What to Do Before Your Tattoo

  1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water for the 48 hours leading up to your tattoo. Proper hydration helps with healing and makes the tattooing process more comfortable. Avoid alcohol the night before, as it can increase bleeding and affect pigment density. A hangover can also make the experience less enjoyable.

  2. Avoid Sun Exposure: Stay out of the sun and use sunblock carefully for a week before your appointment. If your skin is even slightly sunburnt, it may prevent Sean from tattooing you, and you could lose your deposit.

  3. Eat a Hearty Meal: Ensure you have a good meal before your session. An empty stomach can lead to lightheadedness, fainting, or nausea.

  4. Dress Appropriately: Wear clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed. For example, wear a tank top for arm tattoos or a bikini bottom for leg tattoos. This helps focus on the tattoo without worrying about staining clothes.

  5. Guest Policy: Please bring only one guest with you.

Basic Aftercare

  1. Initial Care: Leave the bandage on until the following morning unless instructed otherwise. When removing, gently wash the tattoo with warm water and unscented antibacterial soap using your fingertips. Rinse and repeat until all discharge is gone. Do not use a washcloth, and ensure your hands are clean.

  2. Drying: Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub.

  3. Re-Bandaging: Only re-bandage if the tattoo is still heavily weeping. Do not apply lotion for the first 24 hours after removing the bandage.

  4. Moisturizing: After 48 hours, start applying a small amount of non-petroleum-based ointment twice a day. Avoid over-moisturizing to prevent a moisture rash.

  5. Protect Your Bedding: Use a cloth or old blanket to protect your sheets from any weeping during the first few nights.

  6. Avoid Picking: Do not pick at your tattoo. Continue to care for any stubborn spots until they heal completely.

  7. Hydration: Continue drinking water throughout the healing process.

  8. Swelling: Use an ice pack wrapped in a clean towel for 5 minutes every half hour to reduce swelling.

Things to Avoid

  1. Amateur Advice: Follow Sean’s instructions, not those of friends or amateurs.

  2. Soaking: Avoid soaking the tattoo in pools, spas, hot tubs, the beach, or baths until fully healed.

  3. Sun Exposure: Avoid the sun or cover the tattoo with clothing until it heals. Use sunblock to protect your tattoo once healed.

  4. Heavy Lotions: Avoid products with aloe, high petroleum content, or antibiotics. Recommended products include Hustle Butter, Ohana Organics, Second Skin Tattoo Care, or Redemption Aftercare. For basic lotions, choose unscented, dye-free, hypoallergenic options.

Adhesive Bandage Instructions

Application:

  1. Clean, rinse, and dry the tattoo thoroughly.

  2. Cut Bandage to cover the tattoo and an extra inch of surrounding skin.

  3. Bend at the stripe to "crack" the seam.

  4. Remove the backing and apply the sticky side over the tattoo.

  5. Smooth out any air bubbles.

  6. Remove the clear backing; it’s okay to layer small pieces.

Removal:

  1. Lift an edge and slowly peel the film back and across the skin, not straight up.

  2. Use medical tape if needed to lift the edge.

Additional Information:

  • Plasma buildup under the bandage is normal. If it occurs, remove and reapply a new clean bandage.

  • Redness around the tattoo from the adhesive is normal. Discontinue use if an adverse reaction occurs. The red irritation can get worse and even scar.

For any questions, feel free to contact Sean.