Before you go
Today's Tattoo Artist is far more highly skilled than ever before. It is your responsibility to find a reputable artist that has the experience, portfolio and attitude. The artist's studio should have a clean, professional and friendly atmosphere. For safety reasons always ask about sterilization procedures. Even though the structure of tattoo needles does not lend itself to HIV transmission, a reputable artist will autoclave their single use equipment and dispose of needles according to OSHA standards. They should be vaccinated for Hepatitis and sterilization and autoclave certificates should be displayed. Ask your artist to show you the installation of a new needle and tube set up from a sealed envelope prior to starting your tattoo. What is the Tattoo Process and How Does it Work? After the stencil is applied to your skin, the tattooist uses a machine to do your tattoo. Tattoo machines use fine groups of needles to deposit small amounts of ink into the upper layers of the skin. Using the machine, your tattooist will carefully outline your stencil with black ink, until it has been permanently transferred to your skin. Your stencil provides the foundation of your tattoo, giving it much of it's detail and clarity. Next, your tattooist will use different needles and machines to apply shading and color. Your tattooist should keep the color version of your design close at hand in order to accurately match the colors and shading. Once your tattoo is finished, your tattooist will clean the area making sure to remove any excess ink. After you have looked at your new tattoo in the mirror, the tattooist will bandage it up to make sure it stays clean. Question your artist on techniques and procedures. A professional artist won't hesitate to comply. If the artist or studio doesn't live up to these standards or doesn't wish to answer your questions, find a professional artist who will.
After Care
Care of your Tattoo
Leave the bandage on for at least one hour. If the bandage sticks to the tattoo, soak with water and remove gently. After removing bandage, wash the area gently using antibacterial soap and cool water.
DO NOT RE-BANDAGE!!!
Pat dry with soft towel, paper towel or let air dry for about 1/2 hour (DO NOT rub tattoo). Wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day (DO NOT let the shower spray directly on the tattoo) with cool water, pat dry and apply a VERY THING AMOUNT of A&D ointment. Do not overload your tattoo with ointment.
After 3 days, switch to a NON FRAGRANCE lotion instead of A&D ointment. Keep tattoo from drying out, until ALL signs of scabbing disappear. (Usually 7-10 days)
DO NOT soak tattoo in any type of water after first washing. (Including lakes, ponds, the ocean, saunas, pools, etc.)DO NOT use Vaseline on tattoo.
DO NOT expose tattoo to direct sunlight during healing time.
DO NOT put suntan lotion on your tattoo during healing time.
REMEMBER: SUN DESTROYS TATTOOS
Please use a high quality and high numbered sunscreen on tattoo any time you are in the sun to keep it looking it's best.
In the event you have an adverse reaction, you should contact the tattoo studio where you've gotten the ink from.