Congrats friend on booking your appointment! 

Everybody is excited the night before their tattoo session. It could be your 100th tattoo or your very first time you've stepped inside a tattoo shop for an actual session. Regardless, there are some tips that you should know before your session starts. To help make this process easier for you, I have put together a complete guide on how to prepare and care for your tattoo, so you know exactly what to do!

Things you'll need to know before your appointment:

THE DESIGN PROCESS:

  • I usually draw up designs at least 7 days before the scheduled appointment, meaning if you need/want to change the design concept you'll need to do so at least 7 days before your appointment. As well as if you end up canceling said appointment within 7 days of the appointment, your design will go into a pool of available designs offered to other people. This is so my time isn't wasted by drawing a design that is no longer scheduled.

  • Will I see my design before my appointment? No, because designs are frequently stolen and taken to other artists. If I need clarification while designing your piece, I will reach out via email with any questions I may have. At your appointment, you'll see the design as well as make small changes and see different sizes.

  • I DO NOT copy other artists' designs, so if you send in an inspo picture I will take that into consideration and draw something similar, which makes every tattoo a custom design for each client. If you or someone you know drew something up and you want that exactly make sure you specify that in the request forms.

PLAN AHEAD

  • Avoid being in a rush or being late for your appointment by planning ahead (remember that if you are more than 10 minutes late your appointment will be marked as a no-show and be charged 100% of the service price and be required to reschedule)

  • Plan your trip to the studio by checking how long it will take you to get to your appointment and allow yourself extra time to get there incase of heavy traffic.

THE DAY OF:

  • First thing you should do is hop in the shower. This helps ensure the skin is clean for your tattoo and is courteous to the artist. We are going to be all up close and personal with your skin for an extended period of time.

  • Eat a good meal and continue hydrating (both inside and out.)

  • Avoid Caffeine, it can thin your blood, making the tattoo process more painful and you will bleed more as a result.

DRESS ACCORDINGLY

  • Avoid tight and restrictive clothing

  • Wear clothing that is easily accessible to where you are getting tattooed. 

  • There is a possibility that blood and/or ink will get on your clothes so I recommend wearing black.

THE DAY/NIGHT BEFORE:

  • Make sure to get a good night's rest. The tattoo process can take a toll on the body and getting enough sleep can help you deal with any pain both mentally and physically. 

  • Make sure to stay hydrated (both inside and out.) 

  • Avoid drinking alcohol, taking ibuprofen/advil, or using any blood thinners.

  • Double check the time and place of your appointment that is located in your confirmation email.

  • Avoid caffeine at least 24-48 hours before your tattoo session.

  • Shave — If the area you will be getting tattooed has hair on it then it might be time to pull out the razor.

  • Exfoliation is another aspect that people often forget, as well as moisturize!

RELAX & BREATHE

  • There is a good chance the tattoo won't hurt as bad as you are expecting and when we're done, you'll have a new tattoo! So just relax and enjoy your tattoo appointment.

  • Bring snacks! You are going to need energy, especially if you are about to sit through a long session.

SCARED ABOUT THE PAIN?

  • -It's no secret that tattoos can be painful. I recommend the brand Zensa (Link to buy) Zensa numbs the skin on contact and does not change the texture of the skin or the settling of the ink. It contains lidocaine to keep you numb for up to 2 hours. Make sure you follow directions and put it on 30-40 minutes before the appointment as we don't usually have that extra time to wait. I also use a secondary numbing for bigger projects that is amazing but only works once the skin is broken open, so if we get going and you want to take the edge off just let me know and we can throw some on.

  • I also recommend bringing something to take your mind off of the pain like headphones to listen to music or watch a movie, a stress ball, or playdoh to squeeze like a stress ball.

  • Bring a friend but please only bring one! 

AFTERCARE INFORMATION

You will be sent home with a clear bandage called Recovery. You will leave it on for 3-5 days. This type of wrap is water resistant so you can shower with it on but still avoid baths, hot tubs, or bodies of water until your tattoo is fully healed. You may get a goopy black/brown substance under the wrap, this is the excess plasma and ink that normally oozes out the first few days. It may look a little gross but ignore it, it won't hurt your tattoo.

Take off the wrap early if: water or sweat gets trapped under or if it peels up off the tattoo. When removed it is easier to take it off in a warm shower. I recommend taking it off like a command strip (in the direction of the skin.)

ONCE YOU TAKE OFF THE WRAP

  1. Wash the tattoo gently with your hands~ do not scrub with anything

  2. Use unscented mild soap (Hustle Butter Soap is my favorite~ Soap Link)

  3. Pat dry with a clean towel~ be careful with any scabbing

  4. Use a small amount of unscented lotion 2-3 times a day~ use more if needed (if the tattoo becomes itchy or dry) 

  5. Hustle butter or Aquaphor are my favorite. (Aquaphor link) (Hustle Butter Link)

  6. Applying too much ointment can cause your tattoo to "suffocate" apply only a very thin coat so your tattoo can breathe. 

  7. There is no need to re-bandage the tattoo, but please be mindful that your tattoo is a wound.

  8. Avoid until healed: Pools, baths, hot tubs, any standing water~ showers are fine. Also, avoid wearing abrasive clothing or jewelry on your new tattoo. Avoid scratching, picking, or touching the tattoo with unclean hands. Picking and scratching WILL cause healing issues and ink loss.  Avoid sun tanning, burning, or even exposing a fresh tattoo to the sun (when healing use a high SPF sunblock)

Remember, a tattoo is an open wound, treat it as so, be careful with touching it on anything, and if so wash immediately.

The scabs (if any) will fall off on their own, let them fall off on their own! The tattoo may go through a scabby/ashy phase. This goes away when fully healed.

Tattoos usually take anywhere from 6-8 weeks to fully heal. Once your tattoo isn't scabby or raised it is safe to assume that it is healed.

TOUCH UPS

  • I include one touch-up per tattoo for each client that must be claimed within the first year.

  • Fresh tattoos cannot be touched up, it is recommended to wait 2+ months to touch up a tattoo.

  • Once healed please email a picture of your tattoo(s) in good lighting. After I receive a healed picture, I will send you a booking link to get you scheduled. 

RESCHEDULING

  • We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise that could face you to reschedule your procedure. Please understand that such change affects not only your artist, but other clients as well. If you choose to reschedule your appointment, we require at least 3 days notice, otherwise you will lose your booking fee and will be charged the late cancellation penalty fees. 


General FAQ

  • ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED?

    No individuals under 18 years old are permitted in the studio, except if the appointment is for you and you are between 16 and 18 years old. Bringing a minor to your appointment will result in a late cancellation fee and necessitate rescheduling.

  • CAN I BRING FRIENDS OR SIGNIFICANT OTHERS?

    We ask that you limit your guests to just 1 person. We love emotional support but the studio can get crazy if everyone brings more than 1 person with them to their appointment.

  • HOW LONG DOES A TATTOO TAKE?

    Tattooing is not a quick process, nor should it be rushed as you will be living with the results permanently.

  • DOES YOUR SKIN NEED TO BE PERFECTLY CLEAR? WHAT ABOUT ZITS, Scars, and cuts?

    Your area of placement should be one that is free of body acne, fresh wounds, and sun burns. Scars can be worked with as long as they are fully healed.

  • Are there any rules surrounding self tanner or spray tans?

    Getting a self tan before a tattoo doesn't necessarily affect the tattoo, but during the tattoo process much of it will most likely be removed.

    As for after the tattoo, you will want to wait at least 4 weeks before getting a spray tan or wearing a self tanner over the tattoo. Remember this is an open wound and waiting will nix the chance of developing an infection.

  • WHAT ARE YOUR FORMS OF PAYMENT?

    Cash or card only!

  • What is your favorite drink?

    • I love an iced white mocha with caramel and vanilla and no whip!

    • Mango Loco or Pipeline punch Monster Juice


Tattoo FAQ

  • DOES IT HURT?

    The simple answer is, yes it does. However, not as much as you may think. It can be painful for many and can suggests a mind over matter approach. I always recommend [clients] focus on their breathing during a tattoo. Take your mind elsewhere, if possible. Pain is beauty and it’s only temporary, so just breathe easy and it'll be over before you know it.

  • HOW LONG DOES A TATTOO TAKE?

    Tattooing is not a quick process, nor should it be rushed as you will be living with the results permanently.

  • CAN I USE NUMBING CREAM OR PAIN KILLERS?

    Numbing creams can cause the skin to become a little puffy in some customers. This means that the tattooist needs to work harder to get the ink into the skin, which can cause additional trauma. This will obviously have some repercussions during the healing process and can create an undesirable amount of scabbing during that time.

    Aspirin is the biggest problem as it thins the blood and reduces clotting, this will cause excessive bleeding during your tattoo, which will affect the quality of the finished tattoo. Aspirin will also extend the healing time that your tattoo needs so it is best avoided.

  • DOES SKIN NEED TO BE PERFECTLY CLEAR? WHAT ABOUT ZITS, CUTS, SCARS?

    Your area of placement should be one that’s free of body acne and fresh wounds, scars can be worked with, depending on skin and the age of the injury.

  • ARE THERE ANY RULES SURROUNDING SELF TANNER OR SPRAY TANS?

    Getting a self tan before a tattoo doesn't necessarily effect the tattoo, but during the tattoo process much of it will most likely be removed, so I would avoid it or do it a few days in advance — just so [the tanner is] fully settled into the skin, As for after the tattoo, you will want to wait two weeks to a month before getting spray tanned or wearing self tanner over the tattoo. This will give time for the tattoo to fully heal and nix the chance of developing an infection.

  • WHAT DO WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SUN PROTECTION OR COVERING UP AFTER FIRST GETTING TATTOOED?

    After getting any tattoo, avoid sun exposure for a minimum of 2 weeks to a month. And after? Always sunscreen your tattoos. Sunscreen will keep your skin young and fresh by preventing the pigments from spreading and aging.

  • IF YOU CHOOSE TO GET A TATTOO IN WHITE INK, WILL IT CHANGE COLOR OVER TIME?

    For the most part, white tattoos will turn to an off-white or yellow color when your skin tans. White ink is best for highlights in tattoos, not necessarily a tattoo all on its own.

  • ANY OTHER TIPS ON HOW TO PREP FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT?

    Always avoid partying the night before and eat a good meal before coming in.