Avoid alcohol, drugs, stimulants, aspirin. They thin your blood and can increase blood pressure and heart rate.
Update your hygiene before your appointment.
Don’t
Don’t spray tan or get sunburned. Coming to your appointment with sunburned skin will result in your appointment being canceled and your deposit forfeited. Make sure you remove your spray tan on the area where you want tattooed, or don’t get spray tanner for at least a week before your appointment.
Don’t use lots of moisturizer the day of your tattoo.
Don’t use numbing cream.
Do’s and Don’ts for your appointment
Do
Arrive on time. Come prepared for your tattoo! Give yourself a break and take the time for your tattoo.
Be ready to discuss your artwork with your artist and have honest discussions with him or her about the design, size, and placement.
Bring your government-issued photo ID.
Bring some light snacks (like a granola bar) and water. If you want, bring headphones or something to read.
Wear loose-fitting, comfortable, dark-colored clothes that let you sit comfortably and the artist work. If you’re getting tattooed on your back, bring a button-front or zip-front shirt that can be put on backwards. If you’re having your leg or ankle worked on, bring or wear shorts.
Communicate with your artist. Let her or him know if you need to move or take a bio break.
Don’t
Don’t bring your entourage. Only the person getting tattooed is allowed in the booth, and there isn’t a waiting area at the studio for them. Enjoy your one-on-one time with your artist.
Don’t make sudden movements or fidget.
After your tattoo
Do
Follow the aftercare instructions your artist gives you.
Leave the bandage on for at least 2 hours and no more than 24 hours.
Wash the tattoo gently with anti-bacterial soap and water 2-3 times per day.
After washing, pat the area dry with a fresh paper towel.
Apply thin layer of ointment to the tattoo. You can use Heal Up, Vitamin A&D, or Aquaphor 2-3 times per day)
Icing the tattoo for 15 minutes every hour for the first day may reduce swelling.
After 3-4 days switch to an unscented body lotion.
Keep your tattoo moisturized during the healing process.
Peeling and flaking is normal, when you see flakes of black or color, this does not mean your tattoo is falling off. Your tattoo will peel like a sunburn. Your tattoo may ooze more if your skin is sunburned before or after the tattoo. If scabbing forms, it is usually due to the tattoo drying out; let it just run its course and your tattoo should be fine.
Call the studio if you have any questions or concerns about the healing process.
Don’t
DO NOT SCRATCH OR RUB YOUR TATTOO. Your tattoo will itch when it’s healing
Use a product with Petrolatum or strong scents
Be in direct sunlight or tanning beds
Soak or swim. Avoid lakes, pools, oceans, rivers, hot tubs for at least 2-4 weeks until your tattoo is fully healed. Showers are fine, just don’t scrub the unhealed tattoo and pat it dry.
Don’t wear tight-fitting clothing that constricts the area around the tattoo.
Don’t wear clothing that will rub on the tattoo area. After your tattoo has healed, take care of it by using a good quality sunscreen when you’re outside and a daily moisturizer.
