TATTOO PREPARATION

SKIN PREPARATION

*FOR THE BEST TATTOO RESULTS, PLEASE FOLLOW THESE STEPS 1-2 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR TATTOO APPOINTMENT.

  • While showering, gently exfoliate the area that will be tattooed.

  • Moisturize! Normally I recommend using a non-scented lotion or butter. This will help keep your skin more hydrated and elastic, making tattooing easier, less painful. Your tattoo will look cleaner and heal faster than if your skin is rough and dry.

  • Please do not shave the area, I will do that for you at your appointment.

  • Avoid Aspirin or Blood Thinning medication at least 24 hours before your tattoo; ibuprofen and acetaminophen are OK.

  • I do not recommend getting tattooed if you are prescribed or use blood thinning medications regularly, as they affect the bodies natural way to properly heal a tattoo.

  • Antibiotic Treatments must be finished at least one week beforehand.

  • Avoid consuming drugs or alcohol before your appointment, this includes consuming alcohol the night prior. This is my recommendation, as they can cause the blood to thin which will increase bleeding during the tattoo. This makes it more difficult to work, slows down your body’s natural healing process and may affect the final outcome of the tattoo.

Your Appointment Day

  • Get a good night’s sleep to ensure you are well rested and able to handle the discomfort of the tattooing process.

  • Do not consume alcohol or drugs 24 hours before your appointment.

  • Be sure to eat a proper meal and drink plenty of water to make sure you are energized and hydrated, lowering the possibility of you getting light headed or fainting. (This isn’t common, but it does happen, so let’s be safe!)

  • I recommend bringing in a sugary beverage, water and a snack to keep your blood sugar regulated and to munch on during breaks.

  • Please have good tattoo etiquette and show up with proper hygiene! Tattooing is a very personal service and I expect us to respect one another’s space.

  • Wear loose fitting or comfortable clothing, something that is easy to move around and you wouldn't mind getting stained with ink.

  • Feel free to bring headphones or books for entertainment. You are also welcome to ask for a silent session. I don’t take these things personal as my goal is to provide the most comfortable, professional, and magical experience for you.

  • Please Reschedule if you are not feeling well, Let’s keep each-other happy and healthy!

  • Check out my policies for more information.

AFTERCARE INTRUCTIONS

TRADITIONAL AFTERCARE

HEALING TATTOOS TRADITIONALLY CAN TAKE 2 WEEKS - A MONTH TO COMPLETELY HEAL. THE SIZE AND INTRICACY OF YOUR TATTOO WILL DETERMINE HOW LONG IT’S HEALING PROCESS WILL TAKE.

  • Tattoos are essentially like big decorative scrapes. They go through the same process as when we fall down and get a cut. The main thing is to keep it clean, keep it covered, moisturized, and don’t pick at the scabs. Bigger and darker saturated tattoos always take longer to heal because they cause more trauma to the skin so don’t be alarmed if your tattoos are healing at different speeds.

    THE FIRST DAY

  • Keep your new tattoo bandaged for the first few hours, 2-3 at a minimum.

  • Once you are in a space to properly clean your tattoo, unwrap your bandage and gently but throughly wash your tattoo with your hand/s under the warmest water you can get to your comfort with an Antibacterial soap. (I normally recommend Golden Dial)

  • Pat dry the tattoo with a paper towel and apply a thin coat of Aquaphor ointment for the first 3 days. After 3 days switch to a light non-scented moisturizer for the next 2 weeks. Be sure not to over moisturize - essentially you just want to create a small barrier between the tattoo and the environment.

    SLEEPING

  • For the first 3 days, if you have a larger, heavier saturated tattoo, after washing and moisturizing you may want to re-wrap your tattoo in a plastic wrap, and secure with a grip tape. I recommend using grip tape to keep a pressure on the tattoo as a “hugging” effect and stops any fluid seepage.

    WASHING AND MOISTURIZING

  • Wash with an antibacterial soap

  • Moisturize with Aquaphor Ointment the first 3 days, then switch ti a light-weight non-scented moisturizer.

  • Continue to wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day until it is fully healed.

    WHAT TO AVOID

  • Avoid tanning, saunas, swimming and hot tubs until your tattoo is fully healed. (Showers are fine)

  • Always wash your hands prior to touching a fresh tattoo.

  • Do not pick, scratch, or otherwise irritate the tattoo or the area around it.

  • Going in conditions that could put your tattoo at a higher risk of infection.

    WHAT TO EXPECT

  • The area to blood or seep fluids for the first few hours or days.

  • To be swollen, bruised, or tender for the first few days.

  • The area to get scabby/flakey throughout the healing process.

  • The area to be itchy. (Gently slapping the area can provide relief, avoid scratching the area.)

  • Some areas of the tattoo to heal before others.

    QUESTIONS?

    Never hesitate to contact me Via Email @ karinanorth.tattoos@gmail.com, Dm me on Instagram @tinyxtatter or call the shop at (443) 885-9788