LINEAR
TATTOO

BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

 

Proper preparation helps your skin respond better during your appointment and can make the tattooing and healing process much easier.

 

• Hydrate well in the days leading up to your appointment, especially the day before and day of.

 

• Eat a good meal before coming in. Please do not arrive on an empty stomach.

 

• Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment.

 

• Avoid excessive sun exposure, tanning, or anything that may cause a sunburn in the area being tattooed. We cannot tattoo sunburned or significantly irritated skin.

 

• Keep the area moisturized in the days leading up to your appointment, but arrive with clean skin free of lotions, oils, self-tanner, or other products.

 

• Please do not shave the tattoo area immediately before your appointment. We can prep the area properly in the studio if needed.

 

• If you choose to use numbing cream, please remove it completely before arriving for your appointment. Arrive with the area clean and free of numbing cream, residue, lotions, oils, or other skincare products.

 

• Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed. Please avoid wearing white.

 

• If you are feeling sick, have an active skin irritation, rash, infection, or anything unusual happening in the area being tattooed, please reach out before your appointment.

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AFTERCARE

 

Your tattoo will be covered with a protective second-skin bandage after your appointment. This helps protect your fresh tattoo during the initial healing process.

 

YOUR BANDAGE

 

• Leave your second-skin bandage on for approximately 3–5 days if possible.

 

• It is normal to see some plasma and ink collect beneath the bandage. This may appear clear, brown, or black.

 

• You may shower while wearing your bandage, but avoid soaking it and try to keep soaps and body products away from the area.

 

• If the bandage begins leaking, develops significant fluid buildup or bubbles, comes open around the tattoo, or anything gets underneath it, carefully remove it early and begin the aftercare instructions below.

 

• When it’s time to remove your bandage, we recommend doing so in the shower. Gently and slowly pull the bandage straight up and away from the skin, allowing it to gradually separate. Do not rip or quickly peel the bandage off.

 

DO NOT REAPPLY TEGADERM OR ANOTHER SECOND-SKIN BANDAGE ONCE IT HAS BEEN REMOVED.

 

ONCE YOUR BANDAGE IS REMOVED

 

Gently wash your tattoo 2x a day and keep it lightly moisturized 3-4x a day throughout the remainder of the healing process.

 

I will recommend the specific cleanser and moisturizer that I have had the best experience with for fine line tattoo healing. Both of my preferred aftercare products will be available for purchase in the studio so you have everything you need to properly care for your new tattoo at home.

 

Follow the cleansing and moisturizing instructions provided with your aftercare products, and always apply moisturizer in a light layer rather than heavily coating the tattoo.

 

Please avoid petroleum-based ointments, including Aquaphor.

 

WHILE YOUR TATTOO HEALS

 

• Some peeling, flaking, itching, and softening of the tattoo’s appearance during healing is normal. Do not pick, peel, or scratch it.

 

• Keep your tattoo clean and avoid unnecessary touching.

 

• Avoid direct sunlight and tanning while your tattoo is healing.

 

• Do not swim or submerge your tattoo in pools, hot tubs, baths, oceans, or lakes until it is fully healed.

 

• Avoid dirty environments or activities that could expose your fresh tattoo to bacteria or excessive friction.

 

• Once fully healed, use SPF whenever your tattoo will be exposed to the sun. This is one of the best ways to protect fine lines and prevent premature fading.

 

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A NOTE ABOUT FINE LINE TATTOOS

 

Fine line tattoos are intentionally delicate. As they heal, the lines may soften slightly and the tattoo may appear lighter than it did immediately after your appointment. Healing varies from person to person and can be influenced by skin type, placement, lifestyle, and aftercare.

 

Following your aftercare instructions carefully gives your tattoo the best opportunity to heal beautifully.

 

I hope you enjoy your new art! I’m honored you chose me to create something special for you.