Eros Cara J
Artist
Brisbane Tattoo Artist
Tattoo Care
Before
~ Please don’t drink alcohol the night before your tattoo appointment as it thins the blood and the next day it will make you bleed more. The blood, when mixed with tattoo ink, thins the ink too much and causes the end colour to appear faded or translucent and 'washed out'.
For the same reason, avoid assuming drugs/medication which thin the blood or increase blood pressure, the day before your appointment (such as muscle relaxants and pain/headache pills).
Don’t drink more than one standard coffee and DO NOT drink energy drinks before coming in, as this will increase your blood pressure and result in more bleeding.
~ Get hydrated. Drink at least one (1) to two (2) litres of water a day. When you are hydrated, your skin is hydrated and will be able to maintain a better heal and withstand longer sessions.
~ Moisturise the area to be tattooed every day, or twice daily. Again, the healthier your skin, the better the results.
~ Get to bed on time and make sure you get plenty of sleep, as getting plenty of rest makes it easier to sit calmly and go through the process the following day.
Please make sure you EAT BEFORE your session or you will be at risk of feeling dizzy or even passing out; this is a massive workout for your body and IT NEEDS FUEL for a big session.
Fact: when you are hungry, pain management becomes difficult.
~ Pack a small bag with: bottled water and soft drinks, snacks (particularly ones high in carbohydrates and protein like granola bars, nuts, chips, crackers, or fresh fruit), and a pillow and/or (clean) towel for more comfort.
~ Bring some form of entertainment for yourself like an IPOD, IPAD, Laptop, portable DVD player, etc. with your own headphones.
Please do not schedule something immediately after your tattoo...in case we need extra time to complete the session.
~ Make sure you have your ID, driver’s license, or passport.
~ It might seem to go without saying, but please make sure you shower or bathe beforehand.
Unless you’re getting an underarm tattoo, please also wear deodorant.
~ If you are hairy it does help save time if you shave the area in the morning, prior to the appointment.
~ Ink can stain your clothing, therefore; make sure you wear something that won’t matter.
Dress comfortably and appropriately. Be prepared for it to be cold & warm. Also bring socks or flip flops to prevent walking around the studio barefoot during breaks if you will be taking your shoes off during your session.
You need to always show up on time, whilst also keeping in mind that sometimes the tattooist may be running a little behind. Though it doesn’t happen often, the person ahead of you might be taking longer than expected, as every customer is different and I don’t rush the end of a tattoo for the next customer.
When it is your turn to be tattooed you will appreciate this.
After
1) After leaving the studio, keep the wrap on for 1 to 2 hours.
2) Take the wrap off and wash your new tattoo with non-scented antibacterial soap and warm water.
It is important to wash the tattoo lightly, but be sure to remove all ointment, blood, and any other residue (after you take the cling wrap off your tattoo will bee goopy).
If you are washing it in the shower, make sure that you are using warm water and not hot, and DO NOT let the water run directly on your new tattoo: let it hit above it and run over the tattoo for a short period of time. The idea is to get in and get out. NO soaking in the bathtub either!
Also, make sure your hands are clean for washing, and no scrubbing with anything.
NB: use cold water or dripping cold compress on the tattoo for a minute or so after your quick warm shower, as it will close the pores as much as possible and effectively seal your new tattoo.
Once the washing is complete, use a soft clean towel to gently pat the tattoo dry. Allow your tattoo to remain dry for a while and exposed to the air for 30/45 mins. This will help the healing process.
During this time, don’t go leaning on things with your new tattoo!
Your new tattoo shouldn’t come into contact with anything.
3) Apply a thin, shiny, “barely there” layer of Bepanthen Cream over the tattoo; you will apply the cream 3 to 4 times daily, for the first 2 weeks and after you wash the tattoo.
NB: make sure you wash your hands before applying the lotion!!
Depending on the size and location of the tattoo (like joints, behind the knee, elbow etc), you may need to reapply the lotion up to 5 times daily, so if you notice it looks dried out, you might need to apply a a small amount on it. But REMEMBER: more is not better, so do not over do it!
On the first night ONLY and ONLY for medium and larger sized tattoos, wrap in cling film after washing and following steps 2 and 3. This way you won’t risk waking up with your bed sheets stuck to your tattoo. It will be goopy in the morning, so wash it and carry on with healing as per instructions.
NB: If in the morning for some reason your sheets are stuck to you, follow the same instructions as with a stuck bandage, don’t peel the sheet off, take the sheet with you to the shower and wet it off with cool or lukewarm water.
4) For the first two weeks, avoid wearing tight clothing. Otherwise you run the risk of scabbing and ink loss when clothes rub up against your tattoo. If possible, avoid sleeping on your tattoo so you don’t aggravate the healing process.
5) Avoid direct sunlight/ surf/ chlorinated water/ baths /long showers until the tattoo is healed.
Refrain from any workout or physical activity heavier than walking, especially in cases where the new tattoo is in a direct sweat zone of the body.
After a few days your tattoo will peel like a sunburn and become very itchy. DO NOT pick or scratch and do not touch your tattoo unnecessarily.
Your Tattoo will heal in 7 – 14 days.
Once healed use a good quality moisturiser to treat any dryness and keep applying it as part of your daily routine, as hydrated skin will make sure your tattoo stays in excellent condition over the years. Also, when exposing your HEALED tattoo to the sun, make sure you cover it with high UV protection suncream.
Should you have any doubts or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.