TATTOO PROCESS
DESIGN PROCESS: LET'S DIVE IN!
- Communication is key! Be sure to express your ideal placement and size for your new tattoo, as well as what the concept means to you.
- Embrace the collaboration! Your artist is here to lend their expertise and offer valuable advice from a tattoo artist perspective.
- Keep an open mind: Some artists prefer a consultation prior to your appointment to hash out the details and ensure everyones on the same page.
- Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day - some projects require extra TLC, research, and drawing time to bring your vision to life.
PREPARATION IS KEY, LET'S GET YOU READY!
- Fuel up! Eating a good meal beforehand boosts your body's strength and endurance for your tattoo session.
- Skip the excess alcohol - it's not recommended before your appointment.
- Ditch the aspirin on tattoo day but ibuprofen can help swelling minimal during longer sessions.
- Personal hygiene is a must (bonus points for nice breath), so freshen up before your appointment.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drink plenty of water to keep your body in top form for the best results.
- Need an extra boost? Consider snacking on some vitamin K- packed jello or a potassium rich banana for added stamina.
THE TATTOO PROCESS
- You have the right to a safe and sanitary tattoo environment provided by a licensed professional tattoo artist. Don't hesitate to ask questions about the artists preparation for your tattoo.
- Relax and be still! It's tough for the artist to work on a moving canvas. If you need a break, just give them a heads up.
- Your artist is well equipped: trained in first aid, CPR, and bloodborne pathogens safety
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy? It's not uncommon, usually due to low blood sugar from improper eating beforehand. No worries! A piece of hard candy and some water can help bring those blood sugar levels back to normal.
AFTERCARE ESSENTIALS
Traditional bandage aftercare is tried and true, based on industry experience. Leave your bandage on for 1-2 hours after getting inked.
If a different type of bandage, like derma shield or saniderm are applied to your tattoo, refer to the product website for specific instructions on removal and aftercare.
Keep in mind, aftercare instructions may vary from artist to artist.
- Start by washing your hands with antibacterial soap.
- Gently lather a small amount of soap in your palms and wash your tattoo with the lathered soap. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel (no scrubbing or cleaning with alcohol).
- While your tattoo heals, avoid soaking it in water. Showers are fine, but steer clear of swimming pools, spas, and direct sunlight until its fully healed.
- Apply a light coat of fragrance - free, unscented lotion (like Lubriderm, Curel, or Eucerin) three times a day for 2-3 weeks (or four times a day for larger tattoos). Avoid greasy products and let your tattoo breathe.
- If using a heavier aftercare product like Aquaphor, use sparingly - thicker is not better!
- During the healing process, you may experience scabbing, tenderness, and inflammation. Resist the urge to pick or scratch your tattoo, as this could result in color loss.
- Keep your tattoo clean and avoid irritants like dirt, excessive sweating, or pet hair. Opt for loose - fitting clothing to prevent rubbing or irritation.
- Once healed, apply a high SPF sunscreen whenever your tattoo is exposed to UV rays to preserve its vibrancy.
- Choose products with non-pore-clogging ingredients to speed up the healing process. Avoid petroleum, lanolin, or wax-based products, as they're not suitable for healing tattoos and may attract debris and bacteria.