SWAMP BLOSSOM
Week Before Tattoo
I’ve found that drinking an ample amount of water and moisturizing the few days before can help your skin during the tattoo process, especially for foot and hand tattoos. Get a good nights sleep. Drinking the night before never helps ink go in the skin.
Day of Tattoo
Make sure to eat a full meal at least an hour and a half before your tattoo. Coffee and other stimulants can make you more aware of pain. You are welcome to bring a zip-up jacket or button-up if you are getting an upper body piece. If you are getting a piece that requires you to be topless(sternum, chest, etc) I suggest bringing your own pasties if you prefer to cover up. Pillows, blankets and headphones are welcome as well. Keep in mind, anything could get ink on it!
I would also recommend shaving the area you are getting tattooed if you have a lot of thick, coarse hair. I only say this because my razors are dinky, cheap ones and it might be better to use your own if it’s a nice one!
During Procedure
Consent form must be filled out with a government photo ID. Design will be agreed upon before procedure. Area will be sanitized with soap and isopropyl alcohol. Stencil or sharpie will be applied to skin with stencil product. Needle sizes vary for each tattoo. Pain varies for each spot and client. Time of procedure may differ from the estimate given. There is no way to determine how someone will react to the pain, pigments, or products used during a procedure. Client must be aware that design may change in coloration ,line density, and overall appearance because I am not a copy machine and you are not computer paper. Consent is dynamic and can be ended by you or me before or anytime during a procedure.
Immediately After Tattoo
The area will be cleaned with a gentle soap and covered before leaving the studio. Try to keep that bandage on until the next morning. If the bandage falls off, make sure to immediately wash the area with antibacterial soap. Keep area away from pets. Sleep with clean, soft, loosely fitting shirt and/or pants to keep the new tattoo off your sheets.
If your tattoo is covered in a second skin/tagiderm/saniderm wrap(clear adhesive wrap), leave the clear cover on for 2 to 4 days. Slowly peel off under warm water and wash area with antibacterial soap. If the sides start to peel off before a 4 day period or any unusual redness, rash or itching occurs take the bandage off sooner.
Next Morning
If you feel any of your tattoo sticking to your clothes, do not peel. Wet the area with warm water first and then slowly peel off. Wash area with antibacterial soap. Rinse with cold water. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Next, cover the area in a THIN layer of coconut oil, almond oil, vitamin E oil or a tattoo specific cream such as Hustle Butter. Do this 3 to 4 times a day the first 3 days(skip right to 1-2 times per day if saniderm was used for more than 2 days) then switch to 1 to 2 times a day after that to help with dryness and itchiness. Mild redness and itching is normal, but if more swelling, pain or redness increases-please send me a message.
If you get a tattoo on your foot and have to wear tight fitting shoes, put a piece of clean gauze between the tattoo and your sock to add some breathing room.
For 2 to 4 weeks
Do not soak or swim in any pools, lakes, oceans, or tubs. Shower like normal, but do not leave tattoo under a direct hot stream. Do not leave tattoo in direct sunlight for too long. After it is fully healed, I suggest putting sunscreen on the area to increase longevity of the tattoo. Keep in mind, the tattoo often goes through an “ugly” period where it is dry, flaky and shiny. It can take upwards of a month or more to be fully healed.
Touch ups
They are free the first 6 months unless you notify me in that period, but cannot make it in for an appt soon enough. I do not account for any touch ups that are because of improper aftercare.
If any other questions or complications arise contact me or a health professional.
