Precare
Please follow these steps the week of your appointment:
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Stay hydrated (LOTS of water) and drink beverages high in electrolytes such as Liquid IV, NUUN tablets and/or coconut water (at least a liter the day before your appointment)
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Avoid alcohol
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Eat nutrient dense meals (lots of vegetables, healthy fats and grains and avoid processed food, foods high in sodium & sugar)
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Get an adequate amount of sleep
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Moisturize the area that will be tattooed
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Shave the area the night before
Following these steps will help to alleviate discomfort while being tattooed and will result in a much better heal.
Please bring the following to your appointment:
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Snacks & lunch (light snacks available at the studio)
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Water bottle or other drinks you’d like to have
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Blanket or jacket in case you get cold
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Comfortable clothing suitable for the area being tattooed- keep in mind you will most likely get ink on your clothing
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A sarong or robe is great if you are getting work done on your torso, back or upper leg/glute area
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Underwear or bikini bottoms with ties are great for thigh, hip, lower back and/or glute pieces
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Tank tops or strapless shirts are best for sleeves
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During your appointment, please eat foods that promote healing. Foods high in protein, carbohydrates, vitamin C, zinc & vitamin A
Here’s a link for suggestions:
https://advancedtissue.com/2015/07/nutrients-essential-for-wound-healing/
Day of Appointment
Postcare
DAY 1
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Remove the bandage within an hour of leaving the studio.
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Run the tattoo under hot water (as hot as you can stand) for 5 minutes.
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Wash the tattoo with Dr. Bronner’s unscented soap with your hand (no washcloths, sponges, etc.)
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Use your fingers to press and wash away all of the plasma. Your tattoo should NOT feel “slimy” when you’re done
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Dry with paper towel
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Before bed wrap your tattoo with a nonstick absorption pad (provided). You can use tape to secure the pad.
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DAY 2
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First thing in the morning, remove the bandage and wash immediately- IF the tattoo is stuck to the bandage, DO NOT PULL. Get in the shower and let the water gently take the bandage off.
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Keep your tattoo dry and avoid clothing or anything that might stick to it
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Before bed, wash your tattoo (following instructions from day 1), let it air dry and apply a nonstick absorption pad.
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*Do not rebandage after day 2 unless there is excessive plasma. In that case, wrap for a 3rd night.
Rest is key to healing. Please make sure you have at least 1-2 days to relax and heal following your appointment(s).
Continue washing your tattoo twice a day (morning & night) until it has fully healed.
Your tattoo will start to peel within 3-4 days, when this happens you can begin using a tattoo salve- we recommend Redemption tattoo aftercare. Use a light layer and keep the tattoo moisturized. Apply at least twice a day after washing.
*Keep your tattoo out of the sun and always use sunscreen when it’s healed.
DO NOT:
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DO NOT pick at, scratch, wash with anything abrasive or wear tight clothing against the tattoo.
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DO NOT workout for at least a week until the tattoo has peeled
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LIMIT movement of the tattooed area.
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DO NOT expose the tattoo to sunlight for a month
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DO NOT soak the tattoo in water- NO swimming, hot tubs, saunas, dry spas, bathtubs, oceans, rivers, lakes… puddles until the skin has returned to normal, usually a minimum of 2-3 weeks.
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DO NOT apply any scented balms, lotions, etc.
Tattoos can take up to 6 weeks to heal and up to 6 months to fully settle.
*The better you treat your tattoo for the first month, the better it’s going to look for the rest of your life.*
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​All recommended aftercare products are available for purchase at the studio
Recommended Products
Products are also available for purchase at the studio
Liquid I.V for hydration
Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap
