BEFORE & AFTER CARE

BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

  • Get excited! Your tattoo day is finally here :)

  • Please make sure you are well rested, hydrated, and have eaten at least 3 hours prior to your appointment.

  • Keep in mind, my private studio is a CASH ONLY shop.

  • Remember, your non-refundable deposit comes off the price of your piece on your last session.


AFTERCARE

Saniderm

  • Keep the Saniderm on for a minimum of 24 hours, and a maximum of 4-5 days. The  longer you are able to keep it on, the more your tattoo will be able to heal while bandaged. During this time there will be a buildup of fluid (plasma, ink, blood) underneath the bandage—this is normal, and should stay contained within the Saniderm. If it does leak out (and the seal between the Saniderm and your skin is broken), remove the bandage and continue with aftercare as instructed below.

  • To remove the Saniderm—while in the shower, slowly peel/roll the Saniderm off. This will be uncomfortable but will not damage your tattoo. Once the Saniderm is completely removed, thoroughly wash your tattoo and continue with aftercare as instructed below.

Regular Absorbent Bandage

  • Keep your tattoo bandaged for a minimum of 4 hours, maximum of 12 (overnight, if your appointment finishes in the evening).

Once you’ve removed the bandage . . .

  • Whichever bandage you’ve had, once it comes off you need to immediately wash your tattoo very thoroughly with warm water and unscented liquid soap. Diluted Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Baby-Mild is recommended.

  • Pat your tattoo dry and leave it alone! Keep it clean, dry, and out of the sun throughout the healing period (approximately 2 weeks). Wash/rinse it once a day in the shower, but no more than that as over washing can slow down the healing process.

  • If your tattoo starts feeling tight and dry around the third day, you can use a small amount of plain, unscented lotion or tattoo-specific ointment two-three times a day to moisturize your tattoo and the surrounding skin. I recommend Redemption Tattoo Aftercare. But be careful! It’s very common to use too much moisturizer - if you need to moisturize, do so sparingly.

  • Your tattoo will flake and peel, and may feel itchy. Do not pick it or scratch it!

  • Once your tattoo is fully healed, make sure to use sunscreen to protect the colour from fading due to UV exposure.

  • For pieces that are works in progress, you need to leave a minimum of 3 weeks between appointments to allow for healing.