Tattoo Prep & Aftercare
Congratulations!
I'm so honored to have your trust with such a special experience, and I can't wait to go on this journey with you! In order for you to feel as prepared as possible, I've listed some key steps to ensuring a successful experience!
Preparing for your tattoo
ONE TO TWO WEEKS PRIOR:​​​
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Be well, stay well. Try to stay hydrated and avoid getting sick! If you do find yourself ill by the time of your appointment, it is best to reschedule. It is considerably harder on your body to heal a tattoo when you are sick!
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In order to best prepare your skin, I highly recommend exfoliating and moisturizing your skin daily the week leading up to your appointment.
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If you can, AVOID getting scraped/cut in the area you'd like tattooed.
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​AVOID getting sunburnt 1-2 weeks prior to your appointment.
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THE NIGHT BEFORE:
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Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water leading up to your session.
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AVOID heavy alcohol consumption the night before your appointment. Trust me!
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Get a good night's sleep the night before your session!
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THE DAY OF:
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Shower! ​But...​
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Do NOT shave the area in preparation for your session - I will take care of this for you before we put the stencil on.
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Do NOT moisturize your skin the day of your appointment either - this can make things too oily sometimes!
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Keep up with that hydration - and pack yourself some water and a sugary beverage to keep you going throughout the day!
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PLEASE eat a balanced, protein-rich breakfast the morning of your appointment! This will ensure you are energized and prepare your body for a of tattooing.
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AVOID caffeine​ the morning of your appointment (as caffeine can act as a blood thinner and cause more bleeding).
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Bring snacks or lunch/dinner if you'd like! We have a fridge and microwave for you to use - or you are more than welcome to order something from a local restaurant if you'd like!
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Wear dark, comfortable clothes to your appointment. Black clothing that is loosely fitted and comfortable is the most ideal!
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Directions to the shop can be found on my FAQ page linked here.
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Payment information can also be found on my FAQ page linked here.
Following these steps will ensure that we have a successful day together!
Thank you for the opportunity to go on this journey with you - I'm looking forward to seeing you soon!
Caring for your tattoo
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Wear your first Dermor bandage for 24 hours. Expect some discolored ink and plasma to build up beneath the bandage at this time - this is normal!
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Remove your first bandage - I recommend doing so in the shower for the easiest cleanup. ***​Pro tip: when you have a corner of the adhesive bandage lifted, stretch and pull it outwards before pulling it up to remove it gently without as much irritation to the skin. Think of it like removing a command strip! Stretching outwards will loosen it so that it is easier to remove. Be gentle and work in small sections at a time!
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Gently wash your tattoo using a small circular motion with your fingertips and some LIQUID, FRAGRANCE FREE soap. Wash off the soap thoroughly - make sure there is no soap left behind! Why liquid? Bar soap is known to harbor bacteria - which is a recipe for an infection. Liquid soap is always safer when it comes to washing a fresh tattoo. ​​
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Let your skin air dry, or you can gently dab it dry with a paper towel.
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​Clean around the outside of the tattoo with a q-tip and some rubbing alcohol to remove any residue or oils from the skin if necessary.
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Using the extra bandages I've given you, apply the second bandage to your tattoo. Make sure that the bandage covers at least one inch of the skin surrounding your tattoo. In highly mobile areas of the body, I recommend adding extra room in to accommodate the movement. You may want to use a pair of scissors to round the corners of the bandage to help keep the edges from peeling up. Remember that you can use multiple pieces of the bandage and layer them on top of each other to ensure the tattoo is covered properly.
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To apply the bandage, peel off the paper backing to reveal the adhesive.​ In a relaxed, neutral position, apply the bandage on and around the tattoo adhesive-side down. Gently smooth the bandage onto the skin and try to push out any wrinkles or bubbles - its okay if you cant get them all.
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Remove the outer layer of plastic to reveal the matte skin-like finish of the bandage.
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Leave the second bandage on for 5-7 days for the best results.
Commonly asked aftercare questions:
How do I care for my tattoo after my appointment?
Visit my aftercare/prep page linked here for directions!
How long does it take to heal a tattoo?
While it only takes two weeks for the surface of the skin to heal, it can take up to 4-6 weeks for a tattoo to be fully healed beneath the surface of the skin.
What should I use on my tattoo during the healing process?
Any products you put on your tattoo during the healing process should be fragrance and alcohol free to avoid causing any unnecessary irritation. Here are some examples of products I often recommend:
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Dial gold antibacterial soap - affordable & great for cleaning your tattoo.
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Aquaphor healing ointment - great moisturizer for extra dry areas or in the beginning of the healing process, remember a little goes a LONG way!
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Eucerin - great long-term moisturizer, moisturized tattoo = happy tattoo!
What should I use on my tattoo after it is healed?
It's important to take care of your tattoos even after they're already healed to ensure the longevity of the artwork. I highly recommend these products for long-term tattoo care:
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Hustle Butter - another great moisturizing butter for your tattoos, a little of this will also go a long way!
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Sunscreen - any sunscreen, any brand - just wear it!!!!!!
When can I go swimming?
I strongly recommend that you wait 4-6 weeks to swim with your new tattoo. Doing so sooner can increase your risk of infection significantly. Its not worth the risk!
I noticed itchy, red blisters forming around the edges of my tattoo. What do I do?
This is likely one of two things - irritated/ingrown hair follicles from shaving the skin, or a reaction to the bandage. If you start to notice these symptoms - contact me immediately so that I can help you determine what the cause may be. In both scenarios it is likely that I will have you remove the bandage prematurely and follow a different aftercare protocol.