Prepare
How to prepare for your appointment
Do’s
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Feel free to share anything with me, you’re never a bother.
We can change the stencil as many times as you like until you feel 100% sure about the size and placement.
Are you sensitive to sounds and noises? Let me know, and I’ll try to schedule you in on a calm day. Feel free to wear your earbuds or headphones.
Are you sensitive to visual stimuli? Don’t hesitate to ask; I can place room dividers around our working space.
If you don’t feel like talking or would prefer that I guide you through the appointment, no problem—I'm happy to help!
Before tattooing and attending art school, I studied to become a social worker. And as a fellow neurodivergent (ADHD combined type) person, I understand these preferences (:
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In the weeks leading up to your appointment, make sure to drink enough water and moisturize your skin.
Hydrated skin is easier to tattoo, leading to a better end result.
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Stress and the lack of sleep have a big impact on the skin and the experience of getting tattooed.
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Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience, but it can also be physically demanding.
Your body needs fuel and without, it may decrease your pain tolerance, making the tattooing process less comfortable.
Having a meal helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, which can prevent dizziness or lightheadedness during the tattooing process.
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preferable with a lot of sugar, like a coke or fruit juice, and something nutritious too eat.
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For example: a quite fidget toy, earbud/headphones, a book or movie/series to watch on your phone or a podcast/audiobook.
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Make it comfy for yourself: Fluffy slippers, a sweatpants or your favorite sweater.
Not your newest clothing or light colored clothing, ink can splutter.
Wear clothing that makes the area you're getting tattooed easily accessible.
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To keep your fresh tattoo clean
Don'ts
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Alcohol can thin your blood, which may lead to excessive bleeding during the tattooing process. This not only complicates the procedure but can also affect how the ink sets in your skin.
To ensure the best outcome for both yourself and your tattoo artist, it's recommended to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment. Arriving hydrated, well-rested, and sober will help make your tattoo journey smooth and enjoyable.
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Getting a tattoo is a very time consuming process, it takes a lot of preparation before and after the session.
If your late we might not have enough time for the tattoo itself. So arriving late could result in your session being shortened or even canceled.
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Service dogs are an exception.
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The skin needs to be clean and free from oils and other products.
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Shaving before a tattoo appointment can lead to redness, bumps, or even small nicks.
If any of this occurs I’m not able to tattoo you. The skin needs to be healthy and undamaged in order to get tattooed.
If there’s a lot of body hair it does help to trim it.
To prepare for your tattoo appointment, it’s best to focus on hydrating and caring for your skin instead!
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It’s important to prioritize your well-being and healing process.
You might feel sore and tired after the session. Give yourself time to recover.
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You can’t get tattooed when the skin is irritated or damaged, for example, if you have a sunburn, a skin rash, a scratch/wound. You’ll be sent home. Skin can only be tattooed when it is undamaged and healthy.
after-care
How to take care of your new tattoo
Congratulations on your new tattoo! Here’s how to let it heal beautifully.
For the next two weeks
Wash your hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with an antibacterial soap before touching your tattoo and dry them with a clean towel.
Keep it clean: Gentle rinse your new tattoo twice a day with water and dry it with a clean piece of paper towel.
Moisturize: Apply a thin layer of the recommended ointment 2-3 times per day to keep the skin hydrated.
Take short(er) showers: with lukewarm water.
Don’t scratch or pick: As your tattoo heals, it might scab or peel. Resist the urge to pick at these flakes. This can cause scars and affect the final appearance of your tattoo.
Avoid working out: the more movement/friction there is, the more you irritate the wound. The risk of touching a surface with a lot of bacteria is very high.
Avoid direct sunlight: Keep your tattoo out of the sun for at least the first two weeks. After it’s healed, always use sunscreen to protect it from fading.
Wear loose clothing: Choose loose-fitting clothing over your tattoo during the healing process to prevent irritation and allow your skin to breathe. No wool or knitted clothing.
Don’t soak: Don’t go swimming, in bad, in a sauna or to a sun studio before it’s healed. This usually takes 4-6 weeks.
Cling film
Leave the film on for 2-3 hours, and refresh before going to bed.
Before taking the cling film off, wash your hands well with an anti-bacterial soap and dry with a clean towel.
After you removed the cling film, rinse your tattoo gently with lukewarm water.
Carefully dap your tattoo dry with a clean paper towel.
Start applying the recommended ointment on the second day.
Second skin
It’s time to remove when:
Itching or rash formation, indicating potential irritation from the film.
Redness is significantly increasing.
Leakage. If there’s ink/wound fluid leaking
A part of the tattoo is exposed
You have been wearing it 3-5 days
How to remove:
Wash your hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with an antibacterial soap before touching your tattoo.
Loosen the adhesive under warm water by taking a warm shower.
Pull the film along the skin and away from the tattoo. This way you prevent damaging the skin.
Take it of slowly, to prevent damage.
Gently wash your tattoo with an antibacterial soap and pat it dry with a paper towel, Avoid rubbing as this can irritate the skin.
You can find a video on how to safely remove the second skin here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykqVDstP8ls
Keep an eye on your tattoo for signs of infection, such as excessive redness, swelling, pus, or fever. If you notice any concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.