Drinking lots of water, moisturizing the area, getting a good nights sleep, taking your vitamins (especially vitamin C), are all wonderful things to be mindful of before your tattoo session! No tanning and no drinking the night before!

Right after

• Immediately after your tattoo, I will either put a clear bandage called Dermshield on your tattoo, or use plastic wrap. If Dermshield is used, leave it on for 3-4 days if you can. If it becomes irritated, remove immediately under warm shower water. If plastic wrap was used, leave it on for at least 1-3 hrs. Once the Dermshield or plastic wrap is removed, wash your hands, and use antibacterial soap immediately. Pat dry with a clean paper towel or you can let it air dry. Do not use any hand towels as it may be abrasive and full of bacteria. You may use an unscented lotion, such as Lubriderm, Aveeno, etc. You may use Aquaphor in the first few days, but use a very small amount! A&D and Aquaphor are usually a bit thicker and are not preferred because they’re not as porous. Natural products such as Almond oil, Vitamin E oil and cocoa butter are all typically fine. I’d be careful with coconut oil because of it’s comedogenic rating (it’s not as porous as other oils). I also sell my own tattoo aftercare! It’s located in my shop (when it’s in stock) or I may have some available after your apt.

• Repeat cleaning 2-5 times a day, or as needed. Generally if you go to work or go out and about, I’d wash it when you could. If you have animals, do not let them rub against it, lick it, etc. Clean your bed sheets! Dander, fur, and dirt are all culprits hiding in your bed. Also note that a little ink may seep onto your sheets the first night if we used plastic wrap, which is why I recommend loose pants. DO NOT LET ANYONE TOUCH YOUR NEW TATTOO! Do not touch your own tattoo unless you’ve washed your hands! I highly recommend wearing loose long sleeves or pants to protect the shit out of this permanent piece of art.
  

When your tattoo is healed

After the 2-4 week mark when your tattoo isn’t scabby, shiny, or dry looking, you are free. You can now bathe, swim, work out etc. Regarding longevity, it’s best advised you still treat your tattoo with tender love and care long after it has healed. This would mean moisturizing the area when you can, keeping it hidden from the sun (so tanning long term won’t be your best friend! Tattoos don’t like it!)
and vitamin E oil is your friend!
Another note is, I will never be offended if you decide to alter, add on, change, remove, or blastover your tattoo. We are all humans and how we feel about things change. You are receiving my art, but it is apart of your body. And you are entitled to that. I encourage change and growth. We are only human and we are not immortal, so do whatever you want!

• It’s highly recommended you eat a full meal prior to your apt. I usually book full day tattoos and the less food in your stomach, the more aware of pain you are. Also avoid too much caffeine as it’ll make you jittery and can act as a blood thinner. Getting a tattoo is a mental game.

• I do prefer to shave the area myself day of. If you have thicker hair, feel free to trim it (be careful not to nick yourself!) so we can get started quicker! Also wear proper clothing!
  If you’re getting a leg tattoo, loose shorts or a dress may be ideal instead of wearing tight jeans.

• The shop may also be cold (I typically get cold when getting tattooed, some people get warm)- I would bring a jacket or something to keep you warm! Bring a water bottle and snacks too! There aren’t many walkable food shops nearby so you might have to use Doordash if you get hungry.

• Please also feel free to bring a book, headphones, a phone charger etc.! If you have a long apt and don’t really want to chat the whole time or nap, you might want a lil distraction!

• Also, don’t book anything else the day of your tattoo! It’s best to anticipate a longer session than a shorter one. I will never rush a tattoo, and more often then not you may forget to anticipate the initial setup time, taking breaks, if you decide to go bigger etc. So take the day off work, and make loose plans!
  

Anywhere from 2-4+ weeks after apt

• NO GYMS, BEACHES OR POOLS!
  I know it’s hard, especially in Florida! But resist, you have an open wound!
  Showers are fine, just make sure the water isn’t scorching hot and do not soak it, aka no baths.

• If you are a gym buff and absolutely cannot resist despite me giving my professional advice- make sure your tattoo is covered. Gyms are notoriously full of bacteria (MRSA for example**) and you want to ensure your tatty stands a chance. Wash yourself immediately afterwards and please avoid working out the area of the tattoo! If it’s on your arm, do not do lift things, do not do pushups etc.
  Or just like, don’t go to the gym.

• If you have an arm tattoo, be mindful of resting it on public tables if you go out to eat or anything like that!

• Do not go tanning, use spray tan, or use sunscreen yet! Do not itch or scratch any scabs and never re-wrap your tattoo! As you clean it from 2-5 days in the beginning, you may decrease that amount over time. You may use a light layer of lotion from time to time when the tattoo becomes dry or itchy.

• If you are worried about infection, contact me! It is totally normal to be red, hot, possibly lightly bruised and sore immediately after. If these symptoms continue or seem worse than normal, you may want to contact your doctor to treat with antibiotics so little to no damage will happen to your tattoo.
  If you follow these aftercare guidelines, it’s likely you’ll never have to worry about this!