Know before you book

What to Do:
Eat a good meal before your appointment
Stay hydrated throughout the day
Get a full night of sleep beforehand
Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the tattoo area
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
Show up on time or a few minutes early
Bring headphones, a snack, or water if it’s a longer session
Ask questions—your artist is here to help

What Not to Do:
Don’t drink alcohol or use drugs before your appointment
Don’t arrive hungover or dehydrated
Don’t bring a crowd—one support person is okay
Don’t come in sick—reschedule if needed
Don’t apply lotion, numbing cream, or self-tanner to the area beforehand
Don’t shave the area unless your artist tells you to
Don’t come in without eating—low blood sugar can make you dizzy or faint

After care
Proper aftercare is key to healing your tattoo and keeping it looking its best. After your session, your artist will clean and bandage the area and give you written and verbal instructions. Leave the bandage on for 2-3 hours. Once removed, gently wash the tattoo with warAir dry for a 5-10 minutes. Apply a thin layer of Lubriderm as needed to keep it moisturized, but not smothered. Wash and lotion your new tattoo twice a day for two weeks. Expect some peeling and flaking during the healing process—this is normal. Do not pick, scratch, or peel the skin. Avoid swimming, hot tubs, direct sunlight, or heavy sweating for at least two weeks. Wear loose clothing to avoid irritation, and keep the tattoo clean and protected as it heals.

If you have any questions or concerns during the healing process, feel free to reach out to your artist or the shop. We’re here to help.