start small

Tattoos can hurt, and everyone’s pain tolerance can differ. You will not know how much you can tolerate until you get one. For your first tattoo, you should start small and on your arms or legs.

What to do before the tattoo

It is very important to eat at least one to two hours before the tattoo to prevent dizziness, nausea, and fainting. Not getting enough sleep or drinking enough water can make the experience more painful and unpleasant.

To ensure a comfortable experience for both you and our artist, we kindly request that you shower and wear clean clothing before your tattoo appointment. This prevents infection. It also helps us maintain a pleasant environment and ensures a more enjoyable session for everyone. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

what to expect during the tattoo

Expect light bleeding where the tattoo is being applied. Slight pain and discomfort is normal, however, if the pain is unbearable please let the artist know, so they can accommodate you. If you feel light-headed or sick in any way, please let the artist know immediately. Please try not to move or jolt during the tattoo as that can lead to unsatisfactory results.

You are more than welcome to bring headphones, game, or watch TV on your phone during your session. The artist will be happy to make conversation or work in silence, whichever you prefer.

Tattoos hurt, please communicate with the artist if you feel the pain is extreme or unbearable so the artist may accommodate you. You can always take a break, and if necessary finish your tattoo on another day. Moving or jolting during your tattoo can cause imperfect application.

WHat to expect after the tattoo

After your tattoo is finished, the artist will apply a bandage to your tattoo. When you remove this bandage it will need to be washed and pat dry. There can be redness, soreness, swelling, and bruising, all of which are normal. If you experience anything unusual, feel free to contact the artist to get advice.

After a few days, there may be scabbing, and the tattoo will eventually start peeling and itching. This peeling and itching is normal and means the tattoo is healing. Don’t ever scratch or peel and pick anything off of the tattoo, as you will disrupt the healing process and damage your tattoo. Moisturizing the tattoo with an unscented lotion is recommended during the peeling stage of the tattoo and helps with itchiness.

The tattoo will be mostly healed around two weeks (or when the tattoo is no longer peeling). However, the tattoo is not fully healed for a few months after, so maintain care of your tattoo. The tattoo will look a little different after it has fully healed, ask your artist for healed photos of their work, to see what changes may occur.

Healing your tattoo

The artist will go over aftercare procedures with you after your tattoo is finished, as well as provide an aftercare sheet to remind you of how to care for your tattoo. Always contact the artist if you are uncertain about something or not sure what to do. Here are some basic rules:

-Wash your tattoo twice daily with unscented soap, and pat dry with a clean paper towel.

-Don’t touch your tattoo with unwashed hands. This is to prevent infections.

-Don’t scratch your tattoo! This can cause infection and damage to your tattoo. If it is uncomfortably itchy, gently smack the tattoo or apply a cold compress.

-Let it breathe! Don’t wear skinny jeans on your fresh leg tattoo. Tight clothing will rub your tattoo and disrupt the healing process.

-Keep your tattoo out of the sun! Exposing a new tattoo to the sun will damage your tattoo. Do not apply SPF to a fresh tattoo. Keep it covered.

-Don’t go swimming until your tattoo is healed. Swimming with a fresh tattoo can cause infection and/or damage to your new tattoo.

-Do not apply ointments (A&D, Neosporin, Vaseline, etc) to your healing tattoo. These aren’t necessary and may prevent the tattoo from healing properly.

numbing cream

Numbing creams are not advisable for any tattoo, due to how it affects the application and healing of the tattoo. Please do not apply numbing cream without consulting the artist beforehand.