Leave the bandage on for a minimum of 12 hours — overnight is best. Do not exceed 24 hours. Do not peel off the bandage prematurely to peek, it will let bacteria in and increase your odds of an infection.
Take off the bandage just before you shower. Once the bandage is off, remove ALL traces of blood, ink and ointment using unscented soap and water. Lather the soap with your hands and wash the tattoo, being firm with it to ensure that the tattoo is not slimy or sticky. An improper first wash will create heavy scabbing. Ideally, you want your tattoo to peel lightly like a sunburn. If you notice excess sebum, wash it more than once a day. Do not actively wash the tattoo more than twice a day for the first 24 hours, and once a day for the remainder of the healing.
After a few days, once the tattoo feels dry, tight and itchy, begin using a light water based, unscented moisturizer. (Lubriderm, Platinum Rose or Aveeno work best.) Use only a small amount, and rub it into the tattoo very well. Do not moisturize excessively, as this may cause the scabbing to become oversaturated. The moisturizer does not heal the tattoo, your body does! The moisturizer is only to prevent your new tattoo from cracking and bleeding. Moisturize once daily — or as needed — until your tattoo is finished peeling, always allowing the tattoo to dry out before applying more moisturizer.
Do not get your new tattoo excessively wet, this means no large bodies of water, pools, baths or hot tubs until your tattoo has finished peeling. Having a shower is fine, however soaking your tattoo is not. This may cause the scabs to fall off prematurely which requires touch ups. Do NOT pick or scratch your new tattoo.
Once your tattoo is fully healed, it is always recommended to wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to prevent your tattoo from fading prematurely.
AFTER:
Please make sure you let your tattoo artist know of any medication you may be taking prior to the appointment.
Do not consume alcohol or recreational drugs 24 hours prior to your appointment.
Dress comfortably and in clothing that allows adequate access to the area that will be tattooed. The more comfortable you are, the better you will sit which is necessary for a good tattoo. We will provide nipple stickers if necessary.
Prior to your appointment, it is important to have a shower and mildly exfoliate the skin.
Stay out of the sun or avoid burns/tanning prior to your appointment as we are unable to tattoo over burns or bug bites.
Do not apply any form of lotion to the area the morning of your appointment.
We do not recommend using any form of numbing cream on the area being tattooed. If you apply any form of this, your appointment will be rescheduled and you will lose your deposit.
Tattoo appointments are NOT transferrable between people, as our artists spend a lot of time designing your tattoo.
If you have any scheduling conflicts, please contact the shop.
