TATTOO PREP + CARE

BEFORE YOU COME IN

arrive ready

Eat a full meal before your appointment and stay hydrated. Low blood sugar can make you feel lightheaded during tattooing.
Please arrive well rested and in good health. If you are feeling sick, please reschedule your appointment.

Skip the Alcohol + THC

Avoid alcohol and THC for at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. Alcohol and THC can thin the blood and affect the tattooing process.

Medication Notes

Avoid blood-thinning medications for 48 hours before and 48 hours after your tattoo appointment. If you are prescribed a blood thinner, a doctor’s note approving the tattoo procedure may be required.

Eligibility

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you will not be eligible for tattoo procedure.
You will not be eligible for tattoo procedure if you are currently taking Accutane or have taken Accutane within the last 6 months.

Skin, Prepped

Avoid heavy sun exposure or sunburn on the area being tattooed before your appointment. Sunburned skin cannot be tattooed. Arrive with clean, moisturized skin. Shaving isn’t required, but you’re welcome to do so the morning of your appointment.

Dress Accordingly

Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed.

AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT

bandage care

Leave your bandage on for at least 2 days, but no longer than 5 days.

Please note it is completely normal to see pigment, blood, and/or lymph collecting under the bandage.

Exercise and excessive sweating are not recommended during healing, especially while the bandage is on.

removing the bandage

To remove the bandage, run the bandage under warm water and gently peel it away from the skin.

Once the bandage has been removed, wash your tattoo thoroughly with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap using your clean bare hand.

Pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel, then apply a thin layer of Aquaphor or tattoo healing balm.

first two+ weeks

Wash your tattoo morning and night with mild, fragrance-free soap.

Keep the tattoo lightly moisturized with Aquaphor or tattoo healing balm as needed.

It is normal for the area to be itchy, dry, or flaky during healing.

Do not pick, peel, or scratch your tattoo or any flaking skin.

Avoid tight or restrictive clothing that may rub against the tattoo.

Avoid scented soaps or lotions, self tanner, or exfoliating products on the tattooed area.

For the first four to six weeks

Avoid submerging your tattoo in bodies of water other than a bath or shower. This includes pools, hot tubs, oceans, lakes, and rivers.

Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds while the tattoo is healing.

longterm care

Once your tattoo is fully healed, apply sunscreen whenever the tattoo is exposed to the sun to help preserve the longevity of your tattoo.

A Note on Placement

Hand and finger tattoos require extra care due to constant use and exposure. Proper aftercare is essential for the best healed results.

Cleansing

Limit the number of times you wash your hands to 3–5 times a day.
Only wash your hands with antibacterial, non-scented soap—no fragrances or exfoliants.

Keep Them Covered

When your hands will be submerged or exposed to prolonged moisture (such as washing dishes, working with hair, or similar activities), wear gloves.

Avoid, For Now

Avoid hand sanitizer, scented soaps/lotions, exfoliators, and self tanners for the next 4 weeks.

Bandaging Notes

I do not wrap finger tattoos in an aftercare bandage, but I do for hand tattoos.
I recommend keeping the bandage on for 2–5 days if it stays in place. If the bandage comes off, it’s not a concern—you can move directly into your aftercare routine.

Healing

Limit sun exposure and avoid pools, ocean, lake, etc.
Hand and finger tattoos are subject to needing one touch up. Healing results are heavily dependent on aftercare.

for any additional questions please reach out to me:

480.904.6545 // info@vixeninktattoos.com