Tattoo Preparation

Skin preparation for your tattoo

  • 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.
  • Apply lotion to the area to hydrate and soften your skin; your tattoo will look cleaner and heal faster than if your skin is rough & dry.
  • Drink a lot of water during the week; avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting tattooed.
  • Please do not shave the area; I will do it for you at your appointment.
  • Avoid aspirin or blood thinning medication at least 24 hours before your tattoo; ibuprofen, acetaminophen, & other NSAID pain relievers are OK.
  • Antibiotic treatments must be finished at least 1 week beforehand.

Design Changes

  • If you need to make any significant changes to your design, I require a 48-hour notice in order to keep your retainer for this appointment. See policies for more information.

The Day of Your Tattoo

Your appointment day

  • Bring your I.D. to your appointment. I cannot tattoo you without it.
  • Eat a meal at least 1 hour before coming into your appointment. I recommend bringing in a sugary beverage and/or a snack to keep your blood sugar regulated and to munch on during breaks.
  • Shower, exfoliate & hydrate your skin that morning. Please do not come in after a workout or sweating without showering. Avoid wearing strong perfumes.
  • Wear clean & loose-fitting clothes; something you wouldn’t mind getting stained with ink.
  • Feel free to bring headphones or a book to entertain yourself, especially during long sessions.
  • Please reschedule if you are not feeling well.

See policies for more information.

Tattoo Aftercare

After your appointment

  • Remove your bandage 1–2 hours after getting tattooed, preferably at your home, in a clean environment.
  • Please wash your hands with an antibacterial liquid soap before touching your tattoo. Gently wash your tattoo and pat dry with a clean paper towel.
  • Apply a small amount of non-scented lotion to the area to keep it hydrated. Suffocating your tattoo will prolong healing time, so avoid over-saturation of lotion or ointment (i.e. Aquaphor®). Do not rub your tattoo.
  • You may see ink or blood when washing your tattoo for the first couple days; this is normal and nothing to be alarmed about.
  • I recommend you wear darker color clothes around your tattoo for the first week. Clean, dark bed sheets are always a great idea with a new tattoo as well.
  • If there is swelling, apply ice and/or use NSAID pain relievers such as ibuprofen.
  • Keep your tattoo away from animals.
  • Avoid swimming, hot-tubbing or submerging your tattoo in water for 2–3 weeks.
  • Avoid sun exposure or tanning for at least 4 weeks.
  • Wear clean, soft clothing and avoid tight garments around your new tattoo.
  • If your skin hurts while exercising, refrain from working out until it has healed. Please be aware of unclean gym equipment and protect yourself from infection.
  • If you have a foot tattoo & feel it’s necessary for the first few days, wrap your cleaned & lotioned tattoo in Saran Wrap™, then cover it with a clean cotton sock before putting on a shoe. Sandals or flip-flops that rub on your tattoo should also be avoided for the first couple weeks. Note: tattoos on the lower extremities take longer to heal because they’re farther away from your heart.

Days 2 – 7

  • Wash the area with antibacterial soap, pat dry, then rub in a thin layer of non-scented lotion 2–3 times a day as needed.
  • Your tattoo will peel or start scabbing: this is normal. Do not pick at, scratch, or irritate the tattoo. Apply non-scented lotion as needed for the first 2–4 weeks.

Thank you for taking the time to read this information and for your continued support. I am looking forward to seeing you soon!

Saniderm® Aftercare

After your appointment

  • Remove your bandage within 1 hour of getting tattooed.
  • Wash your hands with an antibacterial soap, then gently wash the tattoo with the antibacterial soap.
  • Pat your tattoo dry with a clean paper towel.
  • Rub in a small amount of non-scented lotion to the area to keep it hydrated.

Day 2 — Apply Saniderm adhesive dressing

  • 24 hours after getting tattooed, wash hands & tattoo with an antibacterial soap, and leave the area exposed to dry completely (5+ minutes).
  • Do not apply lotion before applying Saniderm.
  • Saniderm has 2 sides: a paper and a plastic side.
  • Cut Saniderm to a size that is larger than your tattoo & then remove the paper side.
  • Apply Saniderm over the tattoo so it covers it completely. Leaving at least an inch of space around the tattoo is recommended.
  • Rub out any air bubbles you may see & then remove the hard outer plasic side.
  • Rub Saniderm down so it seals around your tattoo.
  • You may see some pooling of fluids & ink while the Saniderm is on; this is normal.

Day 3

  • After 24 hours of using the first piece of Saniderm, take a shower with warm water and use soap to remove the Saniderm from your tattoo.
  • Wash your hands, gently wash your tattoo & leave it exposed so it dries completely.
  • Apply 2nd sheet of Saniderm.
  • Leave 2nd sheet of Saniderm on for 3–5 days.
  • It may start to get itchy around day 3–4. This is normal & expected.

Days 3 – 5

  • After 3–5 days of wearing the 2nd piece of Saniderm, take a shower with warm water and use soap to remove the Saniderm from the area.
  • Wash the area with antibacterial soap & pat dry, then apply a layer of non-scented lotion 2–3 times a day as needed.
  • Repeat for the next 2–4 weeks.

Visit saniderm.com/how-to-use for more information and how-to videos.