Prep & Aftercare
Follow these guidelines to prepare for your session and ensure the best possible healing.
Before Your Appointment
24-48 Hours Before
- •Drink plenty of water and stay well-hydrated
- •Get a good night's sleep
- •Avoid alcohol and blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen)
- •Shave the area if needed (or we can do it)
Day of Appointment
- •Eat a full meal 1-2 hours before your session
- •Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area
- •Bring a valid government-issued photo ID
- •Bring snacks and water for longer sessions
What to Bring
- •Government-issued photo ID
- •Any reference images (or have them on your phone)
- •Payment for the session balance
- •Snacks and water if your session is 2+ hours
- •A friend for support (optional, studio policy permitting)
Day-Of Guide
When you arrive, your artist will review the design with you and make any final adjustments. You'll complete a digital consent form and ID verification before the session begins.
The area will be cleaned and shaved if needed
A stencil of the design will be placed for your approval — speak up if you want any positioning changes
The tattooing process begins — feel free to take breaks if needed
Your artist will show you the finished work and wrap it
You'll receive digital aftercare instructions and review them with your artist
Aftercare Timeline
Fresh Tattoo Care
- ✓Leave the initial wrap on for 2-4 hours (or as instructed by your artist)
- ✓Gently wash with unscented soap and lukewarm water
- ✓Pat dry with a clean paper towel — never rub
- ✓Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion (Lubriderm, Aveeno, or artist-recommended product)
- ✓Repeat 2-3 times daily
Do NOT re-wrap, use plastic wrap, or pick at any peeling skin.
Peeling & Healing
- ✓Continue gentle washing and moisturizing 2-3 times daily
- ✓Expect some peeling — this is normal. Do NOT pick or scratch
- ✓The area may feel itchy — pat gently to relieve itch
- ✓Keep out of direct sunlight
- ✓Avoid soaking in water (baths, pools, ocean) for at least 2 weeks
Long-Term Healing
- ✓Continue moisturizing once daily
- ✓Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen before any sun exposure
- ✓Avoid tight clothing rubbing directly on the tattoo
- ✓The surface will look healed, but deeper layers are still healing
Questions about healing?
Message your artist directly through your dashboard, or check out our FAQ.