Tattoo Pre-Care
Preparing for your tattoo appointment is vital so that your tattoo has the best possible healing process. Caring for a fresh tattoo after an appointment is necessary. Unfortunately, many people don’t put the same care into getting their skin ready for the appointment, which takes a major toll on the final result. Hydrating, moisturizing, and avoiding irritation will ensure that your skin is in the best possible condition to be tattooed. Tattoo application is key, but a proper combination of both pre care and post care is just as important.
Hydrate And Moisturize Regularly Before Your Tattoo Appointment-
Be sure to drink plenty of water. Drink at least 1-2 liters a day leading up to your tattoo appointment. Properly hydrating before your tattoo appointment helps ensure that your skin is properly hydrated as well. Having properly hydrated skin is a huge factor in helping to guarantee that your tattoo will heal well. Staying hydrated will also help you to withstand longer tattoo sessions. Taking time to moisturize the area 1-2 times a day will help with moisture and skin health as well. However, do not apply any creams or lotions to the area on the day of your tattoo appointment.
-To save time, shave the area we will be working on prior to your appointment if there is any hair.
Avoid Partying Or Drinking Alcohol The Night Before-
Alcohol can thin your blood and being hungover for your tattoo appointment is no fun for you, or your artist. Getting a good nights sleep before your tattoo appointment will also help with pain management during the procedure. IF a lot of blood is noticed from drinking or taking blood thinners, you will be sent home and your appointment will need to be rescheduled and a new deposit is to be made. Overly bleeding will cause the skin to not take in any ink and cause trauma to the skin.
Avoid Damage To The Skin Before Your Tattoo Appointment-
Use caution for at least 1 month prior to your tattoo appointment. Be sure to also avoid direct sun, tanning, chemical peels, or any other procedures that can damage your skin. Your artist will do all necessary skin preparation, such as shaving, before beginning your tattoo. Shaving the area that will be tattooed yourself before arriving to your tattoo appointment is not recommended. You could irritate your skin, making it impossible to tattoo over the irritation. If you are sunburnt or have any other skin issues in the area we are working on, you will need to reschedule.
Eat Before Your Tattoo Appointment-
Taking time to eat a healthy meal before your tattoo appointment will benefit both your session, and final tattoo. Eating before your tattoo appointment helps your body function properly throughout the duration of the procedure. It also helps you physically and mentally withstand the stress of being tattooed. If you are hungry during your tattoo session, it makes pain management more difficult.
Bring Entertainment-
Bringing some form of entertainment or a distraction tool is a great idea to prepare for your tattoo session. You could bring your smartphone, a pair of headphones, a tablet, a book, etc. These are all great ways to keep yourself busy without being distracting or getting in the way of your artist. (If you are using your phone during the session, be aware and cautious of any movements which may affect how we are tattooing you).
Choose Proper Attire-
Please keep clothing choices in mind to accommodate for the location of your tattoo. Your attire will also help with your comfort levels through the duration of the tattoo procedure. If you’re getting tattooed on your leg, wearing shorts or loose sweat pants would be an appropriate choice. If you have concerns about how to accommodate for your placement, please reach out to your artist directly for advice.
Do Not Show Up Under The Influence of Drugs or Alcohol-
Tylenol is okay for pain management during the tattoo session. If you have any further questions or concerns while preparing for your tattoo appointment, reach out to your artist directly. They will be able to give you specific recommendations for your upcoming tattoo appointment.
Again, if a lot of blood is noticed from drinking or taking blood thinners, you will be sent home and your appointment will need to be rescheduled and a new deposit is to be made. Overly bleeding will cause the skin to not take in any ink and cause trauma to the skin.
We strive to keep our hygiene and sanitation the highest priority.
Therefore, we ask that clients shower at least the day of/night before their session to maintain our standards. For the protection of our employees and clients, we also ask that all our clients help reduce opportunities for exposure. If you are feeling unwell in any manner, please reschedule.
Expect to be there slightly longer than the actual tattooing time. It is likely there will be time allocated for stenciling, resizing, repositioning, or freehanding the design directly on skin. We will not rush through this part of the process; therefore, it is recommended to have your whole day free as the stencil/foundation of the design is the most important part of a tattoo. We do not charge for this portion of the time with us and the hourly charge will only start when we begin tattooing.
Hydrate And Moisturize Regularly Before Your Tattoo Appointment-
Be sure to drink plenty of water. Drink at least 1-2 liters a day leading up to your tattoo appointment. Properly hydrating before your tattoo appointment helps ensure that your skin is properly hydrated as well. Having properly hydrated skin is a huge factor in helping to guarantee that your tattoo will heal well. Staying hydrated will also help you to withstand longer tattoo sessions. Taking time to moisturize the area 1-2 times a day will help with moisture and skin health as well. However, do not apply any creams or lotions to the area on the day of your tattoo appointment.
-To save time, shave the area we will be working on prior to your appointment if there is any hair.
Avoid Partying Or Drinking Alcohol The Night Before-
Alcohol can thin your blood and being hungover for your tattoo appointment is no fun for you, or your artist. Getting a good nights sleep before your tattoo appointment will also help with pain management during the procedure. IF a lot of blood is noticed from drinking or taking blood thinners, you will be sent home and your appointment will need to be rescheduled and a new deposit is to be made. Overly bleeding will cause the skin to not take in any ink and cause trauma to the skin.
Avoid Damage To The Skin Before Your Tattoo Appointment-
Use caution for at least 1 month prior to your tattoo appointment. Be sure to also avoid direct sun, tanning, chemical peels, or any other procedures that can damage your skin. Your artist will do all necessary skin preparation, such as shaving, before beginning your tattoo. Shaving the area that will be tattooed yourself before arriving to your tattoo appointment is not recommended. You could irritate your skin, making it impossible to tattoo over the irritation. If you are sunburnt or have any other skin issues in the area we are working on, you will need to reschedule.
Eat Before Your Tattoo Appointment-
Taking time to eat a healthy meal before your tattoo appointment will benefit both your session, and final tattoo. Eating before your tattoo appointment helps your body function properly throughout the duration of the procedure. It also helps you physically and mentally withstand the stress of being tattooed. If you are hungry during your tattoo session, it makes pain management more difficult.
Bring Entertainment-
Bringing some form of entertainment or a distraction tool is a great idea to prepare for your tattoo session. You could bring your smartphone, a pair of headphones, a tablet, a book, etc. These are all great ways to keep yourself busy without being distracting or getting in the way of your artist. (If you are using your phone during the session, be aware and cautious of any movements which may affect how we are tattooing you).
Choose Proper Attire-
Please keep clothing choices in mind to accommodate for the location of your tattoo. Your attire will also help with your comfort levels through the duration of the tattoo procedure. If you’re getting tattooed on your leg, wearing shorts or loose sweat pants would be an appropriate choice. If you have concerns about how to accommodate for your placement, please reach out to your artist directly for advice.
Do Not Show Up Under The Influence of Drugs or Alcohol-
Tylenol is okay for pain management during the tattoo session. If you have any further questions or concerns while preparing for your tattoo appointment, reach out to your artist directly. They will be able to give you specific recommendations for your upcoming tattoo appointment.
Again, if a lot of blood is noticed from drinking or taking blood thinners, you will be sent home and your appointment will need to be rescheduled and a new deposit is to be made. Overly bleeding will cause the skin to not take in any ink and cause trauma to the skin.
We strive to keep our hygiene and sanitation the highest priority.
Therefore, we ask that clients shower at least the day of/night before their session to maintain our standards. For the protection of our employees and clients, we also ask that all our clients help reduce opportunities for exposure. If you are feeling unwell in any manner, please reschedule.
Expect to be there slightly longer than the actual tattooing time. It is likely there will be time allocated for stenciling, resizing, repositioning, or freehanding the design directly on skin. We will not rush through this part of the process; therefore, it is recommended to have your whole day free as the stencil/foundation of the design is the most important part of a tattoo. We do not charge for this portion of the time with us and the hourly charge will only start when we begin tattooing.
Tattoo After-Care
Please remember our job as tattoo artists is to execute the work; however, it is your responsibility to take care of it after. If you are investing good money on your artwork, make sure you also invest dedicated time into treating the artwork as your baby. Listen to what your artist tells you as every artist may have various techniques depending on the different amount of trauma they have done to the skin. Always ASK the artist (not your friends) if you are concerned for whatever reason and before doing anything you are unsure of. We have no control over how well you want to take care of your tattoo, but only hope you do so for the sake of the quality and longevity of your tattoo.
FIRST 24 HRS:
• For Plastic Wrap, leave the wrap on anywhere between 1-2 hours. After removing the wrap, dead skin cells, plasma, and blood need to be gently rinsed off with warm water (no soap) to reduce likelihood of infection. Air Dry or softly pat with clean cloth. Do not put anything on the tattoo for 24 hours.
• For Saniderm, please see the Saniderm Directions and Aftercare Information below.
Proper care in this crucial beginning stage of healing maximizes the quality of your tattoo for the rest of its life. Your artist will either put Plastic Wrap or Saniderm Bandage over the fresh tattoo. This keeps the tattoo protected from: possible infection while the agitated, open pores close up or any blood/plasma from drying out.
CLEANING YOUR TATTOO AFTER 24 HRS:
• Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo!
• Use unscented antibacterial liquid soap and your bare hand to gently wash your new tattoo with warm water. Avoid bar soap because it harbors bacteria from sitting out in open air. Do not use hot water, loofahs, washcloths, used bath towels or anything abrasive.
• Thoroughly rinse your tattoo and air dry or softly pat with a clean cloth. Do not rub it dry.
• Do not ever re-bandage the tattoo for any reason. Tattoos need air exposure to heal like any skin wound!
• Wash your tattoo at least 2x per day, so that no excess plasma/blood could potentially cause scabbing
MOISTURIZING YOUR TATTOO:
While tattoos do require air to heal, moisturizing will keep it from scabbing. When scabs form on a tattoo, they have the potential to fade or scar a tattoo, especially if it gets accidentally pulled off during the healing process.
• Go minimal with unscented lotion, 2x per day (usually after washing). Apply the smallest amount possible that covers the entire tattoo. Gently rub the lotion in so that it is barely shiny, and remove any excess with your clean finger. Excess lotion could suffocate the tattoo and clog the pores. If your tattoo appears to be oozing after applying, then you’ve put on too much.
• If you choose one type of lotion, use that one only, do not mix & match. Recommended Lotions: Aveeno, Cetaphil, Lubriderm, Eucerin, Jergens, Cerave, Hustle Butter
• Use your best judgment. If your tattoo looks dry/feels rough like a scab, add a thin layer of lotion. Try and keep your tattoo as close to your normal skin texture as possible.
• Some prefer ointments (Vitamin A&D or Aquaphor). If you’ve used this before and it works for you, it should only be applied for the first few days. Switch to unscented lotion after. Do not use Neosporin; it encourages scabbing to heal a wound too quickly. Do not use Vaseline; it's too thick to allow the tattoo to breathe. As your tattoo continues to heal, it will look very different. Do not worry about these stages. Tattoos go through a process of flaking and peeling after a few days as it settles and the damaged top layers of your skin rejuvenate. After a couple days to weeks, the top layer of skin will have peeled and the tattoo will appear shiny. After the tattoo is no longer shiny (a month+) and takes on the texture of your normal skin, your tattoo will be completely healed!
THINGS TO AVOID:
• Do not pick or scratch. While your tattoo is healing, it may be itchy and irritating. A piece of skin that appears to be on only the top layer might actually be attached to skin healing in the lower layers where your tattoo resides. You risk the ink fading in small spots if the skin comes off before it’s ready.
• Do not wear restrictive/abrasive material (denim). Make sure your tattoo gets enough air. If your tattoo is in an area where clothing rubs against it, the clothing must not be too tight so that the tattoo doesn’t scab. We recommend loose breathable clothing that can cover the tattoo to help protect it.
• Avoid submerging it in any water, such as in baths, pools/hot tubs, or lakes/oceans. These areas can harbor a lot of bacteria, and pools are filled with chemicals that dries out or irritate your tattoo. Peeling skin is more vulnerable when wet; it becomes soggy and detaches prematurely.
• Avoid contact with animals around the site of the tattoo. If you touch one, wash your hands immediately.
• Avoid exercise. The gym is often necessary, but it can be crawling with bacteria. Ideally, we recommend 2 weeks before going back to the gym. We hope you wear clothing that completely covers your fresh tattoo to prevent touching dirty equipment. Shower right after and avoid working out the body part with the tattoo.
• Most importantly, avoid sunlight. Exposing a tattoo to the sun when it’s new not only hurts, but a sunburn can fade it by 50%+ by the time it’s done healing. You can’t put sunscreen on a healing tattoo, so wear clothing that covers it. After your tattoo is completely healed, always wear sunscreen. Please remember our job as tattoo artists is to execute the work; however, it is your responsibility to take care of it after. If you have any questions or concerns, please always ask your artist BEFORE doing anything that was not instructed. Otherwise, enjoy your new tattoo!
FIRST 24 HRS:
• For Plastic Wrap, leave the wrap on anywhere between 1-2 hours. After removing the wrap, dead skin cells, plasma, and blood need to be gently rinsed off with warm water (no soap) to reduce likelihood of infection. Air Dry or softly pat with clean cloth. Do not put anything on the tattoo for 24 hours.
• For Saniderm, please see the Saniderm Directions and Aftercare Information below.
Proper care in this crucial beginning stage of healing maximizes the quality of your tattoo for the rest of its life. Your artist will either put Plastic Wrap or Saniderm Bandage over the fresh tattoo. This keeps the tattoo protected from: possible infection while the agitated, open pores close up or any blood/plasma from drying out.
CLEANING YOUR TATTOO AFTER 24 HRS:
• Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo!
• Use unscented antibacterial liquid soap and your bare hand to gently wash your new tattoo with warm water. Avoid bar soap because it harbors bacteria from sitting out in open air. Do not use hot water, loofahs, washcloths, used bath towels or anything abrasive.
• Thoroughly rinse your tattoo and air dry or softly pat with a clean cloth. Do not rub it dry.
• Do not ever re-bandage the tattoo for any reason. Tattoos need air exposure to heal like any skin wound!
• Wash your tattoo at least 2x per day, so that no excess plasma/blood could potentially cause scabbing
MOISTURIZING YOUR TATTOO:
While tattoos do require air to heal, moisturizing will keep it from scabbing. When scabs form on a tattoo, they have the potential to fade or scar a tattoo, especially if it gets accidentally pulled off during the healing process.
• Go minimal with unscented lotion, 2x per day (usually after washing). Apply the smallest amount possible that covers the entire tattoo. Gently rub the lotion in so that it is barely shiny, and remove any excess with your clean finger. Excess lotion could suffocate the tattoo and clog the pores. If your tattoo appears to be oozing after applying, then you’ve put on too much.
• If you choose one type of lotion, use that one only, do not mix & match. Recommended Lotions: Aveeno, Cetaphil, Lubriderm, Eucerin, Jergens, Cerave, Hustle Butter
• Use your best judgment. If your tattoo looks dry/feels rough like a scab, add a thin layer of lotion. Try and keep your tattoo as close to your normal skin texture as possible.
• Some prefer ointments (Vitamin A&D or Aquaphor). If you’ve used this before and it works for you, it should only be applied for the first few days. Switch to unscented lotion after. Do not use Neosporin; it encourages scabbing to heal a wound too quickly. Do not use Vaseline; it's too thick to allow the tattoo to breathe. As your tattoo continues to heal, it will look very different. Do not worry about these stages. Tattoos go through a process of flaking and peeling after a few days as it settles and the damaged top layers of your skin rejuvenate. After a couple days to weeks, the top layer of skin will have peeled and the tattoo will appear shiny. After the tattoo is no longer shiny (a month+) and takes on the texture of your normal skin, your tattoo will be completely healed!
THINGS TO AVOID:
• Do not pick or scratch. While your tattoo is healing, it may be itchy and irritating. A piece of skin that appears to be on only the top layer might actually be attached to skin healing in the lower layers where your tattoo resides. You risk the ink fading in small spots if the skin comes off before it’s ready.
• Do not wear restrictive/abrasive material (denim). Make sure your tattoo gets enough air. If your tattoo is in an area where clothing rubs against it, the clothing must not be too tight so that the tattoo doesn’t scab. We recommend loose breathable clothing that can cover the tattoo to help protect it.
• Avoid submerging it in any water, such as in baths, pools/hot tubs, or lakes/oceans. These areas can harbor a lot of bacteria, and pools are filled with chemicals that dries out or irritate your tattoo. Peeling skin is more vulnerable when wet; it becomes soggy and detaches prematurely.
• Avoid contact with animals around the site of the tattoo. If you touch one, wash your hands immediately.
• Avoid exercise. The gym is often necessary, but it can be crawling with bacteria. Ideally, we recommend 2 weeks before going back to the gym. We hope you wear clothing that completely covers your fresh tattoo to prevent touching dirty equipment. Shower right after and avoid working out the body part with the tattoo.
• Most importantly, avoid sunlight. Exposing a tattoo to the sun when it’s new not only hurts, but a sunburn can fade it by 50%+ by the time it’s done healing. You can’t put sunscreen on a healing tattoo, so wear clothing that covers it. After your tattoo is completely healed, always wear sunscreen. Please remember our job as tattoo artists is to execute the work; however, it is your responsibility to take care of it after. If you have any questions or concerns, please always ask your artist BEFORE doing anything that was not instructed. Otherwise, enjoy your new tattoo!
SANIDERM AFTERCARE DIRECTIONS + INFO
- After 4-5 days, you may remove the bandage. ALWAYS wash hands before touching.
- Remove in shower or under warm running water to help loosen the adhesion.
- Slowly and gently peel it off, do NOT yank it off.
- Clean and rinse the tattoo with unscented antibacterial liquid soap.
- Air dry or pat with a clean cloth (nothing abrasive)
- Begin applying unscented lotion following the removal of Saniderm.
- Some skin may be sensitive. If there’s any redness/discomfort around edges of the bandage, please remove it immediately (even if it hasn’t been 5 days) to avoid irritation/blistering.
- The bandage is breathable and waterproof so you may shower with it.
- It’s normal to have liquid pooling underneath the bandage. This is plasma that helps keep your tattoo moist during these few days.
Please read below for more information Traditional tattoo aftercare methods can be time consuming and inconvenient.
Saniderm bandages bring simplicity to the aftercare process with minimal discomfort. They protect your healing tattoo from scabbing, infection, and other irritants that damage tattoos. Your work stays bright and vibrant and heals much faster.
Prevents Tattoo Damage
Saniderm, when used properly, will seal in your body’s natural fluids/plasma to keep your tattoo healing. Those fluids keep your cells hydrated so they can break down dead tissue and remove it efficiently. This stimulates the growth of new cells and reduces healing time, keeping finer details of the tattoo crisp and clean.
Enhanced Tattoo Aftercare
New tattoos are an open wound and aftercare plays a critical role in how efficiently the wound heals and how much color and detail the tattoo ultimately retains. The ideal conditions for a fresh wound are: moist yet breathable, and clean. This leads many to use lotions/ointments on cuts, abrasions, and new tattoos. Unfortunately, lotions/ointments dry up quickly, and have to be applied multiple times daily. Your tattoo also tends to dry up between each application, which can impede the healing process and form scabs. Your skin cells become dehydrated, and cells die. This results in fading, distortion of colors and design, and longer tattoo healing times. During the healing process, your body tries to keep a wound moist by sending fluids/plasma to the site. This fluid/plasma becomes ineffective when they dry up and form a scab, damaging your tattoo and making the healing process uncomfortable. The purpose of scabs is to protect the wound from environmental contamination but that protection comes at a cost. A scab forms a barrier that slows generation of new tissue, so the healing process takes much more time and this also increases the risk of scarring.
Breathable
Saniderm bandages are designed/engineered to be permeable to gases (breathable). Your skin requires a certain amount of oxygen to heal properly. The outermost layer of skin is almost exclusively supplied by oxygen from the air. The breathability of Saniderm allows you to wear the same bandage for several days, and your skin continues to function normally. Its protective properties also increase regeneration of the wound.
Flexible
Regular tapes/pads do not bend or stretch very well, and they quickly fall off after some activity. Saniderm bandages are light, flexible, and stretchy enough to be applied anywhere that you tattoo. They will stay exactly where you place them. Saniderm allows full range of motion so that your new tattoo will not prevent your usual activities.
Tattoo Aftercare that Protects
There are dirt, germs, and potential irritants everywhere you go. Saniderm bandages provide an impenetrable barrier to protect your new work, and keep you safe from infection. It protects from irritation caused by friction, (clothes/sheets brushing against your new tattoo) which can be quite painful on a fresh tattoo. Saniderm will keep your new tattoo looking and feeling fresh and clean.
- After 4-5 days, you may remove the bandage. ALWAYS wash hands before touching.
- Remove in shower or under warm running water to help loosen the adhesion.
- Slowly and gently peel it off, do NOT yank it off.
- Clean and rinse the tattoo with unscented antibacterial liquid soap.
- Air dry or pat with a clean cloth (nothing abrasive)
- Begin applying unscented lotion following the removal of Saniderm.
- Some skin may be sensitive. If there’s any redness/discomfort around edges of the bandage, please remove it immediately (even if it hasn’t been 5 days) to avoid irritation/blistering.
- The bandage is breathable and waterproof so you may shower with it.
- It’s normal to have liquid pooling underneath the bandage. This is plasma that helps keep your tattoo moist during these few days.
Please read below for more information Traditional tattoo aftercare methods can be time consuming and inconvenient.
Saniderm bandages bring simplicity to the aftercare process with minimal discomfort. They protect your healing tattoo from scabbing, infection, and other irritants that damage tattoos. Your work stays bright and vibrant and heals much faster.
Prevents Tattoo Damage
Saniderm, when used properly, will seal in your body’s natural fluids/plasma to keep your tattoo healing. Those fluids keep your cells hydrated so they can break down dead tissue and remove it efficiently. This stimulates the growth of new cells and reduces healing time, keeping finer details of the tattoo crisp and clean.
Enhanced Tattoo Aftercare
New tattoos are an open wound and aftercare plays a critical role in how efficiently the wound heals and how much color and detail the tattoo ultimately retains. The ideal conditions for a fresh wound are: moist yet breathable, and clean. This leads many to use lotions/ointments on cuts, abrasions, and new tattoos. Unfortunately, lotions/ointments dry up quickly, and have to be applied multiple times daily. Your tattoo also tends to dry up between each application, which can impede the healing process and form scabs. Your skin cells become dehydrated, and cells die. This results in fading, distortion of colors and design, and longer tattoo healing times. During the healing process, your body tries to keep a wound moist by sending fluids/plasma to the site. This fluid/plasma becomes ineffective when they dry up and form a scab, damaging your tattoo and making the healing process uncomfortable. The purpose of scabs is to protect the wound from environmental contamination but that protection comes at a cost. A scab forms a barrier that slows generation of new tissue, so the healing process takes much more time and this also increases the risk of scarring.
Breathable
Saniderm bandages are designed/engineered to be permeable to gases (breathable). Your skin requires a certain amount of oxygen to heal properly. The outermost layer of skin is almost exclusively supplied by oxygen from the air. The breathability of Saniderm allows you to wear the same bandage for several days, and your skin continues to function normally. Its protective properties also increase regeneration of the wound.
Flexible
Regular tapes/pads do not bend or stretch very well, and they quickly fall off after some activity. Saniderm bandages are light, flexible, and stretchy enough to be applied anywhere that you tattoo. They will stay exactly where you place them. Saniderm allows full range of motion so that your new tattoo will not prevent your usual activities.
Tattoo Aftercare that Protects
There are dirt, germs, and potential irritants everywhere you go. Saniderm bandages provide an impenetrable barrier to protect your new work, and keep you safe from infection. It protects from irritation caused by friction, (clothes/sheets brushing against your new tattoo) which can be quite painful on a fresh tattoo. Saniderm will keep your new tattoo looking and feeling fresh and clean.