EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO ARRIVE PREPARED FOR YOUR TATTOO APPOINTMENT

Whether you're heading for your first tattoo appointment or you're a regular who needs to refresh your memory, it's essential to be well prepared before your session and to take good care of your tattoo afterwards. In this article, I'll give you all my recommendations to ensure you have a pleasant tattoo session and optimal healing.

How can I arrive prepared for my appointment?

Be sure to eat before the appointment and bring snacks. A sweet food can help prevent pressure drops;
Stay hydrated and bring your own water bottle;
Shave the area to be tattooed;
Do not take any anti-inflammatory drugs (advil, motrin, naproxen, aspirin, etc.) or anticoagulants (coumadin, xarelto, eliquis, etc.) before the appointment;
Avoid using anaesthetic cream, or let me know if you wish to do so;
Wear dark clothing, which is easy to remove or move around, depending on the area to be tattooed;
Inform me if you have a blood-borne disease (Hepatitis B, C, HIV, etc.).

How to care for your tattoo

Remove the saran wrap when you get home;
Clean the tattoo twice a day with a mild, fragrance-free soap (e.g. Dove fragrance-free) for 14 days. Then gently pat dry with a paper towel or clean cloth;
Start moisturizing your tattoo 24 hours after the appointment. Then moisturize 2 times a day, following skin cleansing or when necessary, for 14 days. Use a fragrance-free cream (e.g. Aveeno fragrance-free) or an oil such as shea butter.

TO AVOID

Avoid rubbing or touching the tattooed area;
Avoid applying a thick layer of grease (e.g. Vaseline) to the armadillo. It's important to allow the skin pores to breathe.
Don't scratch dry skin once the tattoo has healed (even if it stings);
Avoid immersion in water (baths, spas, pools, lakes, etc.) for 2 weeks, while healing takes place;
Avoid sun exposure for the first 3 weeks, and apply sunscreen for long-term preservation.