Tattoos
Pre and Aftercare
Before your appointment.
Pre care for tattoos is all about preparing your skin and body for the best possible tattoo experience and outcome. Here’s a simple guide:
1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment. Hydrated skin takes ink better.
2. Avoid Alcohol and Aspirin: These can thin your blood, leading to more bleeding during the tattoo process.
3. Get Rest: Ensure you’re well-rested before your appointment to help your body cope with the stress of getting tattooed.
4. Moisturize Your Skin: Apply a good moisturizer to the area getting tattooed for a few days before your session. But don't apply lotion on the day of your appointment.
5. Eat a Good Meal: Have a healthy meal before your session to help stabilize your blood sugar levels. This can help you feel better during the tattoo process.
6. Wear Appropriate Clothing: Choose clothing that will give easy access to the area being tattooed and that you won’t mind getting ink on.
Following these steps can help ensure your skin is in the best condition for your tattoo, potentially reducing healing time and improving the quality of the final artwork.
After your appointment
Tattoo aftercare is crucial for healing and preserving the quality of your new tattoo. Here's a simplified aftercare routine:
1. Keep it Covered: Leave the bandage on for at least a few hours after getting tattooed, as recommended by your artist.
2. Clean Gently: After removing the bandage, gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
3. Moisturize: Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizing ointment or lotion to the tattoo. Your artist will recommend a specific product.
4. Stay Dry: Avoid soaking the tattoo in water (no swimming or long showers) and keep it out of direct streams of water while showering.
5. Avoid the Sun: Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight. Once healed, apply sunscreen to the tattoo to prevent fading.
6. Don’t Scratch or Pick: As the tattoo heals, it will itch and peel. Don’t scratch or pick at it; let it heal naturally.
7. Wear Loose Clothing: To avoid irritation and allow the tattoo to breathe, wear loose-fitting clothing over it.
Healing times vary but expect a tattoo to take at least 2-4 weeks to heal on the surface and up to 6 months for complete healing internally. Follow your artist’s specific aftercare instructions for the best results.
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We recommend using Aquaphor on your tattoo, apply as needed to keep tattoo moisturized with as little ointment as possible.
Who can't get tattoos?
While tattoos are a popular form of self-expression, there are certain situations and conditions where individuals may be advised against getting tattoos or should exercise caution:
1. Skin Conditions: Individuals with certain skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, keloids, or dermatitis, may experience complications or exacerbation of their condition from tattooing. Tattoos can irritate sensitive skin or trigger flare-ups.
2. Allergies: People with allergies to tattoo ink or specific pigments should avoid getting tattoos, as allergic reactions can occur. It's essential to conduct a patch test before getting tattooed to ensure there are no adverse reactions.
3. Blood Disorders: Individuals with bleeding disorders or taking blood-thinning medications may experience excessive bleeding during the tattooing process, increasing the risk of complications and affecting the quality of the tattoo.
4. Immunocompromised Individuals: People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or living with HIV/AIDS, may have a higher risk of infection from tattooing. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before getting tattooed in such cases.
5. Pregnant or Breastfeeding Individuals: While there is limited research on the effects of tattoo ink on pregnancy or breastfeeding, it's generally advised to avoid getting tattoos during pregnancy or while breastfeeding due to potential risks to the baby's health.
6. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as heart conditions, diabetes, epilepsy, or auto-immune diseases, may require special consideration before getting tattooed. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to assess individual risks and determine if tattooing is safe.
7. Age Restrictions: In many regions, there are legal age restrictions for getting tattoos. Minors may require parental consent or be prohibited from getting tattoos altogether, depending on local regulations.
8. Infections or Open Wounds: Individuals with active skin infections, cuts, scrapes, or open wounds in the area where they want to get tattooed should wait until the skin has fully healed before getting tattooed. Tattooing over broken skin increases the risk of infection and can affect the healing process.
It's essential for individuals to discuss their medical history and any concerns with a qualified tattoo artist or healthcare professional before getting tattooed. A reputable tattoo artist will prioritize the safety and well-being of their clients and may recommend against tattooing in certain circumstances to prevent potential complications.