don't know how to prepare for a tattoo? here's a checklist to follow:
- One week before, implement a skin care routine. Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion daily.
Keeping your skin hydrated can increase elasticity and decrease flakiness. DO NOT apply a moisturizer the day of your appointment, especially if it has scents or dyes.
- Keep yourself hydrated.
Be sure to drink water and remain hydrated. Also, it would be a good idea to bring water to your appointment.
- Don't drink consume any alcohol or narcotics the day before or day of the appointment.
Alcohol can thin blood, causing more bleeding during a tattoo appointment. Alcohol or drugs the day of can impair decision making and you will be forced to reschedule. Narcotics include anticoagulants, illegal drugs, and antibiotics. Please message your artist if you have prescriptions for any of these and contact your doctor.
- Eat well!
Eating well the day before and day of a tattoo appointment can decrease risk of fainting. It is always a good idea to be well fed whenever you may be bleeding. It is a good idea to bring some snacks to your appointment, especially if it is longer.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
Please be mindful of the placement of your tattoo, and wear clothing that is accessible to the area. If you need recommendations for what to wear, contact your artist. The studio is a private studio, so no one except the tattoo and client will be present. If you are uncomfortable with the area being tattooed, speak with your artist or reconsider the placement of your tattoo. As an artist, tattooing is professional and impersonal. There isn't much I haven't already seen, so it is up to the client to make sure they're comfortable.
- Make sure you like the tattoo you have chosen.
While you are more than welcome to change you design day-of, I recommend everyone love the tattoo they're going to get before it's permanent.
numbing cream
If you have elected to use numbing cream, please let your artist know prior to ordering. While other brands of numbing cream may work, this is the brand I have most experience with. If you would like to try another brand, please get it approved before application.
- Clean the area
Try not to use any scented soaps. Rubbing alcohol would also work.
- Apply thin coat of Numbing Cream
Apply on thin coat and rub it in very well. Make sure you are covering a larger area than you think the tattoo will cover.
- Apply thick coat of Numbing Cream
But didn't I just apply a thin one? Yes, and this one is thicker. Don't rub it in, leave it sitting on top of the tattoo. Make sure you are covering a larger area than you think the tattoo will cover.
- Wrap with plastic wrap
Wrap the entire area with plastic wrap. Keep it relatively tight, but not too tight that it's uncomfortable or restrictive.
- Helpful tips
BEGIN THIS PROCESS 1-1.5 HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR APPOINTMENT. The cream needs time to be effective.
The numbing cream is activated by heat, which is why we use plastic wrap to cover it. To speed up the process, turn the heat on in your vehicle or wear warm clothing (Do NOT overheat yourself trying to do this. Be smart and safe, especially during warmer seasons).
- Keep and Open Mind
Numbing cream works for a majority of people, but everyone metabolizes lidocaine differently. For some, it may not last very long. For others, it may not work at all. For most, it work's just fine for about 3-4 hours. Enjoy it while it lasts, because I've heard once it wears off it sucks.
