Please leave enough time for your appointment so we can work on the design and placement without rushing. Let me know if you’d like to change anything or need a break. You’re also welcome to put your headphones on if you’d prefer a quiet session.
Moisturise the area daily and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Avoid tanning for 3-4 weeks before your appointment, and let me know if the skin is sunburned, irritated or damaged. You can gently exfoliate the area three days before your tattoo.
Get a good night’s sleep and avoid alcohol. There’s no need to shave the area - I’ll do that at the studio.
Have a proper meal before coming in. Bring food or snacks for longer sessions - water and tea are available at the studio! If you’re worried about pain during a longer session, bringing a sugary drink, such as Coca-Cola, can be helpful.
Wear comfortable clothes that give easy access to the tattoo area, and don’t apply lotion or oils to it that morning.
If you’re sick or starting to feel unwell, message me before coming in. We’ll work out another date. Studio visits and consultations are by appointment.
Keep taking prescribed medicines as directed. Don’t stop or change a dose to prepare for a tattoo; discuss any concerns with your prescriber and let me know before your appointment.
Some conditions or treatments may affect the timing of your tattoo. Tell me in advance so we can discuss what’s appropriate, and check with your clinician when needed.
Let me know about eczema, psoriasis, active rashes, wounds, severely dry or irritated skin, or a history of keloid scars. We’ll need to wait if the area is inflamed, infected, sunburned or still healing.
Tell me about previous reactions to tattoo ink, adhesives, latex or skincare products, especially before using Second Skin. For ongoing or unexplained skin problems, consult a dermatologist.
Please discuss blood-clotting disorders, diabetes, immune conditions, epilepsy, high blood pressure, recent surgery or current treatment before booking. A diagnosis alone does not tell us whether tattooing is suitable; how well it is controlled and your clinician’s advice matter.
Tell me about blood-thinning medication, steroids, medicines that suppress the immune system, isotretinoin or a current course of antibiotics. Do not stop prescribed treatment for a tattoo.
If your health or treatment affects healing, discuss the timing of your tattoo with your clinician.
Please let me know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before booking so we can discuss postponing the appointment. If you’ve recently had surgery or are recovering from illness, we may need to reschedule. There isn’t one waiting period that suits every procedure or person; ask your treating clinician.
These are things to discuss before a session, rather than a medical clearance checklist. Tattoos are for clients aged 18 and over.
Follow the dressing instructions I give you at your session. Healing varies, so use the timings below as a guide.
If I apply Second Skin, I’ll tell you exactly when to remove it - usually after 1-2 days. No extra covering is needed while it stays sealed. Some fluid mixed with ink underneath can be normal.
Wash your hands first. Loosen the Second Skin in a lukewarm shower, then slowly stretch it along the skin to remove it. Don’t pull it off sharply or remove it dry. Soaking it in a bath or taking a longer shower can make it easier to remove.
Gently wash your tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser a few times a day, and whenever blood or plasma builds up on the surface. Washing it regularly is important to help prevent scabs from forming. Rinse well and pat dry with a clean disposable paper towel.
Once the skin is dry, apply a very thin layer of aftercare cream (Bepanthen). Keep the skin comfortable, not wet or covered in a thick layer of cream.
Apply it a few times a day, and more often if the skin feels dry or itchy during healing, usually for 2-3 weeks. Stop using the product if it causes irritation and ask for advice.
Don’t scratch your tattoo, pick at flakes or pull scabs off. If thicker scabs form, don’t apply cream directly to them. Let them stay dry and fall off on their own - picking or scratching them can cause scarring.
If your tattoo keeps weeping or you notice anything you’re unsure about, contact me. Don’t scrub it or apply extra cream.
Short showers are fine. Avoid baths, swimming pools, the sea and saunas until the surface is fully healed - often 3-4 weeks, sometimes longer. Second Skin does not make swimming safe.
Plan to take around 1-2 weeks off intense exercise, depending on the tattoo and the activity. Avoid friction, heavy sweating and stretching the healing area. Return to exercise gradually as the skin settles.
Wear clean, loose, breathable clothing and use fresh bedsheets. Keep pets away from your healing tattoo and don’t let them lick it. Only touch it with clean hands.
Avoid scrubs, fragranced products and unnecessary rubbing until it has healed, and avoid heavy drinking during the first few days.
Keep your fresh tattoo out of direct sunlight and avoid tanning beds while it heals. Use shade and loose, protective clothing. Don’t apply sunscreen to an open or unhealed tattoo.
Once it is fully healed, use broad-spectrum SPF 50 on exposed skin. Reapply at least every two hours outdoors, and after swimming or sweating.
Keep protecting your tattoo from the sun long-term to help it look fresh over time. Sun exposure damages the skin and breaks down ink particles, similar to a tattoo removal laser.
I’d love to hear how you felt during the session and how you feel about your tattoo. If something could have been better, you can tell me that too.
Once your tattoo is fully healed, send me a photo in natural light. If you think you might need a touch-up, let me know and we’ll find a date for you. One touch-up is included in the price of your tattoo.