TATTOO AFTERCARE

What are the age and identification requirements to get a tattoo?

• If you are 18 or older, you need to provide a state-issued ID at the time of your appointment.  
• If you are at least 16 years of age, you must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the entire duration of the appointment. Both you and your parent or legal guardian must also provide a state-issued photo ID. If your last name or address is different on your IDs, you will also need to provide a birth certificate. In the case of a legal guardian, you will need to provide guardianship documents. 

What qualifies as state-issued identification?

• State-issued ID card- you can get these at the DMV
• Learners permit
• Drivers license
• Passport
• Military ID

Do school ID cards qualify as state-issued identification?

• No

What if I show up for an appointment without my ID?

• I can’t tattoo you without providing a proper ID. It’s a state law.

Tattoos usually take around four weeks to heal. Even if they seem healed sooner than that, they are not. Proper care is essential for the best outcome.

Do not:

• Scratch or pick
• Touch with dirty hands or let others touch it
• Allow pets to touch or rub on it
• Expose to sunlight for extended periods or sunburn
• Apply alcohol, peroxide, or betadine solution
• For the first two weeks, do not soak in a bathtub, hot tub, pool, or lake 

If your tattoo itches, slap it, do not scratch it.

Please remember that Germs are Bad. If your tattoo gets dirty, wash it immediately with soap and water. 

If your artist has applied a second skin adhesive type bandage:

1. Your body will push plasma to the area to start healing; this will collect under the bandage. It looks gross, but it is normal. Remove the bandage 24hrs after application. It's best done in the shower. Start at a corner and slowly peel back in the direction of your hair growth. Once removed, gently clean with antibacterial soap and water. Do not use a washcloth, just your hand.
2. Allow to air dry for twenty minutes or pat dry with a clean towel. Air drying is best as it eliminates the chance of contamination.
3. Apply a thin layer of Tattoo Goo to the tattoo area only, then apply another piece of second skin adhesive bandage. Peel off the white backing and apply it to the tattoo, pressing out the air bubbles from the middle outward. Peel off the clear backing.
4. Wear the bandage for 5 days. Keep the area clean for the entire time you are wearing this. Remove the same way you removed the first piece. Clean it gently with soap and water. Do not use a washcloth. Pat dry with a clean towel. Do not rebandage.
5. For the next 7 to 10 days, clean twice daily with soap and water. Apply a minimal amount of Tattoo Goo up to three times daily to avoid dryness. Do not overuse it. If your skin isn't dry, don't apply. Be sure to wash your hands before applying the aftercare product. 
6. If your skin gets flaky, it's nothing to worry about. It's called peeling. Just let it happen naturally, do not pick or scratch.
7. If the area around the tattoo becomes more and more red, discontinue the use of the aftercare product and let it dry out. Wash with antibacterial soap three times daily. The redness should subside in a couple of days. Please call me if you are concerned about the healing of your tattoo.
8. In the event of an infection, please consult with a physician.

If your artist has applied a traditional bandage:

1. Leave your bandage on for at least one hour. Remove the bandage within 12 hours after application. If it feels like it is sticking to the tattoo, wet the bandage with cool water and allow it to loosen before removing it. Once removed, gently clean with soap and water. Do not use a washcloth, just your hand.
2. Allow to air dry for twenty minutes or pat dry with a clean towel. 
3. For the next 7 to 10 days, apply a very small amount of Tattoo Goo up to three times daily to avoid dryness. Do not overuse it. If your skin isn't dry, don't apply. Be sure to wash your hands before applying the aftercare product. 
4. Do not rebandage.
5. Wash with soap and water two times a day for the next two weeks or if it gets dirty.
6. If your skin gets flaky, it's nothing to worry about. It's called peeling. Just let it happen naturally, do not pick or scratch.
7. If the area around the tattoo becomes more and more red, discontinue the use of the aftercare product and let it dry out. Wash with antibacterial soap three times daily. The redness should subside in a couple of days. Please call me if you are concerned about the healing of your tattoo.
8. In the event of an infection, please consult with a physician. 

How should I prepare for a tattoo?

• Water is your friend. Stay hydrated. 
• Get a good night's sleep.
• Please eat within a couple of hours of your appointment. Passing out sucks for all of us.
• Don’t get sunburned. You can’t tattoo sun-damaged skin
• If you have dry skin, please moisturize daily up to the day of your appointment. Supple skin is easier to work with and yields better results. 

What if I don’t feel well? Can I still get my tattoo?

• If you're not feeling well, please call and reschedule. 
• Keep in mind that your artist will be in close contact with you for extended periods of time, and if you get your artist sick, they can not work.

What if I have Covid or have been exposed to it?

• If you have Covid or have been exposed, please call to reschedule. 
• Keep in mind that your artist will be in close contact with you for extended periods of time, and if you get your artist sick, not only will they not be able to work, but they could potentially have severe complications from the virus.

What if I’m someone who passes out easily or when getting my blood drawn?

• Please tell us.  We can do the tattoo with you lying down, which will prevent this from happening.

Do tattoos hurt?

• Yes, somewhat. It depends on the area and your personal pain tolerance. It’s not like getting licked by kittens, but for most people, it’s not too terribly painful. Personally, I think the soreness the next day is worse.

Can I bring a friend with me?

• Yes, that’s fine. Please keep in mind that space is limited, and your artist needs to concentrate on doing your tattoo, so bringing more than two people with you can be a bit of a distraction.

What medical conditions would prevent me from getting a tattoo?

• Pregnancy
• Diabetes- please consult with your artist 
• Blood thinners
• Cardiac issues
• Any condition that hampers your body's ability to fight off infections
• Epilepsy
• Certain allergies and skin conditions- please consult with your artist