TATTOO Pre-Care Tips

Thank you for choosing Tatu Amor for your next tattoo! Coming prepared for your tattoo helps
everyone to have a better experience, here are some of our tips:

  • Research your artist

  • Discuss placement, feel good about your plan (day-of or in advance)

  • Stay hydrated leading up to your appointment date

  • Exfoliate the area

  • Budget accordingly

WAYS TO PREPARE

The day before your appointment

  • Don’t drink alcohol excessively or participate in any activities that would result in
    thinning your blood (taking medication such as ibuprofen is not recommended prior to
    getting tattooed as it thins your blood making it more difficult to deposit ink in your skin).

  • Get a good rest, eat well, plan ahead.

The day of your appointment

  • Wear clean, comfortable clothing and bring loose clothing for areas that will be
    tattooed (if applicable).

  • Bathe and come with excellent hygiene for your artist.

  • Bring snacks if you’d like (longer sessions).

  • Do you need a form of distraction? Bring some headphones or ask your artist to put
    something on the TV.

  • Generally get in all of your conversations during the beginning of your tattoo session
    and plan to allow for quiet space and concentration for your artist during.

Your tattoo process is partially dependent on the care you include in preparation for your tattoo. We aim to make this a beautiful experience and hope our tips can help you have the best tattoo ever!

TATTOO after-Care Tips

Thank you for trusting Tatu Amor with your new tattoo! Proper aftercare is just as important as the tattoo process itself, helping your piece heal beautifully and last for years to come.

  • It is very important that you listen to your artists instructions and do your part in following aftercare. Your tattoo is technically a fresh wound and should be treated as such until it heals. 

  • Clean Hands, Clean Clothes & Clean Sheets (free of pet dander/fur), to avoid introducing harmful bacteria to the area.

  • Healing time varies depending on the type/size/style of the tattoo and many other factors.

  • GENERALLY, they are externally healed within a few days up to 14, and FULLY healed between 3-12 weeks.

The day After your appointment

after the bandage comes off

  • Wash your hands, remove the bandage and gently wash the tattoo.

  • Use lukewarm water and unscented soap to rise thoroughly. 

  • Blot with a clean towel/fresh papertowel.

  • Apply a very thing layer of cream but do not overuse.

WEAR PROTECTION FROM THE SUN

  • No bare exposure to direct sunlight or tanning beds for atleast the first 6 weeks. Consider using clothing/shawl, or an arm wrap to cover the tattoo when outdoors.

  • After the first week of healing you can use: Zinc based Mineral Sunscreen (thick white stuff) vs SPF sunscreens, which are better for general use but also will work!

What is normal?

  • New tattoos may be red, swollen, shiny, bruised, there can be wet pockets of weeping plasma or remain sore while healing.

  • It may even have light scabbing and/or a milking onion peeling texture. DO NOT PICK!

  • The area will likely itch slightly as it heals as well. DO NOT SCRATCH. If this irritation is uncomfortable apply lotion or gently pat the area.

  • Keeping your tatoo covered initally is important to prevent harmful bacteria from entering your fresh “wound”. 

  • #1 Non-Adhering Gauze pad is taped on and can be removed the same day or in some cases the following day. This is great for tattoos that can ooze a lot or if someone has allergies to the adhesives in other bandaging (check if the tape is okay too).

  • #2 Second Skin Bandaging (our preferred and most used method) also known as Saniderm/Tegaderm/Tatderm or just “derm” is a clear adhesive and breathable film that we recommend leaving on for at least 3-5 days

BANDAGING The new tattoo

  • Always used unscented and/or natural products (scented will dry you out = flaky tattoo).

  • Sensitive skin washes, baby soaps, whatever it is as long as it is a liquid (= no cooties).

  • Creams like shea or cocoa butter are great, apply with clean fingers or fresh applicators and don’t overuse.

  • DO NOT USE: Medical healing creams (poly/neosporin), rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, vaseline, or products with mineral oils listed in the ingredients.

Products we recommend

  • Unit your tattoo is healed externally (no scabs, flakes or irritation) do NOT soak your new tattoo

  • This means no swimming, hot tubs, saunas, pools, lakes or hot baths

  • Showers are the best

  • No sweating heavily (exercise etc)

  • Don’t constrict the area 

  • If the tattoo is on a joint area, avoid movement for a few days up to a week (elbow tattoo = putting no elbow grease into anything).

WHAT NOT TO DO for the first 7-14 days

what to do in case of infection

  • Signs of infection include an increase in redness or selling becoming painful if the fluid leaking out becomes yellow/green in color. 

  • Infections can not only damage the tattoo itself, they can potentially lead to something more serious if left untreated.

  • Please stay on top of your aftercare and always ask questions if you have an. If you suspect an infection, contact your artist or go to your doctor for antibiotics.