It is very important to be well rested, hydrated, and fed. Bring snacks and water. Please dress in a way that allows easy access to the area being tattooed.

Feel free to bring anything that will help you feel comfortable during your session (weighted blankets, ear plugs, fidgets, etc.)

The life of your tattoo depends on the care it receives during the healing process!

Keep the bandage*** on 4 hrs to overnight.
Remove the bandage just prior to getting in the shower.
Clean the tattoo with hot water and clean hands/fingertips. The hot water will sting, but it will help remove the ointment, ink, and body fluids sitting on top of the tattoo. Lather gently with a mild or castile soap (such as Dr Bronners). Make sure the tattoo is clean and no longer slimy to the touch. Splash with cold water when done then pat dry with a CLEAN towel or paper towel.

Let your tattoo air out until the evening before applying a moisturizing product. DO NOT rebandage your tattoo. Wear loose, clean, breathable fabric over it, or leave it exposed to the air. Ice packs and ibuprofen can be used to relieve swelling and redness, especially in the first week.

Wash your hands and apply a THIN coat of clean, fragrance free lotion (1-3 times a day for at least 2 weeks) such Cetaphil, Curel Original Unscented, Aquafor, Eucerine, Coconut Oil. Always clean your hands before touching your fresh tattoo, and keep other people’s grubby mitts off!
DO NOT USE aloe, neosporin, bacitracin. The tattoo needs to heal on its own time.
DO NOT swim, sauna, or soak (especially for the first 2 weeks). Showering is ok. Your friends will probably appreciate it if you kept that part up.

In a few days, your tattoo will begin to peel/exfoliate. In the event of itchiness, SLAP the tattoo lightly. Do not scratch. Scratching a scabbing tattoo can lead to a poorly healed tattoo and carries a risk of infection (ie- dirty fingernails and exposing fresh wounds to bacteria)
Once healed (this will take 2-6 weeks), SPF 30 is your best buddy. Over-exposure to the sun will speed up the aging process of your tattoo, and make you look like a crusty ole’ sailor.

***If you have been bandaged with Tegaderm (a clear, self-adhering bandage)-
leave the bandaging on 2-4 days. You can shower during this time, just don’t soak the bandage. There will be an accumulation of fluid under the bandage. These fluids keep cells hydrated and help to break down and remove dead tissue, stimulating the growth of new cells and reducing pain. Tegaderm is breathable, which invites oxygen to the skin and eliminates bacteria growth. Tegaderm can aid in faster healing.
Remove bandage in the shower. Let the water run over it as you carefully peel the corners towards the center. This may take a minute. Be patient until one of the corners starts to lift easily. Roll with the grain of your skin. DO NOT pull up and off. This can damage the fresh tattoo.

Once healed, preserve your piece of art and always protect your tattoo with sunscreen of at least 30 SPF.

The Tattoo is Your Responsibility. Use Common Sense!
Feel free to call the shop or stop by if you have any questions.