Tattoo Aftercare

This aftercare is instructed by the Texas Department of State Health Services & includes additional information based on my experience. Every artist will have variations in their aftercare for their specific techniques. This guide will provide the most successful healing for tattoos done by me.

I stand with Palestine & encourage everyone to participate in the boycott against Israel. Linked here is a guide made by a Texan tattoo artist on which aftercare products to avoid, & which to use: https://x.com/iivdrips/status/1911453253889388850

If using second skin

  • Second skin should be kept on for 3-5 days. If you feel discomfort or see irritation of the skin, remove immediately. Otherwise, try not to remove sooner than 24 hours; the ink isn’t fully settled in the skin and can be ripped out.

  • Second skin should be removed in the shower under lukewarm water. Ripping it straight off can damage the tattoo. Peel it like a command strip: parallel with your skin, versus ripping directly away. It might leave a sticky residue - gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and an unscented soap to remove it. Do not scrub. It can take a several days for the adhesive residue to fully wash off.

  • While the second skin is on, avoid exercising or excessive sweating to prevent bacteria from becoming trapped. If a hole is torn in the wrap or if you sweat excessively, remove it. Lifting edges of the bandage can be trimmed. If the bandage has lifted over where it is covering the tattoo, remove it.

  •  You can be submerged in water with second skin on, but avoid hot water. You should still avoid sun exposure.

  • Once the second skin is removed, proceed to the steps listed for weeks 1-5.

If using plastic wrap

  • Leave the plastic wrap on until you go to bed in the evening. If it doesn’t stay on until then, make sure it stays on for at least a few hours.

  • Remove the wrap when getting ready for bed. Wash it with an unscented soap and lukewarm water. Don’t moisturize the tattoo until the morning. Use clean sheets and blankets for your fresh tattoo.

  • Wash the fresh tattoo with an unscented soap 3-5 times a day for the first 3 days. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel. 3 washes a day is the minimum - if you get sweaty or something touches the tattoo, wash it again.

  • Moisturize the tattoo 2-3 times a day with an unscented lotion.

  • After the first 3 days, proceed to the steps listed for weeks 1-5.

WEEKS 1-3

  • A tattoo is an open wound. You might feel sick with the “tattoo flu” after your appointment. Make sure to get plenty of rest and drink water.

  • Wash the area twice a day, morning and night, with unscented soap and lukewarm water. Pat dry with a paper towel or clean towel. If the tattoo gets sweaty or touches something, wash it as needed.

  • Moisturize with unscented lotion twice daily. If the skin is itchy, apply lotion 3 times daily. Apply lotion gently so as not to disturb the flaking skin. I recommend Curél Fragrance Free & Sensitive lotion.

  • Avoid aquaphor & vaseline. They are too thick and can cause the tattoo to “blur” during healing.

  • No swimming, baths, or long hot showers.

  • No sun exposure - cover the tattoo when you're outside. Do not apply sunscreen at this stage.

  • You will notice scabbing and flakiness. Do not pick at the tattoo, exfoliate, or shave.

What is a freehand/anatomical tattoo?

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Freehand tattoos are designs that I draw directly onto you at the studio before we tattoo, versus drawing something before the appointment. These are good for tattoos meant to flow with the body, meant to fit in one specifically shaped spot, or that focus on organic shapes. It can take a couple hours to draw it onto you before we start tattooing.

An anatomical tattoo is a tattoo designed specifically with your body and anatomy in mind. It accentuates parts of you, flows along contours & lines of movement, and fits perfectly in that one spot.

Do you offer consulations?

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Yes! I offer free, 45-minute consultations. This is when you come to my studio in person and explain your ideas to me. I will share more in depth looks at my process and answer any questions. I often will draw on you while we talk about the design.

This is good for clients who are unsure of exactly what they want, want an anatomical tattoo, are planning a larger project, or just feel more comfortable booking after they’ve had their questions answered face-to-face.

How do you accept payment?

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I only accept CASH the day of the appointment. Please bring $50 over than the high end of the quoted price. This is in case the condition of your skin causes the tattoo to take longer.

Policies

Rescheduling

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  • You may reschedule once before a new deposit is required. If you need to reschedule, please let me know at least 72 hours in advance. If you reschedule less than 72 hours before your appointment, you will need to send a new deposit to book.

  • If you book less than 72 hours before the time of your appointment, a reschedule will require a new deposit.

Late Policy

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  • You can be up to 20 minutes late, just let me know via email!

  • 20+ minutes late with notice risks a late fee based on my hourly rate or reschedule.

  • Rescheduling due to lateness forfeits the original deposit & will require a new one to book.

  • 20 minutes late with no communication will be considered a no-call, no-show.

  • A no-call, no-show will forfeit your deposit & require a new, $250 deposit to reschedule. I will book with you again if this happens and you communicate with me afterwards. The Universe is not always kind or predictable. If you no-show me again, then I will not book with you in the future.

Appointment Preparation

The Days Leading Up

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  • Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before & get plenty of sleep.

  • Moisturize the area & drink plenty of water for a few days prior to the session.

Appointment Day

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  • Bring your ID to the appointment. Failure to provide ID will result in a loss of your deposit & require another to reschedule.

  • Please don’t arrive before our appointment time. I will not be mentally or physically prepared :’)

  • Eat a big meal with plenty of carbs before the appointment!

  • Bring water, snacks, and a charger.

  •  Don’t shave beforehand.

  • Please step out for longer phone calls

  • No guests - if you need someone with you, ask me beforehand. The studio is a small space.

  • Don’t use numbing cream - it can affect how the tattoo heals & the tattooing process, amongst other side effects. If you use numbing cream, we will have to reschedule. I have Bactine for temporary numbing.

  • Wear loose clothing that will expose the area (button ups for stomach/sternum, shorts for legs, dress or skirt for hips/upper leg, etc.). Make sure it’s clothing that you don’t mind ink potentially getting on. I would prefer neutral colors if possible, so as not to distract from the tattoo in the photos.

A Note From Me

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  • I love chatting! However, I have Autism & ADHD, which can make it hard to work while multitasking. I sometimes wear headphones or earplugs to concentrate. Feel free to bring your own headphones or grab my attention while I am wearing them!

  •  I have a disorder called misophonia where I am very sensitive to certain sounds. I kindly ask that you don’t chew gum during our session or eat while I’m actively tattooing you :) You are free to eat during our breaks! Please don’t hesitate to ask for a break! :D