Tattoo Information & Aftercare
*Before You Consider Getting a Tattoo…
*Be Confident on your design choice!
-Many people regret their tattoo’s later on in life, be sure it’s what you want!
-When you decide on a design, hang it in a spot you’ll see frequently (fridge, mirror, etc)
*Almost as important, Be Confident in your Artist
-Different Artists have different styles, simple as that.
-Be sure your Artist is capable & willing to do the design of your choice.
*What To Expect During Your Tattoo…
*Pre-Tattoo
-You will be asked to fill out a Form containing personal information.
-Name, address, date of birth, phone #, also signing over permission for the tattoo
-You will be asked some medical questions, tell the truth it’s important!
-The work station, tables, chairs, etc. will be clean & sterilized before you enter the work area.
-I will wait for the client to be present before opening sterile packages and preparing Tattoo Machines for operation. -ie, Tubes, Needles, etc
-Before your Tattoo begins, the Artist will properly clean your skin with soap & water, then Isopropyl Alcohol. Then will either sketch an image, or lay down a transfer sheet of your image onto your skin.
*During Tattoo
-You will feel a slight discomfort, called…Pain!
-The first line in always the worst, esp. for first timers. Try to keep your mind & body relaxed, keep your breathing very relaxed, and get your mind on something else.
- Needles hurt, but comfort is important. Your Artist should do his best to make sure both of you are comfortable. This will cause less jittering, movement, cramps, etc
-Speak Up! If your feeling nauseated, light headed, a cramped muscle, cough, or a sneeze,
Don’t even hesitate! Talk to your Artist before something happens.
*Post-Tattoo
-After your Tattoo is finished, your Artist will thoroughly clean your skin, then apply vitamins/ointments and cover your fresh tattoo with gauze to avoid infection.
-Your new Tattoo is an open wound! Treat it as one!
-It's Fucking Important! Just because you got a Tattoo, and it looks good, doesn't mean the jobs over.
Getting ink is only half the battle, take good care of it to win the war.
*How You Should Take Care Of Your Tattoo…
*Directly after leaving the Tattoo facility...
-Don’t do much, leave it covered for a good solid couple hours. Let your skin finish bleeding out, and let the new open wound close up. This will help avoid infections & contamination.
-When it’s covered, it’s covered for a reason! Don’t keep taking it off to show people.
-After a couple hours, WASH YOUR HANDS then take the covering off and wash your tattoo.
-Wet your Tattoo, use antibacterial soap & water and delicately rub/wash the area.
-Don’t scrub it, or rub to hard. If you peel off a scabbed area, you could damage the ink.
-Rinse off completely, and lightly pat dry with a fresh clean towel. Most Artists recommend not using paper towels, but it’s fine if they are clean and not contaminated by kitchen use.
-After washing/drying, apply a thin coat of whichever ointment you and your Tattooist have decided is best for you. (A&D is most often used, but there are many options)
-Rub it in good, and always make sure there’s some sort of ointment on it, don’t let it get dry or it will scab profusely and the outcome will not be good.
*Next Day/Night
-Keep it clean, but leave it alone!!! Don’t clean it to much, and don’t touch it more than needed.
-Wash it 3 to 4 times a day, whenever it feels necessary. When it’s tight, dry, itchy, dirty or flaking off scabs.
-Wash it in the shower daily, but be gentle, avoid direct hard water pressure, and pat dry.
-Some people opt to cover their fresh Tattoo with gauze or even plastic wrap while they sleep the first night. This isn‘t a bad idea. It will give a layer between fresh ink and your white sheets. Reduces rubbing & pain, also reduces sheet laundry. Don‘t go overboard with the ointment, use a little & rub it in good, and only cover the tattoo where appropriate. If you cover too much skin, you can sweat a lot which could cause irritation.
-Most people do this on large scale Tattoo’s, use your judgment. Do Not Keep It Covered 24/7!
*For the Next 3 to 4 Days
-Use the recommended ointment (a&d) as instructed above on your new Tattoo for the first 3 or 4 days.
-Wash it whenever applicable, and most importantly Don’t Pick At It!
-If it itches, use a light fingertip or give it a few pats or light slaps. Gentle!
*After Days 3 & 4
-This is when it will really start itching!
-After a few days, some minor scabbing from your top layer of skin should be flaking off, this is completely normal. Wash it, Lube it, Leave it!
-But now, Important!!! Switch to a casual fragrant free lotion, Don’t use vitamins/ointments.
-You’ll now need to lube your Tattoo more times periodically throughout the day, but not necessarily have to wash it as much.
-WASH YOUR HANDS, and apply the lotion whenever it feels tight, dry, or itchy.
*After a Week
-Keep applying the lotion daily whenever needed, morning, noon, night, etc.
-Don’t use the old fashioned spit it in the hand to lube it up, use some damn lotion!
FAFQ
Does a tattoo hurt? Yes…
How long will it take to heal altogether?
Usually under 10 to 14 days and you should be good to treat your tattoo as normal skin.
Can I get my tattoo wet?
Yes, despite the old day rumors, water isn’t bad for a tattoo. Wash it 3 to 4 times a day.
Can I swim with a fresh tattoo?
You shouldn’t, really shouldn’t! But if you do, try to wait until after the scabbing/flaking period. After the 3 or 4 day mark. Swimming in fresh clean running water, for a short time isn’t too bad. Avoid chlorine. Avoid the salty ocean. Avoid your friends pool. It’ll be there next week.
What can I do when I get a pimple or pimples in or around my tattoo?
Could be from many things…shaving, reaction to gloves/ointments/soaps/etc. Chances are if it’s a few to a bunch of little tiny pimples, it’s from shaving. No worries.If
it’s a couple bigger pimples, white heads, it’s probably a reaction
from you putting on ointment too thick. Keep it clean, don’t use to much
lube, rub it in good, don’t cover it! Don’t pop ‘em, leave them
If my dog licks my tattoo, will it heal faster?
No! Besides that, Your dog sits on the ground, then licks his testicles. Don’t let it get near your ink!!!
What should I do if I think my tattoo is infected?
Honestly, if it’s infected it’s probably from bad aftercare, not from the Tattooist. But you should call them and seek advice. Usually it can be cleared up in a short time, and touched up to perfection. If you think it's infected, contact the tattoo artist personally. He will then fill out the proper medical forms to report the incident to the state, and to also get you checked out medically.
Any other questions, just ask below!
