Before & Aftercare

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DO show up for your appointment time with proper unexpired, government-issued photo identification. DON'T expect that we can tattoo/pierce you without this documentation, even if we know or can rightfully assume that you're of age.
DO eat a good meal an hour or two before your appointment. DON’T forget to bring snacks for longer tattoo sessions.
DO hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Well-hydrated skin is easier to tattoo/pierce.
DO get a good night’s rest. DON’T come to your session sick, tired or hungover. It makes getting tattooed more difficult and, overall, wholly unpleasant for you.
DO wear clothing you are both comfortable in and provides ample accessibility to tattoo/pierce the desired area. DON’T hesitate to bring a hoodie or a sweater just in the event that you might get cold.

Before any contact with your new/healing tattoo, make sure to WASH YOUR HANDS!
After 3 hours, gently remove the bandage and wash with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap. Be sure to rinse away any sliminess and all soap residue. DO NOT REBANDAGE.
Lightly pat the area dry with a clean paper towel before applying a thin layer of Neosporin or Bacitracin. Repeat 3 times a day for the next three days.
Refrain from prolonged, direct exposure to sunlight and tanning booths for at least 7-10 days.
Do NOT soak tattoo tub, sauna, jacuzzi, or go swimming while your tattoo is healing. Showering is fine.
Do NOT rub, pick, or scratch the treated area while it is healing. Doing so could result in loss of pigmentation and/or infection.
Please keep in mind that extreme sun exposure will fade your tattoo. In order to preserve our artwork and your investment, we recommend using a sunscreen with at least SPF25.
Your tattoo should heal in two weeks. Consult a physician if any signs or symptoms develop such as the following: redness at site, green/yellow discharge (foul smelling), and/or fever.

Typically, you’re safe to use any all-natural, petroleum-free unscented ointments and/or aftercare products specifically made for tattoos, like the ones we sell at the studio (Tattoo Lovers Care, Hustle Butter, Mad Rabbit, etc.).
When in doubt, consult your artist, as they may recommend a specific product based on your skin, healing progress or their personal preference.
For the first three days, take the dressing off every three hours to wash with antibacterial soap and let air dry before re-wrapping.
If using Tegaderm or a similar, second-skin-type dressing, leave on for up to three days (as long as it isn’t leaking or compromised in any other way) then follow up with washing with antibacterial soap and air drying.
As always, consult your artist if need be, and follow any specialized aftercare procedures that may have been provided/recommended.
First and foremost, immediately cease any product use and allow the tattoo to dry out.
Contact your artist as soon as possible, whether it be through a physical visit or email (with pictures) so that they can visually assess the area.