TATTOO PREP & AFTERCARE
PRIOR TO GETTING TATTOOED
Hydrate.
Moisturize the area.
Rest.
Do not drink alcohol in excess the night before.
No tanning (including self-tanner).
If you are healthy your skin will be healthy and will promote good healing.
DAY OF YOUR TATTOO APPOINTMENT
Eat well.
Bring a drink (something hydrating).
No weight training or extreme-sports (due to swelling).
Our studio may not be able to accommodate your friends/family/significant other at this time due to covid-19.
IMPORTANT FOR ALL AFTERCARE
DO NOT Soak your tattoo – no swimming, no bath, no jacuzzi, no WATER SKIING.
Keep your tattoo protected from the sun with light clothing while its healing.
DO NOT listen to your friends or consult the internet about tattoo aftercare.
AFTERCARE IF WE USED SANIDERM
once tattoo is bandaged you may leave it on for 3-5 days as long as there is no plasma/blood coming out of the bandage.
it is perfectly normal for fluid to build up inside the bandage, this will dry up inside by the third day.
if the bandage does leak and you are not at home: wash hands with soap and water. push excess fluid out of bandage and leave alone until you are able to be at home. do not take bandage off in a public restroom.
once the bandage is ready to come off, get into shower with hot/warm water. gently start to remove bandage from the top of tattooed area. allow water to run on bandage to help with removal. remove VERY slowly. it can take up to 10/15 MINUtes to remove bandage entirely.
once bandage is off, wash with antibacterial soap and warm water.
once out of the shower, pat dry with paper towel. do not use the towel you shower with to dry tattoo.
AFTERCARE IF WE USED TRADITIONAL BANDAGES
(NOT SANIDERM)
Leave bandage on all night until next morning. If bandage is slipping, coming off or just damn irritating, leave Bandage on for at leasT 4 hours, THEN remove and follow the steps below.
AFTER REMOVING THE BANDAGE: Wash the area with a fragrance-free, dye-free soap and warm water. Remove all soap and tattoo residue. Keep in mind that some areas like the back and ribs cannot be washed in a sink so taking a shower is best. Pat dry with a clean towel. Allow the area to air dry for 10 minutes until all moisture is off the skin.
Do not re-bandage.
Apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor ointment 1-2 times daily for the first 3 days.
After 3 days, continue the washing process but replace the Aquaphor with a fragrance-free lotion. Your tattoo will scab like a cut and then begin to flake. DO NOT pick or scratch your tattoo. Allow the scab to come off at its own pace. Exercise is ok, as long as you shower and clean your tattoo immediately after working out.