Disclaimer

All these are merely tips and should always be taken in a case to case basis. If you have any issues, the Alaskan Department of Barbers and Headdresses advises to consult a physician at the first sign of infection.

Tips on how to sit for longer

  • Come well rested ;

  • Come on a full belly;

  • Bring snacks (salty and sweet, depending on whether you have a history of fainting due to low blood pressure or low blood sugar levels);

  • Bring water;

  • Bring any other items you may need to entertain yourself that don't require you to move around. For example: something to watch on your phone, earphones for music/audiobooks, a book, etc;

  • Breathe. Do your very best not to hold your breath, hyperventilate or clench your muscles. Learning how to slow down your breathing and relax your muscles really helps tatoo pain;

  • You may chose to take ibuprofen such as Advil to help with the pain. Do not take Aspirin or anything with paracetamol such as Tylenol because they will thin out your blood and may cause excessive bleeding;

  • Come with the mindset that you're just gonna be here a while. Mindset is very underrated, but if you know before-hand how long you need to sit for, chances are you'll be ready for it;

  • Do not, I repeat, DO NOT use pain medication on the tattoo area before your appointment. I will likely use lidocaine-base pain relief sprays during the appointment, but anything you use before will only make the tattoo process slower and more painful;

  • Make sure the skin about to be tattooed is not super dry by using small amounts of UNSCENTED moisturizer the morning of your appointment or the night before;

  • DO NOT USE ANY FRAGRANCED PRODUCTS before the appointment. This includes scented moisturizers, perfume, strong smelling deodorant (specially for people doing arm tattoos), hair products, etc. Fragrances in general are not made to be used internally. If you have fragrance on your skin and I tattoo over it, all those chemicals are being pushed into your blood stream which can cause inflammation, allergic reactions, excessive swelling and/or extra pain;

  • Do not drink alcohol at least 24hrs before your appointment;

  • Only smoke weed or eat edibles if you are used to it during a tattoo. Many people erroneously think weed will help, but it can actually make one more sensitive and exacerbate the pain. Cbd is fine.

Aftercare

The Department of Barbers and Headdressers recommends the following aftercare instructions:

  1. Leave the barrier covering on until you are in a clean safe space (it is ok to leave it overnight); remove it in the morning and wash tattoo with mild soap and warm water;

  2. Gently massage lotion or ointment into the tattoo 6 times a day for at least 10 days;

  3. Do not wear tight clothes, elastic, nylons, or panty hose that restrict the area of the tattoo for 2 weeks;

  4. Do not get the tattoo wet for prolonged periods of time during the first week except for a daily gentle wash (short showers only); no bathing, hot tubs, or swimming;

  5. Keep tattoo out of the sun for 3 weeks, you may cover it with a non-tight piece of clothing. We do not recommend you cover your tattoo with plastic wrap or bandages after leaving the studio;

  6. Be aware the tattoo will peel like a sunburn in 2-5 days;

  7. Do not itch or scratch your tattoo. Let it peel on its own.

  8. The skin will have a “snake skin” phase right after the peeling, where your tattoo will look very shiny. That just means it is still healing. Keep on moisturizing the tattoo and just give it time - tattoo healing can take up to 4 weeks total for some people.

Please note that these instructions are not the same if you use second skin.

For instructions on how to use second skin, please check in with your practitioner. Second skin is only offered to people whose jobs require contact with contaminated materials, dirt, or any other substances that might infect the tattoo.