TATTOO PREP
Prep is super important if you want your appointment to go smoothly & your tattoo to heal well
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WEEK LEADING UP:
- Keep the area well moisturized - hydrated skin tattoos a thousand times smoother. Drink lots of water, this will help too.
- Avoid damaging the skin - damaged skin cannot be tattooed.
Includes cuts, burns, sun burns, scraps, reactions, razor burns, etc
- Avoid drugs and alcohol for up to 24 hours before your appointment - can cause issues with bleeding and/or healing
- Do not shave the area being tattooed, I have disposable razors for this - avoid the possibility of razor burn
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DAY OF:
- Eat a full meal before your tattoo. This will help with pain, blood sugar levels and keep you feeling your best during your appointment
- Hydrate. Bring some snacks, water & juice with you - extra energy
- Shower before coming - clean skin = avoid infection
- Dress in comfortable, loose, dark clothing - ink spills happen
- Plan your route - plan for unexpected delays (snow, traffic)
- Avoid pain killers & numbing products beforehand - interfere with the skin/blood
- Have your payment ready - I only accept cash, debit or credit for the remainder of the payment
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AFTER CARE
- If second skin is applied, leave it on for at least 4 hours and no longer than 48 hours.
If its peeling and exposing the tattoo, remove immediately
If the surrounding skin turns red and becomes irritated, remove the second skin immediately - this is an allergic reaction and can harm the tattoo if left on for too long
​- Remove second skin under warm running water and gently remove excess ink/plasma. An unscented gentle soap can be used if available, if not water is fine - dry with a clean paper towel
- Moisturize with a thin layer of unscented lotion, twice a day or whenever the tattoo becomes itchy - Aquaphor or Lubriderm are recommended
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- If Saran Wrap is applied, leave it on till your next shower (should not be on any longer than the following morning after your appointment)
- Place tattoo under warm running water and gently remove excess ink/plasma. An unscented gentle soap can be used if available, if not water is fine - dry with a clean paper towel
- Moisturize with a thin layer of unscented lotion, twice a day or whenever the tattoo becomes itchy - Aquaphor or Lubriderm are recommended
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AVOID THE FOLLOWING UNTIL FULLY HEALED
before and after removing second skin:
- Scented soaps & lotions
- Sunscreens, fake tan products and makeup
- Sun exposure/UV rays
- Hot tubs, pools, baths & saunas
- Excessive sweating or working out in the first 48 hours