Moisturize and exfoliate during the week before your appointment. Don’t forget to properly hydrate as well.
You don’t need to shave before your appointment (I don’t mind shaving!) but if you have specific shaving needs I would recommend shaving beforehand.

I won’t tattoo over cuts/scrapes, bruises, sunburns, and active skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne. If you happen to have acne over the spot you’re getting tattooed, I will tattoo around the area and fill in the rest during a touch-up appointment.

On the day of your appointment, try not to drink too much coffee. Don’t take any blood thinners such as ibuprofen (Advil) or aspirin before your tattoo as they can prolong/increase bleeding. If you’re sensitive to pain, taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) an hour before your appointment is okay.
PLEASE ASK ME BEFORE USING ANY TOPICAL NUMBING CREAMS. ALWAYS LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE APPLIED NUMBING CREAM BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT.

Make sure you’re WELL-FED AND HYDRATED. This is incredibly important and underrated in managing tattoo pain. If you have a longer appointment (5+ hours), bring food or plan to order food to the studio.

Please show up to your appointment sober! If I feel that you aren’t fully mentally present I will ask you to leave and your deposit will be forfeit.

Everyone has their own different version of tattoo aftercare and there isn’t one right way. You know what’s best for your skin so if you have a process that you like, stick to that one! This guide is my personal preference.
— Once your tattoo is completed, I will immediately cover it with a derm shield (Saniderm or Recovery Derm). If you have a sensitivity to bandage adhesives or are very prone to ingrown hairs, the alternative will be plastic wrap and medical tape.

SECOND SKIN/DERM-SHIELD HEALING:

The derm-shield can be kept on your skin for 1-2 days depending on your skin and lifestyle. My personal recommendation is to keep the derm-shield on for 2 days BUT if your skin does alright with keeping the derm-shield on longer, you can keep it on for up to 4 days.

• Once the derm-shield comes off, cleanse the tattoo twice a day with an unscented soap. I like Dial antibacterial or Dr. Bronners unscented baby soap. DO NOT scrub or scratch, DO NOT rub bar soap directly on it.

• Dry the tattoo with either paper towels or a CLEAN towel.

• Once the tattoo is dry, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion (ex. Lubriderm, Cerave) onto your tattoo. Reapply moisturizer as needed :)
  * DON’T USE AQUAPHOR OR VASELINE TO HEAL YOUR TATTOOS. There are a lot of reasons I no longer recommend both products, you can email me if you really need an in-depth breakdown.

• Follow this process for anywhere from a week to two weeks, however long it takes for your tattoo to totally heal

About Second Skin/Derm-Shield/Saniderm:
All are water-resistant and breathable. It’s fine to shower with them on. Fluid build-up beneath the bandage is totally normal. If you remove the derm-shield on the 1st day, I recommend covering your tattoo with plastic wrap and medical tape because fresh tattoos can sometimes ooze.
If the edges of the derm-shield peel up enough that the fluid inside begins to leak out or outside elements can get underneath it, remove the derm-shield right away.

DURING THE TATTOO HEALING PROCESS:

• NO BATHING, SWIMMING, SAUNAS, ETC.
  I cannot emphasize this enough. Please also try to avoid activities that will get you really sweaty, especially if you still have the derm shield on. If you for some reason really have to swim or take a bath, do so at your own risk. I am not responsible for any infection or healing issues this may cause.

• AS LITTLE DIRECT SUN/UV EXPOSURE AS POSSIBLE.
  Keep your tattoo covered with clothing or a clean cloth bandage!

• DO NOT PICK/SCRATCH AT YOUR TATTOO
  Scabbing is totally normal, but picking at the scabs can pull ink out and raises the risk of infection.

• Try not to wear clothing that will be very restrictive/abrasive to your tattoo.
  
  

AFTER YOUR TATTOO IS HEALED:

Always wear sunscreen on your tattoo, especially if it will be exposed to sunlight. Also, keep your tattoo moisturized. Moisturizing and wearing sunscreen are both generally good for your skin, so it’s good for your tattoos too.

The most important thing in tattoo healing is to keep your tattoo clean, covered, and moisturized. There’s no need to dramatically alter your life to accommodate tattoo healing. As long as you’ve done the bare minimum of keeping your tattoo clean and moisturized, you and your tattoo will most likely be fine :)