Tattoo Prep + Aftercare

Prepare for your Tattoo

  • Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your tattoo. Alcohol thins your blood and causes unwanted bleeding.

  • Make sure to get a good night sleep, we know you’ll be excited, but try your best.

  • Be sure to eat a full meal and drink lots of fluids before your appointment.

  • Wear black or dark coloured comfy clothing that you do not mind potentially getting ink on.

  • Bring snacks and drinks.

  • If you need a comfort human, feel free to bring one with you.

  • Do not be afraid to ask any questions you may have before, during and after the tattoo process.

Tattoo Aftercare

THE DAYS AFTER

  • We recommend leaving the second skin (Sandiem) on for 3 days. You are welcome to leave it one for up to 5 days as long as the seal is not broken and no outside contaminants got under it.

  • While the second skin is on you do not need to worry about the tattoo. It is water proof so showers are fine. Try not to submerge the tattoo, even with the second skin on.

  • When taking off the second skin, we recommend doing it at night while in the shower. Start by slowly peeling off the second skin. Do not rip it off like a bandaid as that could cause more trauma to the skin and pull out ink.

  • Once the second skin if off, let the the water run over the tattoo and use a clean finger to gently rub off any residue left on the tattoo. Do not use any soap at this stage.

  • After the tattoo is clean, gently pat dry with a clean towel or preferably, paper towel.

  • Let the tattoo sit out overnight. Do not put any lotion or ointment on, let it dry overnight.

  • In the morning, clean your tattoo with cold water and a little antibacterial soap. Pat dry and put on a small amount of lotion or ointment. LESS IS MORE. You want your tattoo to breathe.

  • When the tattoo reaching the scab/peeling phase, DO NOT PICK AT IT!!! Instead slap it with a clean hand or apply a small amount of lotion.

  • If you notice anytime throughout the healing process redness or tenderness we recommend using Bactine, an antibacterial spray. Spray the tattoo and let sit for three minutes. Then run the tattoo under cold water to clean it. Pat dry. Continue this process until the redness is gone, no more than three times a day.

    If this is your first tattoo we recommend following these instruction as closely as possible. If you are a tattoo veteran with beautifully healed tattoos, follow your process. Every body heals differently. You will find what works best for you with each new tattoo.

Best practices for healing a beautiful tattoo

  • Always clean your sheets before going to bed with a fresh tattoo.

  • Avoid direct sunlight to your fresh tattoo. Do not go into the lake, pool, or hot tub for at least one - two weeks after your tattoo appointment.

  • Only use unscented lotions, no essential oils.

  • Always use clean hands when touching your tattoo.

  • Depending where your tattoo is, avoid tight clothing that could chafe the tattoo.

  • Avoid the gym or any strenuous activity for at least five days post tattoo.

  • If you notice the second skin peeling up early, DO NOT WORRY. Just follow the second skin removal process and start the aftercare process early, it will not affect the healing of the tattoo.

PRODUCTS WE RECOMMEND:

  • Bactine to fight off any signs of infection.

  • Cocount oil, shea butter, Aveno unscented, Hemp lotion unscented, A&D ointment, Aquafor, kids Polysporin

  • Only use lotion when the tattoo feels tight or itchy.