Pre Tattoo
Properly preparing for your tattoo is just as important as tattoo aftercare. Here are some tips to hep you prepare for the big day.
Be well rested, get plenty of sleep the night before. Lack of sleep can leave the body stressed and inflamed.
Eat healthy, drink lots of water, and be sure to get a full meal in the day of your appointment. Tattooing takes a toll on the body, so you should make sure your body has plenty of fuel to get through the day. Water hydrates skin and body- proper hydration can also make the tattoo less painful.
Moisturize the area to be tattooed with a lotion or coconut oil for one week before the appointment- this helps your skin stay elastic and makes it easier to tattoo.
No need to shave, but if hair in the area is thick it is helpful to trim with clippers before the appointment.
You can take ibuprofen before/ during the appointment to help with inflammation.
I find it helps to be grounded for your appointment, particularly for longer sessions or more sensitive areas. Stretching the night before, no alcohol, general slowing down with intention can all be helpful to calm your body and prepare for the session.
At your appointment
Locust tattoo is located at 1827S 300W, SLC. Look for the large sign that says “PSYCHIC”. There is a parking lot as well as street parking on the south side of the building.
If the door is locked, we have a doorbell in the entryway you can ring to be let in, or you can text me at 801-810-7606.
Sometimes the shop can run cold, especially if the AC is on. Prepare accordingly with layers. Feel free to bring a small blanket or anything that will make you more comfortable.
Wear comfortable clothing that will allow access to the area to be tattooed.
Bring snacks for longer sessions.
Tattoos take time, and you’ll be sitting in one spot for a while. Feel free to bring your headphones, listen to music, watch shows on your device, read a book, etc.
aftercare
You’ve got a tattoo! Now what?? Follow these aftercare guidelines to protect your investment and ensure proper healing.
The size and intricacy of your tattoo will affect how long it takes to heal. Bigger tattoos will take longer but to added stress on the skin. Solid patches of ink will also take longer to heal.
It can take several months for a tattoo to completely heal, the first two weeks are the most important part of the process.
Be mindful of clothing during the aftercare process. Avoid anything that will cause friction over the tattooed area.
Pet dander can be a major cause of infection, be sure to keep your fresh tattoo protected (change bed sheets, clean clothes, etc).
Avoid soaking (baths, pools, hot tubs, saunas) for the first two weeks.
Avoid the gym for the first few days after getting tattooed, you can resume light workouts after that but make sure to keep your tattoo protected and clean. Excessive sweating not recommended with a freshly bandaged tattoo.
Keep area out of the sun while healing. UV rays accelerate the breakdown of ink, so sunscreen up with SPF50+ to keep your piece looking good once it’s fully healed.
Adhesive bandage healing
Adhesive bandages (second skin, recovery derm shield, saniderm, tegaderm, etc) are thin, flexible films used to protect new tattoos against fluids, friction, bacteria, and other contaminates. Unlike plastic, they are breathable which allows moisture vapor and oxygen exchange while providing a moist wound environment for enhanced healing.
Fluid may build up in the bandage- your body excretes plasma and this “weeping” of plasma and ink is totally normal. You may not be able to see your tattoo under this layer of goop for a few days.
I recommend leaving the bandage on at minimum overnight, up to 2-3 days. You can shower with the bandage on, just make sure to check before and after that additional water doesn’t find its way under the bandage.
When removing the bandage, make sure to wash your hands, find an edge of the bandage and gently pull it back over itself in the direction of hair growth. It can be helpful to do this in the shower as hot water can help melt the adhesive for easier removal.
Clean tattoo with warm water, fingertips and a mild antibacterial soap (dove and dial gold are good ones). DO NOT use a washcloth, loofa or sponge to clean your tattoo.
Once you have thoroughly washed your tattoo, let air dry or gently pat dry with clean paper towel.
For the remainder of the healing period, use a gentle fragrance and dye free lotion (lubriderm, aquaphor, eucerin, organic coconut oil all good options).
Your new tattoo may peel or flake (like a sunburn) as the skin heals, this is normal. Scabbing may also occur. It’s normal for your tattoo to feel itchy at this phase.
DO NOT scratch or pick at the tattoo, you risk pulling out ink.
Old school healing
If you don’t use adhesive dressings for whatever reason, here’s a guide to healing tattoos the traditional way.
Your tattoo will be wrapped in Saran Wrap and non- adhesive dressing. Leave it on for 4-6 hours after leaving your appointment, if it’s an evening appointment you can leave it on overnight.
Wash your hands thoroughly, remove bandage and wash tattoo with a mild antibacterial soap (dove, dial gold, etc), hot water, and your fingertips. Be sure to get any slimy residue off of your tattoo. DO NOT use a washcloth, loofah or sponge to clean your tattoo.
Let air dry or use a clean paper towel to gently pat dry.
Once your tattoo is clean and dry, apply a THIN layer of ointment (aquaphor, A&D, organic coconut oil, tattoo aftercare product). You want to create a protective barrier from contaminates but do not suffocate your new artwork.
Repeat the wash/dry/ointment routine several times a day for the first 3-4 days.
After 3-4 days you can switch from ointment to an unscented lotion. The skin will have started regenerating and may be flaking or peeling like a sunburn. It’s important to keep it moisturized. it’s normal for your tattoo to feel itchy at this phase.
DO NOT pick at or scratch the tattoo, you risk pulling out ink.