If you have ANY questions or concerns about the healing process of your tattoo, please call or visit the shop immediately. We will be able to direct you to a doctor if need be. Signs to look for: Very hot to the touch, pussing, yellow or green discharge or excessive redness or swelling.
1.) Be prepared!
ALWAYS eat a full meal before your tattoo! DO NOT drink before getting a tattoo this can affect your bodies response to heal itself properly. Also, getting a tattoo can be a very intimate experience so be sure to shower! 2.) Bring reference material. If needed, bring in any materials you have to reference what type of tattoo you are looking to get. This is most often done during a consult. 3.) Try to avoid bringing an entourage. It is OK to bring a friend to hold your hand but please avoid bringing more than one as it can become a distraction. If you do have more than one person we do have plenty of space and books in the waiting area. NO KIDS. 4.) Trust your artist. Your artist has been tattooing for many years and will have some recommendations for you as far as color, placement and other aspects. Please take those recommendations into consideration. 5.) Double check. Once the final stencil is made and placed, make sure to double check spelling and placement. If you have any concerns, voice them to your artist clearly and immediately. 6.) Expect there to be some pain. Yes, tattoos do hurt. However pain is subjective and if at anytime you need a break just let your artist know. 7.) Stay still. It is important that you remain still through out the entire process. stretching and re-situating is normal but you need to warn your artist first. 8.) Tip your artist. A percentage of your tattoo cost goes directly to the owner for supplies and maintenance so any tips to your artist for his/her hard work are very much appreciated! 9.) Have necessary after care equipment. The last thing you will want to do after getting a tattoo is limp around a store trying to find a good lotion or soap. We do sell both at the shop however, be sure that you have what you need before you get your tattoo or before you leave the studio. |
1.) When do I take off the bandage?
After leaving the studio, leave the bandage on for no more than an hour depending on when you are able to treat the affected area. NEVER TOUCH YOUR TATTOO WITH UNWASHED HANDS! 2.) Wash the area with mild soap. (preferably fragrance free) Using the palm of your hand apply slight pressure while washing to remove any plasma (slimy film) covering the tattoo. 3.) Let the tattoo dry... Use a clean paper towel to DAB (do not wipe) the tattoo and remove any excess water. Never let your tattoo remain wet for long periods of time. (This means take quick showers and avoid baths.) 4.) DO NOT apply lotion for at least 24 hours. Keep the tattoo clean and in the open as much as you can. 5.) After a minimum of 24 hours... Apply a SMALL amount of coconut oil or fragrance-free lotion when needed. 6.) NEVER pick or scratch your tattoo! Doing so can affect the healing process and overall appearance of your tattoo. 7.) Be sure to give yourself adequate time for healing. Larger tattoos can often swell and be painful afterwards. Depending on the size and location of your tattoo, you may want to refrain from long periods of standing, lifting or general movement of that area. |
Q: Can I go swimming/tanning after getting a tattoo?
A: Avoid swimming, soaking sun and any other unsanitary conditions until the tattoo is COMPLETELY healed. If you do choose to tan be sure to use sun block or cover your tattoo EVERY TIME.
Q: How can I keep my tattoo from fading over time?
A: Avoiding direct sunlight or using sun block will help keep the colors bright all year round. AVOID sunburns! Sometimes dry skin can make the tattoo appear dull as well, simply use lotion to brighten it up immediately.
Q: Is swelling normal?
A: Yes, and depending on the placement of the tattoo it can be very noticeable. Lower extremities, elbows and forearms can become very swollen as blood pools at the tattoo site. Larger tattoos will become the most swollen and this is why we recommend that you keep your tattoo elevated as much as possible during the healing process. You may experience a "pins and needles" sensation, this too is normal. Make sure that you are allowing yourself time off to heal. If you ever have ANY concerns about the healing of your tattoo be sure to contact the shop immediately by either calling or stopping in.
Q: Can I get my head, face or hands tattooed?
A: This is a decision that is made by the individual artists. In most cases shops will turn you down for head/face/neck/hand tattoos unless you already have visible tattoos.
A: Avoid swimming, soaking sun and any other unsanitary conditions until the tattoo is COMPLETELY healed. If you do choose to tan be sure to use sun block or cover your tattoo EVERY TIME.
Q: How can I keep my tattoo from fading over time?
A: Avoiding direct sunlight or using sun block will help keep the colors bright all year round. AVOID sunburns! Sometimes dry skin can make the tattoo appear dull as well, simply use lotion to brighten it up immediately.
Q: Is swelling normal?
A: Yes, and depending on the placement of the tattoo it can be very noticeable. Lower extremities, elbows and forearms can become very swollen as blood pools at the tattoo site. Larger tattoos will become the most swollen and this is why we recommend that you keep your tattoo elevated as much as possible during the healing process. You may experience a "pins and needles" sensation, this too is normal. Make sure that you are allowing yourself time off to heal. If you ever have ANY concerns about the healing of your tattoo be sure to contact the shop immediately by either calling or stopping in.
Q: Can I get my head, face or hands tattooed?
A: This is a decision that is made by the individual artists. In most cases shops will turn you down for head/face/neck/hand tattoos unless you already have visible tattoos.