CARING FOR YOUR ART
Aftercare
A beautiful tattoo is a partnership — how you prepare and how you heal matter just as much as the work itself. Read through these notes before and after your appointment, and reach out anytime if you have questions. I’m always here to help.
Before Your Appointment
A little prep goes a long way. In the week before your appointment, please avoid the sun — I won’t be able to tattoo over a sunburn (and you wouldn’t want me to anyway… ouch!). Drink plenty of water, skip the alcohol, and get a good night’s rest. The morning of, keep hydrating and eat a good meal before you arrive. Feel free to bring a drink and your favorite snacks — I keep water and snacks on hand too, just in case you forget.
The First Day
Right after your session, remember the 3 S’s to avoid: the Sun, Scented soaps and lotions, and Soaking (baths, hot tubs, pools, and the beach). If we used Saran Wrap, take it off once you get home. If we used a second-skin wrap, you can leave it on for one to five days — it’s up to you when to remove it. If it ever starts to leak, take it off right away, since a broken seal can let bacteria in. While the second-skin is on, it’ll fill with ink and plasma and look like a dark blob — that’s completely normal and actually helps healing. Don’t worry!
Healing Process
Once your wrap comes off, resume normal aftercare. Gently clean the area with warm water and unscented soap, then apply a thin layer of moisturizer — I recommend Mad Rabbit repair gel or Aquaphor. A little goes a long way; you don’t want to smother the tattoo. Keep it clean, lightly moisturized, and out of the sun as it heals, and your piece will settle in beautifully.