Before & after
Tattoo Care
A quick guide to showing up ready and healing it right, so the piece looks as good in ten years as it does today.
Getting ready
Before your appointment
Come rested & fed
Sleep well, eat beforehand, and stay hydrated. Skip the alcohol and caffeine, which thin your blood and heighten sensitivity.
Have your design ready
Bring references or ideas that are meaningful to you. We'll refine the concept together in a consultation.
Pregnant or breastfeeding?
We ask that you wait. Body changes and infection risk make this a better time to plan than to ink.
Sterile, every time
We follow strict safety and hygiene protocols: sterilized equipment and disposable needles for every client.
Healing
Aftercare, step by step
- 1
Days 1–3: leave the bandage
Keep the Tegaderm covering on for one to three days. It's doing its job, so resist the urge to check underneath.
- 2
Wash gently
Once removed, clean with mild soap and lukewarm water, then pat dry. Never rub.
- 3
Moisturize 2–3× daily
Use a fragrance-free lotion or the ointment we recommend. Thin layers: a tattoo that's too wet heals slower.
- 4
Let it peel, don't help it
Peeling and itching are normal. Picking or scratching can pull out ink and cause scarring.
- 5
Stay out of the water
No pools, hot tubs, or long soaks for at least two weeks. Quick showers are fine.
- 6
Sunscreen, for life
Once fully healed (up to two weeks), keep it under high-SPF sunscreen. It's what keeps the colors vibrant for years.
Good to know
Common questions
When should I call the shop?
If you notice excessive redness, swelling, or pus, contact us right away. That's not normal healing.
What if something looks off after it heals?
If you followed aftercare and still see a flaw, we offer free touch-ups within six months of your session.
Does it hurt?
Discomfort varies by person and placement. Being well-rested, hydrated, and fed, and breathing through it, makes the biggest difference.
How do I choose a design?
Start with what's meaningful to you or designs you're drawn to. We'll refine it into something custom during your consultation.
Still have questions?
Reach out and we’ll walk you through anything specific to your piece.