01
Before
The night before and the morning of.
- Eat a real meal an hour or two before. Low blood sugar is what makes people faint in the chair, not the needle.
- Sleep. A rested body sits still and heals faster.
- No alcohol the night before and none the day of. It thins the blood and the piece pays for it.
- Hydrate for a couple of days ahead. Hydrated skin takes ink better.
- Moisturize the spot for the week before, and keep it out of the sun. Sunburned skin cannot be tattooed.
- Do not shave the area unless your artist asks you to. They will do it properly on the day.
- Bring a valid photo ID, your reference pictures, and clothing that gives the artist easy access to the spot.
- Long session? Bring water, a snack, headphones, and a charger. Big pieces run two days back to back.
02
The first night
Leave the bandage on as long as your artist told you. If they used a clear second-skin film, leave it until they said to remove it; a little ink and fluid pooling under it is normal.
03
Days one to three
Wash gently with lukewarm water and a mild, unscented soap two or three times a day. Pat dry with a clean paper towel, never a cloth. Apply a thin layer of the ointment or lotion your artist recommended. Thin means you can barely see it.
04
Weeks one to two
Flaking and light scabbing are normal. Do not pick, scratch or peel; let it fall off on its own. Keep washing and moisturizing. Loose, clean clothing over the spot.
05
Weeks two to four
No soaking: no baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes or the ocean until it is fully healed. Showers are fine. No sun on it; cover it rather than sunscreen it while it is open.
06
Forever
Sun is what fades a tattoo. Once healed, sunscreen on it every time it is exposed, and the black and grey stays black and grey.
07
Do not
- Re-wrap it in plastic after the first night unless told to.
- Use petroleum jelly, scented lotion, or alcohol on it.
- Pick, scratch, or peel.
- Soak it, sunburn it, or hit the gym so hard it stretches and sweats for the first few days.
08
When to see a doctor
Some redness, warmth and swelling in the first two or three days is normal. Redness that spreads outward, heat and swelling that get worse after day three, pus, red streaks, or a fever are signs of infection: see a doctor the same day. For anything else, text a clear photo in good light to (443) 566-6538 and your artist will look at it.
