Tattoo care TIPS

The better you care for your skin, the better your tattoo will heal and keep pretty in the future. Tattoo care starts even before your tattooing session, where you prepare your skin for the process. Here you can find tips for before, during and after your tattoo session – besides this, I am always available for specific doubts.

Before your session

  1. Hydrate: in the weeks prior to the session (1-2 weeks), make sure you drink lots of water and moisturise your skin frequently. A well-hydrated and moisturised skin will be easier to tattoo, accept the ink better, reduce irritation and even hurt less during the process (for real!)
  2. Avoid sun burns: mainly in the summer months, sun exposure or tanning will affect the process and outcome of the tattoo. Depending on the extent, I will ask you to postpone the session until your skin is properly healed.
  3. Avoid blood-thinner substances: such as excess of alcohol, caffeine and drugs 24-48hours prior to the session.
  4. Medication: If you are taking antibiotics or have vaccination two weeks before or after your appointment, consider the possibility of rebooking your session. For other medication, please review with your doctor. 
  5. Prepare your mind and body: have a good night’s sleep, stretch and eat well before the session. Being well-rested reduces stress and makes it easier to sit through longer sessions. A healthy and substantial meal will help maintain blood sugar levels and prevents light-headedness or fainting during the session.

During your session

  1. Come prepared: bring snacks and entertainment in case there’s a long session ahead. It’s also important to dress comfortable with pieces that don’t press the area of the tattoo after the session. You can ask me directly for specific recommendations regarding your tattoo placement.
  2. Never apply numbing creams: besides having dangerous substances for your body, numbing creams can result in uneven ink application and affect the overall quality of the tattoo.
  3. Breathe: it’s normal to feel nervous! No one needs to hide or apologise for it. I will always do my best to make you feel safe and relaxed during our session, but please be open if you need some time to breathe or anything that I can help you with.
  4. Communicate: don’t be afraid to let me know how you are feeling and if you don’t like something regarding the design or placement. My priority is to make sure the pieces comes out with quality and that you are happy with what you are getting for the rest of your life – be honest and we will always find common ground.
  5. Stay still and ask for breaks: Remember your skin is an organic canvas and I need the maximum stillness possible to properly get to a good result. I will help you find the best position and try to make the sitting as comfortable as possible, but remember that once you move any part of your body, your whole body also moves. So talk to me and ask for breaks whenever needed.

Tattoo aftercare

  1. Types of bandage: after our session, I usually apply second skin. If you are allergic or prefer other types of bandages, we can find a solution together at the studio. For bigger, more black-filled pieces, absorbing pads should be a better choice of bandage. The second skin should be on for at least 24 hours, but ideally for 72 hours.
  2. Cleaning: If using second skin, remove it under the shower, peeling gently, and wash with a mild, fragrance-free soap. Wash it at least twice a day with this soap for 3-4 weeks.
  3. Moisturising: Opt for specific tattoo aftercare products or fragrance-free, gentle moisturisers. Apply a thin layer twice a day, only starting 72 hours after your session. Do not overuse the product as it can negatively impact the healing process.
  4. Sun protection: for at least 3-4 weeks after your session in direct sunlight. During the healing process, do not use any type of sunscreen. After your tattoo heals, it is important to keep it protected from the sun forever, applying SPF frequently.
  5. Touch ups: For many different reasons, it is common for some tattoos to heal lighter than they should. For these cases, touchups are included within a year after your first appointment. There might have a small fee to cover materials – this will be discussed directly in case you need an appointment.