A little care goes a long way. Preparing your skin helps us tattoo more smoothly, ensures cleaner lines, and supports a beautiful, healthy heal. Here’s everything you can do to get ready.

Preparation Tips

  • Exfoliate

    Gently exfoliate the area once or twice during the week. This removes dead skin and creates a smooth, fresh canvas for cleaner lines and better healing.
    (Avoid anything too harsh — a simple gentle scrub is perfect.)

    Moisturize

    Keep the skin hydrated all week using lotion + body oil if possible.
    Well-moisturized skin tattoos beautifully and heals more evenly.
    Avoid moisturizing the day of your tattoo.

    Hydrate Well

    Drink plenty of water throughout the week.
    Hydrated skin = better ink saturation, less irritation, and a smoother tattooing process.

    Avoid Sun Exposure

    No tanning, sunburns, or long sun exposure on the area we’re tattooing.
    Sun-damaged skin can’t be tattooed and may require rescheduling.

    Avoid New Products

    Skip new lotions, perfumes, self-tanners, or skin treatments in the area.
    We want your skin calm, familiar, and irritation-free.

    Medication, Alcohol & Substances

    • Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment (it thins the blood).

    • Avoid blood-thinning medications unless prescribed — if unsure, ask us or your doctor.

    • Avoid recreational substances before your session — they can intensify pain or anxiety.

    Shaving

    No need to shave unless there is a lot of hair.
    If shaving your skin usually causes irritation, razor bumps, or cuts, skip it — we will safely shave the area in-studio if needed.

    Plan Your Week

    Prepare for your appointment by planning for:

    • transportation

    • childcare/pet care (if applicable)

    • clothing for the tattoo area

    • time for proper aftercare afterward

    Anything that reduces stress will help you have a smoother experience.

  • Hydrate + Rest

    Drink water throughout the day and aim for a restful sleep. A calm, rested body makes your tattoo experience smoother.

    Skip Alcohol & Caffeine

    Avoid alcohol and caffeine for at least 24 hours before your session — it thins the blood and increases sensitivity.
    Skip recreational substances as well.

    Avoid Skin Irritation

    Don’t exfoliate or shave the area today. Avoid harsh scrubs, hot tubs, and sun exposure. Keep the skin calm.

    Moisturize Lightly

    If you’re dry, apply a light layer of lotion today (no oils).
    Do not moisturize the morning of.

    Pack Your Comfort Items

    Prepare anything that keeps you comfortable: headphones, snacks, a sweater, mask, etc.

    Confirm Your Appointment Details

    Double-check the time, address, and what you’ll wear for access to the tattoo area. Remove potential stress from your morning.

    Eat Well

    Have a balanced dinner and hydrate. Your body will feel more steady the next day.

  • Eat + Hydrate

    Have a full meal and electrolytes before your session. Bring snacks and water. We also offer drinks and treats. Breaks are always welcome.

    Clothing

    Wear loose, dark clothing you don’t mind getting ink on. Dress for easy access to the tattoo area.
    For torso/back tattoos, you may need to remove your bra — we provide nipple covers and coverings.

    Privacy

    Our studio is intimate with only two artists, but it is open-concept. We have privacy screens and can try to book quieter days, though private rooms are not available.

    Meditation & Breathing

    Slow, mindful breathing helps regulate your nervous system and manage pain. Everyone’s threshold is different — let us know when you need a break.
    Click here for a visual breathing technique

    Comfort

    Bring anything that helps calm your nerves. We offer pillows, blankets, fidget toys, stress balls, and can accommodate low-stim or quiet sessions.

    Skin Prep

    Do not moisturize the day of.
    No need to shave unless there is significant hair — we can shave safely in-studio.

✨ Getting ready for your tattoo should feel like a little act of self-care.

Treat the week leading up to your session as your “me-time” — a chance to rest, hydrate, and pamper your skin so it’s fresh and ready for ink.

During your appointment, we create a cozy, intentional environment with pillows, blankets, fidget toys, stress balls, and soothing music to help you feel relaxed. If you need any accommodations — a quiet space, low-stim environment, or anything else — just let us know. We’re here to make the experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Taking care of your tattoo is just as important as getting it! Below is our step-by-step aftercare guide.

Aftercare

    • Leave the bandage on for 2–5 days (minimum 2, maximum 5).

    • Remove it at the end of a warm shower.

    • Rinse away any blood or fluids gently with your fingertips — no soap needed.

    • Pat dry with a clean paper towel (avoid cloth towels; they harbour bacteria).

    • You can shower with the dressing on.

    • If fluid seeps through, rinse it gently and keep the dressing in place.

    • If water gets underneath the bandage, remove it carefully.

    • No baths, pools, saunas, or hot tubs.

    • Your body is vulnerable after the procedure — take this time to rest and hydrate.

    • Avoid heavy workouts, pools, baths, tight clothing, and sun exposure.

    • Plasma buildup under the bandage is normal — don’t worry.

    • Tattoo will begin to dry.

    • Only touch with clean hands.

    • If extremely dry or irritated, apply a very thin layer of unscented lotion.

    • Avoid over-moisturizing — less is more.

    • Remove the second bandage under warm running water.

    • Clean gently with lukewarm water + unscented soap.

    • Use your hands, not cloths, to remove any blood or plasma.

    • Pat dry gently with a clean paper towel or towel.

    • You’ll notice peeling and itching, similar to a sunburn.

    • Do NOT scratch or pick.

    • If the itch is intense:

      • Use Hypochlorous Acid spray (provided at our studio)

      • Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion

    • Healing produces two layers of scabs:

      1. Thick, flakey scabs with full ink color

      2. Dry, translucent flakey scales

    • Do NOT remove them. Let them fall off naturally to prevent damage or scarring.

    • Keep the area clean and allow your body to heal naturally.

    • Most scabs and dry skin will be gone.

    • Your tattoo will start to look vibrant.

    • Continue to:

      • Keep it clean

      • Avoid scratching, picking, or damaging it

    • Healing is still happening beneath the surface.

    Congrats — your tattoo will heal beautifully if you follow these steps!

Hypafix is a soft, flexible, and breathable dressing that protects your new tattoo. It moves with your body, works well on joints and contoured areas, and won’t restrict circulation. It’s even safe to leave on during X-rays or radiotherapy.

Listen to your skin: if you feel any irritation, burning, or discomfort, gently remove the bandage right away.

What not to do

  • Avoid alcohol for the first 24 hours

  • Skip heavy workouts for at least 2 weeks

  • No submerging in water until fully healed (baths, pools, saunas, hot tubs)

  • Keep out of direct sunlight and avoid tanning beds

  • Do not pick or scratch

  • No Vaseline, Aloe Vera, or Neosporin

  • Don’t over-moisturize

  • Avoid scented lotions or soaps

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing over the tattoo

  • Keep pets and animals away from your fresh tattoo

  • Do not let anyone else touch your tattoo

  • Always use clean hands when touching

Following these steps helps your tattoo heal beautifully and keeps your experience safe and cozy.

Your tattoo will take about 2–8 weeks to heal, and giving it the right care now makes all the difference. While it’s healing, avoid anything that could irritate or damage your new ink:

IMPORTANT: PLEASE CONTACT US FOR ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS. IF INFECTION OCCURS, CONTACT A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.

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Your skin is ready. Your tattoo is waiting.

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