Before
Take care of yourself and your skin the days leading up to our appointment. I can't tattoo you if the skin is sunburned or compromised in some way.
Please read through aftercare instructions to ensure you’re prepared and understand the importance and requirements for healing.
Come to your appointment having had a good nights rest, clean, fully hydrated, and have eaten a healthy meal.
Usually best to limit caffeine and excessive exercise the day / morning of our appointment. This will make it easier on you and your body both during and after your tattoo.
Feel free to bring a water bottle or snack with you!
Pick a comfortable outfit! Non restrictive, layers for if you get hot / cold, something you wouldn’t mind if a drop of ink stained it, and most importantly something that will provide easy access to the desired placement of the tattoo.
If you choose to use numbing cream, review and follow manufacturer instructions and warnings properly, and let me know it has been applied before our session.
You’re welcome to arrive up to 10 minutes early for your appointment for paperwork! (Don’t forget your ID)
Feel free to bring headphones, a book, or a friend to your appointment! Try to limit entourage to two people as the space is quite small. I’m also happy to chat if you need the distraction!
Bring Cash to the appointment to avoid credit card processing or ATM fees.
Please let me know if you have any questions about before or aftercare, or the process! Call the shop or send me an email :)
After
If your tattoo was wrapped in an absorbent bandage, it should be left on for at least two hours - no more than five hours.
If you don’t already have it, pick up some unscented, antibacterial hand soap and unscented water based lotion.
If your tattoo was covered in second skin, saniderm, or tegaderm it should be left on between 24 hours to 48 hours. Removing the Saniderm: The shower is the ideal place to remove Saniderm. Humidity, and running warm water will help loosen the adhesive and relax the skin, making the removal much more comfortable. Dry removal of Saniderm may cause discomfort and added trauma to the skin. Follow the removal of second skin with the below care instructions. If you choose and you have your own second skin at home, you may apply a second layer that be kept on for up to 5 days.
Wash hands before touching your tattoo / removing the bandage.
Rinse your tattoo with very warm water
Create a lather with soap, and massage your tattoo lightly until the excess ink, blood, or plasma is washed away. Rinse well.
Allow your tattoo to air dry or pat dry with a clean towel.
Your tattoo may continue to seep for about the 24 hours. Pay attention to it and repeat the washing process any time there is a build up of blood or plasma.
Start applying lotion 24 hours after the tattoo, when you notice the tattooed area feeling tight or dry and is no longer leaking plasma. Apply a conservative amount and rub it all the way in. Be careful to not over moisturize! Your tattoo needs a balance of moisturizing and breathability.
Wash and apply lotion at least twice a day for the next few weeks. Do not pick or scratch at your tattoo. If the tattoo itches and is properly moisturized a soft slap/pat will do the trick.
Wear loose fitting cotton clothing over your tattoo, especially when sleeping, to create a barrier for germs and to protect sheets from staining.
Do not soak your tattoo. Avoid baths, dishes, hot tubs, hot springs, pools, and rivers until your tattoo has fully healed.
Avoid direct sun exposure to your healing tattoo. Cover with loose clothing. Do not apply sunscreen to your tattoo until it has fully healed.
Take extra precaution around pets to avoid contaminating your tattoo with fur or dander.
Once your tattoo has healed completely, make sure to use a 30 or higher sunscreen to protect it from the bleaching effects of the sun.
If you feel your tattoo needs to be touched up, please email me at rennationtattoos@hotmail.com. (no free touchups for fingers and toes OR if you used numbing cream on first session)
Send your artist healed pics! :)