BEFORE YOUR TATTOO APPOINTMENT
There are a few things you need to know in order to prepare you for your tattoo appointment, speed up the process and limit the level of pain you on the day.
DO:
- Get a good night sleep the night before your tattoo.
- Have a big breakfast/lunch one hour prior to your appointment.
- Drink plenty of water and bring in some nurofen and sugar (e.g lollies or chocolate) on the day.
- Bring comfortable clothes (especially something which is accessible to the area you are getting tattooed), headphones, phone charger and anything which will make you feel more at ease (e.g if you have a favourite blanket or pillow, bring it!)
- Shave the area you are getting tattooed in the morning of your appointment.
- Make sure you have the correct money in CASH on the day.
- Take Sams advice when it comes to the design. After spending more than half his life dedicated to letters, he can point you in the right direction to make your tattoo look the best he can, even if your cousin is a graphic designer.
DO NOT:
- DO NOT take drugs or alcohol within 24 hours of your tattoo (ESPECIALLY on the day, No Oxycotin, Xanax, Tramadol etc. It will not help.)
- DO NOT come to your tattoo appointment if you are getting sick or if you already are sick. Not only for your sake, but Sam and the other artists in the studio cannot afford to get sick, we can always reschedule). If you are, please notify Sam.
- DO NOT come in if you are sunburnt. Please notify Sam.
- DO NOT bring a large group to get tattooed. It will only distract Sam and the other artists in the shop. We recommend bringing one friend if you need some moral support.
- DO NOT come in without eating before your tattoo.
- DO NOT book a certain day if you know you will have to be somewhere important soon after your booking. Tattoos take time and precision, and Sam cannot rush the process.
- DO NOT try and negotiate price or ask for a discount. Sam understands that tattoos are expensive, however they are a luxury item. If you have a problem with the price, either go somewhere cheaper or book in when you have enough money saved.
HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR NEW TATTOO
After your session with Sam, he will wrap your fresh tattoo in cling wrap to protect it until you get home. PLEASE carefully follow the instructions below for the best possible healing for your tattoo.
FIRST WASH: Leave the cling wrap on for at least an hour and no more than 4 hours. Once you remove the plastic from your tattoo, jump in the shower and give your tattoo a good massage with a natural UNSCENTED antibacterial soap (do not use bar soap as it is is much more prone to cross-contamination).
It is very important to wash away any excess ointment, dried blood and lymphatic fluid. For the last minute of you wash, hold your tattoo under cold water for one minute to close the paws of your skin. Pat dry with paper towel. Do not cream until day 3. You may wrap your tattoo for the first 2 nights while you sleep to avoid sticking to the sheets while you sleep..
EVERY WASH: Using warm (not hot) water and your anti-bacterial soap, massage your tattoo and wash away any excess ointment, dried blood and lymphatic fluid. For the last minute of your wash, hold your tattoo under cold water for one minute to close the pores of your skin. Pat dry with paper towel.
There are many brands of aftercare cream that different artist recommend using. Sam recommends either Bamboo Goo or any organic coconut oil (which can be purchased at your local supermarket or health food store).
After washing your hands thoroughly and drying with paper towel, evenly apply a THIN layer of aftercare cream to your tattoo, so your tattoo is a little shiny, not overly wet. It is important not to apply an excessive amount of cream. LESS IS MORE.
For the next 2 weeks, wash your tattoo 3 times a day and apply aftercare cream.
THE DO'S AND DONT'S OF CARING FOR YOUR TATTOO
DO:
- Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo. KEEP IT CLEAN!
- Wash your tattoo 3 times a day.
- Wear clean clothes and have fresh bedding while your tattoo is healing.
- Slap your tattoo gently once it reaches the itchy stage.
- Let your skin flake off naturally.
- Put sunscreen on your tattoo once it has finished healing
- Use moisturiser several times a week to prolong the quality of your tattoo
- Ask Sam if you have ANY questions about the healing process.
DO NOT:
- DO NOT touch your tattoo with without washing your hands.
- DO NOT let anybody else touch your fresh tattoo.
- DO NOT pick or scratch your tattoo.
- DO NOT wear tight clothing which will rub against your tattoo, for two weeks.
- DO NOT expose your fresh tattoo to direct sunlight for two weeks.
- DO NOT soak your fresh tattoo in the bath, ocean or pool.