Prep & Aftercare
Before coming to your tattoo appointment
Your skin is the canvas for the artwork to come. The better the canvas, the better the end result.
Elasticity, health, and pigment of your skin are very important for the outcome of your tattoo.
Therefore you are kindly asked to follow these steps before your tattoo appointment to prepare your skin.
● It is crucial to keep the amount of melanin (natural pigment) in your skin as low as possible. So please avoid direct sunlight, especially getting burned or tanned. Please protect the area to be tattooed with clothing. If you have to expose the area to sunlight, please use high SPF (preferably 50) sunblock on the spot. It is also advised against using self-tanning creams
● If your diet includes Fish Oils, especially Omega 3’s, then please remove them from your diet a week before the tattoo session since they are blood thinners.
● We also recommend you take 1 000 mg of vitamin C every day for one week before the appointment, vitamin C gives the skin more elasticity and is a good antioxidant.
● Please take care of the elasticity of your skin by applying moisturizing lotion or cream (for example coconut oil) on the area every day for one week before the appointment.
● When showering, please don’t exfoliate your skin. Exfoliating makes skin renew itself and the new skin is fragile, making it harder to tattoo. This does not mean you shouldn’t shower or wash, just don’t scrub your skin too much. You also do not need to shave the area yourself. If it’s not an area that you don’t usually shave anyway, leave the shaving to the artist.
● Avoid hard liquor and/or heavy training/sports for 24h before the appointment
● Make sure to eat a full meal before coming for your appointment.
● Get a good night's sleep to be well-rested and ready for your day.
TATTOO AFTERCARE
Always handle your tattoo with clean hands.
IF YOU HAVE SECOND SKIN:
Keep it on for 1-5 days.
Ink or plasma building up under the film is normal. You can shower with it, but if it leaks any water inside, remove it.
Peel it off slowly along the skin, not straight up. Rinse with lukewarm water, then pat dry with clean paper towel or cloth.
IF YOU HAVE A REGULAR WRAP:
Remove it after 1-4 hours.
Wash the tattoo gently with lukewarm water and unscented soap. Pat dry with a clean paper towel or cloth.
FROM DAY 2 ONWARD
Apply a thin layer of aftercare cream 2-3 times a day. Massage it in until absorbed.
Don't overdo it!
too much cream can clog pores or cause bumps.
Keep the tattoo clean and moisturized.
Don't pick or scratch flakes or scabs.
If it itches, tap it lightly instead of scratching.
HEALING PHASE
Some redness, peeling, or mild soreness is normal. Avoid swimming, sauna, heavy sweating, and direct sunlight for at least 14 days.
Let the tattoo breathe avoid tight clothes and long soaking. If you notice strong pain, swelling, pus, or spreading redness, contact your artist right away.
NEED HELP?
If you have any questions or if your tattoo needs a touch-up once healed, contact your artist directly.