Getting ready for your tattoo.
The best tattoo’s happen when you nourish your body in the days leading up to your session and in understanding how it heals.
Pre-Care
Ahead of your tattoo appointment, there are several important steps you must follow. Please note that tattoos are open wounds and will heal more quickly and safely if you take care of your body before, during, and after your appointment. Improper pre-care can lead to loss of color and scarring. To avoid this, Katie asks that you follow these practices in the week leading up to your appointment:
Stay hydrated. If possible, try to drink a full liter of water or coconut water the day before your appointment.
Avoid alcohol.
Eat nutrient-dense foods, i.e., vegetables, fruits, legumes, etc.
Avoid processed foods and those high in sodium and sugar.
Keep the area that will be tattooed moisturized.
Get a good night’s sleep the night before your appointment.
Please note that Katie will shave the tattoo area with a small razor. If you have particularly thick hair, please trim beforehand. You can also shave more closely yourself, but be careful not to cut the skin.
Day-of
On the day of your tattoo, limit your caffeine intake and do not take blood-thinning prescriptions or over-the-counter painkillers such as Ibuprofen or aspirin. You MUST eat beforehand. Your appointment may last several hours, during which you will have to sit or lie very still. In order to minimize discomfort, please bring the following:
A change of comfortable clothing that allows for easy access to the area that will be tattooed. Keep in mind, your clothing may get permanent ink stains on them.
A meal, snacks, and water. Katie does not provide food and you must bring your own. It is best to bring those that promote healing and are high in carbohydrates, protein, iron, zinc, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A.
A book, music, tablet, or other distraction.
Anything else that will make you more comfortable throughout the appointment.
After-care
It is important to follow after-care instructions diligently in order for your tattoo to heal safely and aesthetically. Clients are strongly advised to plan restful days immediately following their sessions in order to facilitate this. During these days, the use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) can reduce swelling*.You are also encouraged to wear looser-fitting clothing and sleep in dark, freshly-washed bed sheets to keep your tattoo clean and to avoid stains. You are always welcome to contact Katie with questions regarding aftercare, however keep in mind that she is not responsible for the healing outcome of your tattoo.
*consult with your doctor before using medication.
Immediate Steps To Follow
Following the procedure, expect your tattooed skin to feel tender and the wound to be seeping plasma, blood, and excess ink. Katie will dress the tattoo in a clean bandage that is both breathable and absorbent. You may wear the bandage while you sleep during the first night with your new ink. In some cases, Katie may send you home with an additional bandage for you to change into so as to better absorb the fluid. Before re-bandaging your tattoo, you must always clean it properly first.
How To Clean Your Tattoo
Using unscented soap and warm water, wash your tattoo gently with clean hands until the layer of plasma is removed from the surface of your skin. Avoid using any bar soaps or those with heavy fragrance, alcohol, and astringents. Do not exfoliate with a scrubbing tool such as a sponge. Once the tattoo is cleaned, let it air dry or pat it down with single-use paper towels. Avoid cloth towels, as they may contaminate the tattoo. Wash your tattoo 1-2 times per day during the first 3-4 days of the healing process, while it is still an open wound. Additional washing or use of Bactine spray is recommended if the tattoo touches anything dirty (pet hairs, excess sweat, dirt, etc). You should not re-bandage your tattoo beyond the first day of healing. Tattoos need to be exposed to air in addition to being cleaned in order to prevent bacterial infection and to form a scab, thus continuing the healing process.
Scabbing and Finishing Your Heal
Beginning around day 3 or 4 of your healing process, a scab will form over the tattoo and the area may become itchy. Washing the tattoo is no longer necessary at this point. Instead, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion 2-3 times a day. Do NOT over-lotion your tattoo. While moisturizing will benefit the tattoo, too much can cause prolonged healing and loss of saturation of the ink in your skin. Additionally, do NOT pick or scratch off the scabs. Let the scabs come off naturally and allow an additional week or two for the ink to settle and for your top layer of skin to return to its natural appearance.
Additional Tips and Tricks While Healing
Do not use antibacterial ointments nor Aloe Vera on your tattoo.
Avoid direct exposure to harsh sunlight.
Do not swim in bodies of water including but not limited to lakes, oceans, pools, and baths.
Avoid excessive sweating caused by exercise, saunas, etc. Moisture in excess promotes the growth of bacteria.
Avoid overstretching your freshly tattooed skin with activities such as weight-lifting and yoga.
Do not scratch your tattoo if it itches while scabbing. You may try diminishing the itchy sensation by briefly applying a dry, clean ice pack to the skin’s surface.
Maintaining the Look Of Your Tattoo
Prolonged exposure to the sun will diminish the vibrancy and sharpness of your tattoo over time. You can counter the effects of UV rays which break up the pigment by adopting the habit of applying sunscreen to your tattoo once it is fully healed. Though some opt for touching-up tattoos after long periods of time, many tattoos age gracefully and do not need to be reworked if skin is cared for and healthy.