Before & Aftercare
BEFORE YOUR TATTOO - How to Prepare
48 Hours Before:
No alcohol or recreational drugs. They thin your blood = more bleeding, patchy healing
Stay hydrated + eat well. Low blood sugar = dizzy/faint
Get good sleep. Rested skin heals better
Avoid sunburn on tattoo area. Sun-damaged skin won’t hold ink well
Day Of Appointment:
Shower + arrive clean. Clean skin = lower infection risk
Wear loose, dark clothing that gives access to tattoo area
Eat a meal 1-2 hours before. Bring a snack + water
Shave area 24hrs before if needed - not right before
Tell Kate about: medications, blood thinners, diabetes, keloid scarring, eczema, psoriasis, pregnancy, allergies
Be 18+ with valid ID. No exceptions
Enhance Art Studio uses single-use needles. Your safety comes first.
AFTER YOUR TATTOO - Healing Guide
Your tattoo is an open wound for the first 2 weeks. Treat it like one.
FIRST 2 HOURS:
Leave the wrap/bandage on for the time Kate told you. Everyone heals different.
FIRST 24 HOURS:
Wash hands. Remove bandage gently.
Wash tattoo with lukewarm water + unscented antibacterial soap. Use clean hands only.
Pat dry with clean paper towel. No rubbing, no cloths.
Apply thin layer of aftercare ointment. Thin = pea size. Too much suffocates it.
DAYS 2-14:
Wash 2-3 times daily with unscented soap + lukewarm water
Pat dry. Apply thin layer of aftercare cream 2-3 times per day
Itching, peeling, light scabbing = normal. DO NOT pick or scratch
NO soaking: baths, pools, hot tubs, ocean, saunas for 2 weeks. Showers only
NO tight clothing rubbing on tattoo
NO shaving over tattoo until fully healed
WEEKS 3-6:
Skin looks healed but deeper layers are still repairing. Keep it moisturized + out of sun. Use SPF 30+ forever to prevent fading.
NEVER USE: Vaseline, alcohol, scented lotions, or “natural” oils first 2 weeks. They clog pores.
SIGNS OF INFECTION - Call Kate OR see a doctor if:
Spreading redness, swelling + heat, yellow/green pus, red streaks, fever, or pain getting worse after day 3.
IMPORTANT: Surface heals in 2-3 weeks. Full healing takes 4-6 months. Touch ups due to poor aftercare = client expense. Follow this + your tattoo will age beautifully.