating on your tattoo. Or a heat rash under Fixomull will occur and hinder healing process. So stay away from sweaty situations. Also, gyms carry germs.

  • It is not advised to go on a vacation right after tattooed. Consult with tattoo artist to work around particular variations in question.

  • Don't expose skin to sun or tanning beds prior or after tattoo procedure.

  • Do not get tattooed while pregnant or breast feeding.

  • Do not drink alcohol 48 hrs. prior to your tattoo appointment.

  • If you're sick, please reschedule. This is our livelihood and we take our work environment and homes and families health seriously.

  • *NEVER UNWRAP YOUR TATTOO OR TOUCH YOUR TATTOO WHILE IN THE TATTOO STUDIO!

  • *ALWAYS MAKE SURE HANDS ARE CLEAN WHEN CLEANING TATTOO!

  • *DON'T LET ANIMALS LICK OR BE NEAR NEW TATTOO!

  • * DON'T LET ANYONE TOUCH YOUR NEW TATTOO!

  • *DON'T TAKE YOUR FRIENDS ADVICE ON HEALING OUT YOUR TATTOO!

  • *IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED TO CLEAN TATTOO IN PUBLIC FACILITIES!

  • *NEVER RE-WRAP TATTOO!

  • If you have any complications, or any questions, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ARTIST AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

    DISCLAIMER: These guidelines are based on a vast professional experience, common sense, research and clinical practice. This is not considered a substitute for medical advice. Be aware, however, that many doctors have no specific training or experience regarding tattooing and may not be educated on how to best assist you. Further more, you may want to consult your doctor before getting a tattoo for any health concerns you may have. If you are immune compromised, it would be advised to have a doctors note saying it's ok to tattoo you.

    We are here to help you have the safest and best experience in our studio! Thank you kindly for supporting your artist and as always, be great!

    Happy Healings!