TO PREPARE FOR YOUR TATTOO,

-Keep the area moisturized, exfoliated (if needed), protected from the sun (no sunburn!). This will make your skin the perfect canvas.

- Do not drink alcohol 24-48 hrs before your appointment. Avoid blood-thinning medications such as Tylenol and Asprin.

-Eat a good meal and drink plenty of water the day of the appointment. Being dehydrated and low on blood sugar can cause nausea, dizziness, or fainting during the tattoo. Bring water and snacks to the appointment if you can, we usually keep some on hand, but not always.

- Items to bring: charger, water, jacket/blanket in case you get cold, something to keep you distracted, and cash for your total.

-Wear BLACK/DARK clothing that makes sense for your placement:

-Sternum or Ribs : bikini top, front-close bra, pasties

-Legs/hip/waist: loose shorts or sweats, NO JEANS

-Neck/behind ear: hair tied up, low neck shirts

-Back: backless shirt

IF YOU ARE NOT SURE WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR PLACEMENT, JUST ASK!

NUMBING CREAM:

I only recommend Dr. Numb or any brand made SPECIFICALLY FOR TATTOOS. Other numbing creams made for muscle pain, joint pain, ect, can cause changes in skin texture and make it more difficult to tattoo. DO A PATCH TEST on your skin the night before to make sure it doesn’t irritate. If you don’t have sensitive skin, I recommend mixing the creams for a long-lasting effect.

1 hour before your appointment, apply a THICK layer over the area and cover tightly with Saran Wrap. Avoid touching it! I will take off the wrap when you come in, do not take it off yourself before entering. If you have any questions about numbing cream, please contact me!

AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. If Saniderm was used, use warm water to take off wrap within 12-48 hrs. You can shower with it on, just be careful to wash around the area. If Saran Wrap was used, unwrap within 1-3 hours and continue on with next step.

2. Wash area with unscented soap (Cetaphil, CeraVe, Dove antibacterial) 2-3 times per day, depending on physical activity.

3. After 2 days, apply a THIN layer of Aquaphor 2-3 times per day.

4. Continue wash and ointment routine until healed (approx. 2 weeks)

5. KEEP YOUR TATTOO AWAY FROM PETS/PET HAIR/PET AREAS. This is the #1 cause of infection. It doesn’t matter how much you bathe them!

6. DO NOT scratch or pick at scabbing, instead gently slap it or use a WRAPPED ice pack to soothe itching.

7. Wear loose clothing during the healing process. Clothing rubbing against a tattoo can cause irritation or scabs to be peeled off prematurely.

8. Keep physical activity to a minimum the first 2-3 days. A tattoo soaking in sweat can cause infection.

9. No soaking in water for 2-3 weeks (pools/ocean/baths)

10. No direct sun until healed. After healed, use sunscreen every day to prevent fading.