Heal your tattoo perfectly
A great tattoo is half my application and half your aftercare. Follow these steps and your artwork heals clean and lasts a lifetime.
Water, a good meal, 24 hours alcohol-free.
Bandage stays on 3 to 5 days.
In a warm shower, stretch the film off.
2 to 3 times a day, a thin layer.
Swim again, SPF for life.
Before your session
Four things that make your session smoother and your tattoo better.
Hydration and diet
Drink plenty of water in the days before your appointment. Eat a hearty, nutrient-rich meal 1 to 2 hours before you arrive. Tattooing lowers your blood sugar and a full stomach keeps you steady.
Skin preparation
Moisturize the area daily for a week before. Arrive with calm skin, free of sunburn or peeling. Leave the shaving to me at the studio, that keeps your skin free of razor burn.
Alcohol and medication
Skip alcohol and blood-thinning medication such as aspirin and ibuprofen for 24 hours before. Your blood stays thicker, the ink settles cleanly and healing goes smoother.
What to bring and wear
Wear comfortable, loose clothing with easy access to the placement. Bring a water bottle, a sugary snack or drink, and headphones or a book if you like to zone out.
After your session
Questions while healing? Extreme redness or swelling? Reach out right away.
The first 24 hours
Leave the second-skin bandage on for 3 to 5 days. Fluid collecting underneath is normal: plasma, ink and a little blood form an ink sack as part of natural healing.
Bandage removal
Remove the bandage in the shower under warm running water. Pull down gently from the edge, stretching the film as you go. Wash right away with a mild, unscented antibacterial soap.
Washing and moisturizing
Wash your tattoo 2 to 3 times a day with clean hands. Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Apply a very thin layer of unscented moisturizer such as Aquaphor or Lubriderm. Less is more.
What to avoid
Keep your hands off: let it flake on its own. Stay out of baths, pools and the ocean for 3 weeks and keep the tattoo out of direct sun. Once healed, high SPF sunscreen keeps your ink crisp for years.
