+ How to prepare for your tattoo appoitment

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment. Hydrated skin is more pliable and can help with the healing process.

Get a good night's sleep: Prioritize restful sleep before your tattoo session. Being well-rested can help reduce discomfort and improve your overall experience.

Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications: Alcohol and blood-thinning medications can increase bleeding during the tattooing process, leading to complications. It's best to avoid them for at least 24 hours before getting a tattoo.

Moisturize your skin: Keep your skin moisturized leading up to your appointment. Well-hydrated skin is more supple and easier to work on. Use a fragrance-free lotion or moisturizer to prevent any potential skin irritations.

Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds: Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure and tanning beds, as they can damage your skin and cause complications during the healing process. If you have a tan, it's advisable to wait until it fades before getting a tattoo.

Avoid excessive exfoliation: Refrain from using harsh exfoliants or scrubs on the area where you plan to get the tattoo. These can irritate the skin and make it more sensitive. Gentle exfoliation is fine.

Avoid shaving the area: Only shave the area if you’re very comfortable and used to shaving that area. Otherwise, let your tattoo artist handle any necessary shaving or hair removal before the session. Shaving can cause small cuts or irritation, making the tattooing process more uncomfortable. If the area has longer hair (more than an ¾ inch, please trim the hair before the appointment.

Wear comfortable clothing: Choose loose-fitting and comfortable clothing on the day of your tattoo appointment. This will allow easy access to the area being tattooed and ensure that the tattoo isn't irritated by tight or restrictive clothing.

Eat a balanced meal before your appointment: Make sure to have a nutritious meal before your tattoo session to maintain your energy levels. This will help you feel more comfortable and reduce the risk of lightheadedness or fainting.

+ How to take care of your tattoo

Congratulations on your new tattoo! Proper aftercare is crucial to ensure that your tattoo heals correctly and maintains its appearance for years to come. While aftercare instructions may differ from studio to studio, it's best to follow best practices for wound care as recommended by dermatologists. Here are some instructions to help you take care of your new ink:

I use Ultraderm, a transparent bandage that you should leave on for up to 5 days. You may shower with it and wear clothes over it, but do not rub it or apply any products to that area.

Avoid swimming, hot tubs, or soaking in water for at least two weeks, including baths and long showers.

Avoid direct sunlight or tanning beds on your tattoo for at least two weeks.

Avoid wearing tight or restrictive clothing over the tattoo. Choose loose, comfortable clothing that won't rub or irritate the tattoo.

On the 5th day, remove the bandage slowly. Do not rip it off like a bandaid! While it may not be fun to peel off slowly, it's important.

Wash the area with soapy water, rinse, and pat dry.

Do not pick or scratch the tattoo. It is normal for it to scab or peel, but do not pull off any scabs or flakes. This could lead to scarring or ink loss.

After the bandage is removed, keep the tattoo clean and moisturized until it feels like normal skin again. Use a gentle moisturizer, preferably fragrance-free and unmedicated.

If you experience any pain, swelling, or redness around the tattoo, or if the tattoo becomes infected, contact your tattoo artist and doctor.

It's important to note that some people can experience an allergic reaction to medical adhesives. If you notice the border of the Ultraderm getting red and itchy, remove the bandage (slowly) before the 5 days is up and message your tattoo artist. Keep the tattoo clean, pat dry, and use pure petroleum jelly (ingredient: petrolatum), such as Vaseline, throughout the day as often as needed to keep it protected.

Vaseline acts as a second skin, in the form of a jelly. It's an inert substance, and rarely anyone has allergic reactions to petrolatum. It's commonly used in the medical field to aid in wound healing. Make sure the tattoo is first CLEAN and DRY before applying the Vaseline.

Once the tattoo feels like normal skin, switch to a moisturizer.

Remember, proper aftercare is essential for your new tattoo to heal properly and maintain its appearance. Your tattoos should be moisturized and protected from the sun with SPF FOREVER! Follow these instructions, and your tattoo will look great for years to come! If your tattoo fades (as is more common with fineline tattoos) contact your artist for a touchup.