How to take care of your tattoo!
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Stay Hydrated! Drink water but there is no need to drink more than normal as too much water can also thin your blood.
Stay Moisturized! It is best to moisturize daily 1 week prior to appointment
Rest and Eat well! Stay energized and focused to avoid dizziness and fainting.
Avoid Drugs and Alcohol the day before and the day of your appointment
Don't Rush! Set aside more time than you think you will need
Prepare mentally!
Relax, breathe and trust your artist to do their best work. Being mentally prepared can help you stay calm and make the experience more enjoyable
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With Second Skin
Leave bandage on for no more than 3-4 days Fluid is normal, Expect plasma, blood, and ink to collect creating a dark liquid. This is good for healing.
Remove immediately if you have an allergic reaction or it leaks. Water may sit inside and put you at risk for improper heal/infection, your skin reacts, (you know your body best)
TO REMOVE- take hot shower to melt adhesive, pick a corner and pull outwards AWAY FROM the bandage, as close to the skin as possible
Without Second Skin (open air or plastic wrap)
Three times a day for the first four days: Wash your tattoo with unscented soap and rinse with warm water, blot dry with a clean paper towel. Apply a thin amount of balm to your tattoo, then wipe off excess with a clean paper towel.
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Apply unscented moisturizing lotion to your tattoo whenever it feels dry, around 5 times daily. After one week the tattoo may be itchy, do not scratch, itch, or peel off any scabs.
Do not submerge in water, no swimming, soaking baths, sauna, steam room, or intense sun exposure for 2 weeks, regular showers are fine until all scabs are fully healed (about 2-3 weeks).
Rest your body and nourish your nervous system prioritize good hydration, nutrition, exercise and sleep
If you are unsure about the healing process or have questions, reach out to your artist with photos and questions.
Aftercare and healing is essential to a good tattoo and is the responsibility of the client.
After two weeks your tattoo should be healed. If at that time you find that you want it touched up, your first touch-up is free of charge - all work guaranteed.
If you are running a fever and/or red streaks appear around your tattoo, see a physician immediately.
Report infection to Texas DSHS at: 512-834-6755
Tip your artist, tell your friends, and leave a good review!
When Should you NOT get a tattoo?
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When you have a sunburn your skin is damaged and dehydrated, it needs time to repair itself. It is best to wait 2 weeks for your skin to heal before getting a tattoo.
Its a good idea to keep any upcoming sunny vacations in mind and book our tattoo 3 + weeks before or after your trip. Or just take care of your skin by wearing mineral sunscreen and covering up.
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There are a few medications that do not mix well with tattoos, it is always a good idea to consult both your artist and doctor before booking an appointment. Some medications like blood thinners cause you to bleed more during the tattoo process and they can also increase your risk for poor healing. Do not take blood thinner before a tattoo appointment.
It is recommended to wait at least 2 weeks before and after getting a vaccination. This is because while you are healing a tattoo, your immune system may be lowered. This can complicate or prolong your healing. If you are on antibiotics it is also recommended to wait 2 weeks before booking a tattoo, as an infection can interfere with healing and increase the risk of worsening or spreading the infection your body is already fighting.
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Are you a person that has periods? We want you to have the best experience!
Getting tattooed sometimes hurts but there are ways to make it suck less. We suggest planning your tattoos around your cycle
People who experience periods can feel tattoo pain differently depending on where they are in their cycle. Hormones play a big part in pain sensitivity, mood and energy levels. During menstruation lower estrogen and higher progesterone make our bodies more sensitive. Tattoos may feel sharper especially on already sensitive areas. Bleeding, water retention, less sleep and lower energy can contribute to dehydration. Hydrated skin is much easier to tattoo. Premenstrual irritability can heighten pain perception. Stress hormones make you more tense which can lead to a tattooing experience which may feel worse. Many people feel their most comfortable time is the week after their menstruation. Rising estrogen steadier mood and better energy can create a smoother less painful tattoo experience.
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If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you CANNOT get tattooed. This increases the risk of infection, skin sensitivity and can cause shock to your system and has potential to harm your baby. It is recommended to wait 9-12 months after you have finished breastfeeding, and to get your doctors approval.
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If you have fallen ill, no matter how mild or severe, you should not get tattooed. Be sure to let your artist know with as much notice as possible if you are feeling under the weather!
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If you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, its not the best idea to get a tattoo. Your sense of judgement and ability to make decisions is not clear. This may put you at risk for a tattoo you regret or having a poor experience. Substances can thin your blood and dehydrate you, leading to possible complications with the healing process, including increased risk of infection. It is best to wait 24+ hours after excessive alcohol or drug use before getting a tattoo.
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If you feel at all unsure or unsafe, even once the stencil is on, it may be a sign that you should not get tattooed. You may need more time to think about it or decide you are not feeling your best. Its never too late to back out until its permanent. You are in control.
Do not feel ashamed if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment for any of these reasons as long as you give your artist as much notice as you can for your situation.
Now taking bookings!
Let’s get to it! If you are interested in working with me, send me a message! When reaching out please include design idea, size, placement, budget.