EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO ARRIVE PREPARED FOR YOUR TATTOO APPOINTMENT

Whether you’re heading to your very first tattoo appointment or you’re a regular who needs a quick refresher, it’s essential to properly prepare before your session and take good care of your tattoo afterward. In this article, I’ll share all my recommendations to help ensure a pleasant tattoo experience and optimal healing.

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

Make sure to eat before your appointment and bring some snacks. A sugary snack can help prevent drops in blood pressure.
Stay well hydrated and bring your water bottle.
Shave the area that will be tattooed before your appointment.
Make sure to keep the area well hydrated and, if your skin is dry, gently exfoliate it.
Avoid applying numbing cream. If you wish to use one, please inform me before your appointment.
Wear dark, comfortable clothing that is easy to remove or adjust depending on the area being tattooed.
Inform me if you have a bloodborne illness (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, etc.).

How to Take Care of Your Tattoo

Remove the plastic wrap once you arrive home.
Clean your tattoo twice a day for two weeks using a gentle, fragrance-free soap (e.g., Dove Unscented).
After washing, gently pat the area dry with a paper towel or a clean cloth.
If you notice any signs of infection or abnormal healing, contact me promptly or consult a healthcare professional.

TO AVOID

Avoid friction and direct contact on the tattooed area.
Avoid applying thick layers of greasy products (e.g., petroleum jelly). The skin needs to breathe.
Do not scratch the area during healing, even if it feels itchy.
Avoid soaking the tattoo in water (bath, hot tub, pool, lake, etc.) for two weeks while it heals.
Avoid sun exposure for the first three weeks. To preserve your tattoo long-term, apply sunscreen afterward.