HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR TATTOO AND AFTERCARE:
Preparing and planning well for your tattoo, such as taking good care of your skin beforehand, planning what you will need to take with you and what to wear, is an important part of the process and can help you and your artist on the day and help to make it as comfortable as possible.
We strongly advise following the prep advice before your appointment, otherwise this may impact the tattooing process and how your tattoo heals, and in some circumstances may mean that your artist is unable to carry out your tattoo (such as sunburnt skin and others as listed below). Following the aftercare advice will also ensure your tattoo heals well and looks great for years to come!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us or your artist and we will be more than happy to help you.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT:
• Don’t forget to bring your ID, you must be 18+
• Avoid consuming alcohol at least 2 days before. Alcohol temporarily thins the blood making the tattoo process more challenging and also severely affects the healing process. You may risk losing your deposit and having your appointment rescheduled.
• Stay out of the sun and avoid sunbeds at least a week before - we cannot tattoo on sunburnt or sun-damaged/peeling skin and you will be at risk of losing your deposit if your artist is unable to tattoo you and needs to reschedule your appointment.
• It can be useful to stay well hydrated and moisturise the area to be tattooed in advance.
• Get a good night’s sleep the day before.
• A note on numbing cream: please discuss this with your artist well in advance beforehand if you are thinking about using it. Some of our artists prefer their client’s not to use it and there is also a process to follow for applying it - should your artist be happy for you to use it - and can advise you of the best cream to use. Always do a patch test before every application, 48 hours in advance.
ON THE DAY:
• Eat a substantial meal before your appointment to regulate your blood sugar, helping reduce the risk of feeling faint!
• Don’t worry about shaving or preparing the area to be tattooed - your artist will do that for you.
• If you’d like something to distract you during your appointment, you are welcome to bring along earphones or a book to read.
• Bring a drink and some snacks, or some lunch if you are in for a long session.
• Wear loose and comfortable clothing that makes it easy for the area being tattooed to be accessed. Think about what else might be on show too… we’ve seen it all before, so don’t worry, but you may feel more comfortable with cycling shorts or soft fitting bras etc, or a blanket for modesty. If you’re unsure what to wear, or feel anxious about being on show, chat to your artist and they can help with suggestions. We can also make our areas feel more private with privacy screens.
• Wear something that won’t rub on your fresh tattoo for the journey home. Or bring some spare clothes/shoes to change into afterwards. Lastly, don’t wear white!
AFTERCARE:
• Your artist will apply either clingfilm or ‘second skin’ to your new tattoo. They will explain how to remove this and will give you an aftercare leaflet at the end of your appointment to take home, but we’ve also provided this information below.
Clingfilm:
• Remove after 2-3 hours, follow the ‘general aftercare’ below.
YAYO ‘Second Skin’:
• Leave on for 24-48 hours.
• Showering is fine, as the ‘second skin’ is breathable.
• Ink will spread underneath - this is normal.
• To remove: gently and slowly peel from the edges towards the skin - do not pull upwards or remove quickly, as this will risk damaging the tattoo before it has fully healed.
• Do not remove in the shower, remove while the skin is dry and as cool as possible. If any sticky residue remains, apply baby/olive oil and rub very gently after a few minutes to remove. Do not scrub or exfoliate to remove, as this will risk damaging the tattoo.
• Follow the ‘general aftercare’ instructions below.
General aftercare:
• Wash the tattoo gently with antibacterial soap and warm water.
• Gently pat dry with a clean paper towel - do not rub.
• Apply a thin layer of aftercare ointment (we do not recommend Vaseline/Sudocrem/Savlon/Nivea as they are too thick and do not promote tattoo healing).
• Wash and cream your tattoo 2-3 times daily, or more if needed.
• Do not pick scabs or exfoliate as this will pull ink out of the skin.
• Avoid swimming, hot tubs, baths, sun bathing/sunbeds for 2 weeks.
• After the tattoo has healed, wear suncream to maintain vibrancy.
OUR DUTY OF CARE & RESPECT POLICY:
We are proud of our reputation we have worked hard to build over the years and strive to create an inclusive, relaxed and fun atmosphere! We do not tolerate any antisocial behaviour of any kind, and take great pride in making sure our artists and client’s feel safe and valued at all times.
We always want to keep it that way. If you have any worries or concerns, or feel anxious about getting tattooed, we are always happy to help and reassure you.