PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

  • Bring a valid ID stating you are over 18

  • Grab cash (card, cashapp pay, and afterpay are also accepted with a 3.5% fee)

  • Shower beforehand, and moisturize the area that will be tattooed! I do ask for any lower leg or ankle tattoos that you wash feet well and wear some clean socks.

  • Bring sweatshirt or blanket just in case ~ even if it’s hot outside

  • Bring one or two guests, or just yourself! If you have a group, guests can hang out or explore downtown while waiting.

  • I would strongly suggest bringing headphones, a book, a game, or something else to distract you in case I’m in the zone and not super talkative. WiFi is provided.

  • Wear clothing that will be comfortable and allow easy access to the tattoo area. Please ask me if you aren’t sure what to wear! Example, for back tattoos wear a halter top or bring a button down shirt to wear backwards.

  • Optional: snacks, water, anything else you need to be comfy!

  • If you decide to use numbing cream, note I will not be able to use second skin for bandaging. Please research the pros and cons of numbing cream and test it out on a small area beforehand for reactions. Numbing cream should be applied 1-2 hours before your appointment in a thick layer and covered with plastic wrap. Keep it wrapped up and I will remove the numbing cream when you arrive.

DON’TS

  • Don’t schedule anything right after your tattoo since tattoos can take more time than expected

  • Don’t show up sick, on an empty stomach, hungover, or intoxicated.

  • Don’t bring babies or young children to your appointment.

  • Don’t get a tattoo if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or on blood thinners.

  • Don’t plan your tattoo on skin with active acne, sunburns, razor burns, open wounds, healing scars, psoriasis, any kind of infection, or skin that is very dry, rough or cracked.

  • Don’t schedule your tattoo during a time when you might be sunburned or hungover before coming in.

  • Do not schedule your tattoo less than 2 weeks before a trip where you will be swimming/in the sun.

AFTERCARE

TRADITIONAL BANDAGE

  • I will bandage you with an absorbent pad and cling wrap. Keep the bandage on the area for 2-4 hours after the tattoo. If you have an evening appointment, you can even sleep in the bandage if it feels secure.

  • Remove the bandage with clean hands and wash the area until blood and plasma are gone. Clean the area twice a day for 3 weeks, being careful to follow the cleaning instructions down the page.

SECOND SKIN

  • I use a latex-free second skin called Dermshield. Keep the second skin on for 24 hours or up to 4 days. It’s best to avoid sweating with this type of bandage on. A bit of fluid buildup underneath the bandage is totally normal.

  • If the second skin starts peeling, leaks fluid, or if the skin begins to look irritated around the edges of the bandage, remove it and move on to normal aftercare.

  • After 1-4 days, remove the bandage by stretching gently like a command strip under warm running water. Be very careful to follow the cleaning instructions below. 

CLEANING YOUR TATTOO

  • Wash hands with soap prior to cleaning or touching the tattooed area. The tattoo will feel slimy the first wash from the plasma, and be sure to wash all the plasma and extra ink away.

  • Use a soap like Dial Gold, Dove soap, or unscented castile soap to wash the tattoo 2-3 times per day for 3-4 weeks. Avoid things like washcloths and bath towels since this can leave fibers and even introduce bacteria. Use a clean paper towel that you have stored in a clean place to gently dry, or air dry fully. Apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor, a specific tattoo balm like Hustle Butter, or unscented lotion after the skin is dry. You can apply more if the moisturizer has fully absorbed and the area still feels excessively dry/itchy.

  • Some scabbing, bruising, swelling, and redness are very common. The tattoo may feel hot for a few days after your tattoo.

GENERAL AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

  • Drink plenty of water during healing and avoid alcohol the first couple of days. Fuel your body with healthy food. Maintain good hygiene (clean clothes, bedding, etc.)

  • AVOID: heavy exercise, swimming, soaking in water, direct sunlight, sunscreen, pets coming in contact with the tattooed area, itching/scratching/rubbing the area, and tight clothing for about 2-4 weeks. All of these things can make the tattoo more prone to infection and fading during healing.

  • Allow air exposure as often as possible.

  • NEVER rewrap your tattoo with cling wrap. You can protect your tattoo with loose fitting clothing that still allows it to breathe.

  • The tattoo will be healed in 3-4 weeks! After it’s healed, maintain the tattoo with regular moisturizing, and use sunscreen when entering direct sunlight. I offer free touch ups within 1 year, and future touch ups at my regular rate.