Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience! Here’s how to prepare so you can enjoy the process and get the best results.

1. Stay Hydrated and Rested

• Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment keeps your skin healthy and makes it easier to tattoo.

• Get a good night’s sleep: Arriving well-rested will help you stay relaxed and comfortable throughout the session.

2. Eat a Good Meal

• Have a full meal before you arrive: A balanced meal will help keep your blood sugar stable, reducing dizziness and fatigue.

3. Wear Comfortable, Accessible Clothing

• Dress for easy access: Wear clothing that gives your artist easy access to the area being tattooed. For example, wear shorts for a leg tattoo or a loose top for an upper arm tattoo.

• Opt for comfort: Choose clothing that’s soft and loose to avoid friction with your fresh tattoo on the way home.

4. Avoid Sunburn and Moisturize

• Skip sun exposure: Avoid tanning or exposing the area to the sun for at least a week before your session. Sunburned skin is more sensitive and difficult to tattoo.

• Moisturize the area leading up to your appointment: Well-moisturized skin can make the tattoo process smoother, but don’t apply lotion on the day of the appointment.

5. Bring Supplies for Comfort

• Snacks and water: For longer sessions, bring snacks, water, and maybe even a sugary drink to keep your energy up.

• Entertainment: Bring headphones, music, or a tablet to help pass the time, especially during long sessions.

6. Know Your Design (and Bring References)

• Have a clear idea of your tattoo design: Bringing reference images or sketches can help your artist understand your vision.

• Be open to suggestions: Tattoo artists often make adjustments to ensure the design will work well on your body. Their expertise can help bring your vision to life in the best way possible.

7. Take Care of Your Skin

• Avoid shaving the area: Unless your artist instructs you otherwise, let them do any necessary shaving to avoid irritation or cuts. It is best to arrive with clean, lotion-free skin, as oils can interfere with the tattoo stencil.

8. Relax and Trust Your Artist

• Arrive with a positive mindset: Tattoos are an artistic process, and trust in your artist can make the experience more enjoyable.

• Ask questions if you have them: Whether it’s about aftercare or the process itself, your artist is there to help you feel comfortable and informed.

9. Plan Your Day

• Tattoos can take anywhere from an hour to several hours. Plan for some recovery time after your session, especially if you’re getting a larger tattoo. You may want to avoid strenuous activities for the rest of the day and ensure you have a comfortable spot to rest afterward.

Taking good care of your new tattoo ensures it heals beautifully and maintains its vibrancy. Follow these steps to protect your investment and keep your skin healthy.

Immediate Aftercare: The First 24 Hours

Leave the bandage on.

• Your artist will apply a protective covering after your tattoo session. Leave this bandage on for at least 2-4 hours (or as advised by your artist) to protect the fresh ink from bacteria.

Gently remove the bandage.

• Wash your hands thoroughly before removing the bandage. Slowly peel it off to avoid any irritation.

Wash your tattoo gently.

• Using warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap, gently clean your tattoo to remove any plasma, blood, or ink residue. Avoid scrubbing or using a washcloth—just use your fingers.

Pat dry with a clean paper towel.

• Gently pat (don’t rub!) the tattoo with a paper towel until it’s dry. Avoid cloth towels, as they can harbor bacteria.

Ongoing Care: The First 2-3 Weeks

Apply a thin layer of aftercare ointment.

• Once your tattoo is dry, apply a thin layer of a tattoo-specific ointment or fragrance-free, non-greasy moisturizer recommended by your artist. Apply only as much as needed to keep the tattoo from feeling tight or dry.

Wash and moisturize daily.

• Continue washing your tattoo with mild soap and warm water daily, followed by applying a light layer of moisturizer.

Avoid soaking.

• For the first few weeks, avoid soaking your tattoo in water. Showers are fine, but stay away from baths, pools, hot tubs, and oceans, as these can introduce bacteria and slow healing.

Keep it clean and dry.

• Avoid covering your tattoo with tight or rough clothing, which can cause friction. Try to wear loose clothing that allows your tattoo to breathe and stay dry.

Avoid direct sunlight.

• Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight while it’s healing, as UV rays can fade the ink and cause irritation. Once healed, always apply sunscreen to keep it looking fresh.

What to Expect During Healing

• Peeling and Itching: After a few days, you may notice peeling or flaking—this is normal! Do not pick or scratch; let the skin shed naturally.

• Scabbing: Some tattoos may form light scabs. Do not pick at these; allow them to fall off naturally to avoid any loss of ink or scarring.

• Color Changes: The tattoo may look dull or cloudy as it heals, but the color will return once the skin has fully regenerated.

Long-Term Care Tips

Hydrate and moisturize regularly.

• Keeping your skin hydrated will help your tattoo retain its color and vibrancy for years to come.

Always use sunscreen.

• Once your tattoo is fully healed, apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen when exposed to the sun. Sun protection will help prevent fading and keep your tattoo looking fresh.

When to Contact Us

If you notice any unusual redness, swelling, or signs of infection (like discharge or excessive heat around the tattoo), don’t hesitate to reach out to Golden Graces Tattoo Co. or consult a medical professional.

Proper aftercare is essential for preventing infection and ensuring a smooth healing process for your new piercing. Please follow these guidelines to keep your piercing looking great and feeling comfortable.

General Piercing Aftercare

Wash your hands.

• Before touching or cleaning your piercing, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to avoid transferring bacteria.

Clean the piercing with saline solution twice daily.

• Use a sterile saline solution or a piercing aftercare spray. Gently apply it to the front and back of the piercing using a clean cotton swab or pad. Avoid twisting or turning the jewelry while cleaning, as this can irritate the piercing.

Avoid harsh products.

• Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or ointments on your piercing, as these can dry out or damage the tissue and slow down the healing process.

Dry with a clean paper towel.

• Pat the area dry gently with a clean paper towel after cleaning. Avoid cloth towels, as they can harbor bacteria and snags on jewelry.

Healing Times

• Earlobes: 6-8 weeks

• Cartilage (e.g., helix, tragus): 3-12 months

• Nose: 2-4 months

• Eyebrow: 2-4 months

• Lip or Labret: 6-8 weeks

• Tongue: 4-6 weeks

• Navel: 6 months to 1 year

Healing times vary by person and piercing location. Avoid changing jewelry before the piercing is fully healed.

What to Avoid During Healing

Avoid touching or twisting the jewelry.

• Resist the urge to play with or twist the jewelry, which can introduce bacteria and prolong healing.

Avoid swimming.

• Stay out of pools, hot tubs, lakes, and the ocean until your piercing is fully healed, as bacteria in the water can cause infection.

Be mindful of makeup and hair products.

• Keep makeup, lotions, and hair products away from the piercing area to prevent irritation or infection.

Skip tight or restrictive clothing for body piercings.

• Avoid tight clothing around body piercings to prevent friction and irritation. Opt for breathable fabrics and loose clothing.

Avoid sleeping on your piercing.

• For piercings on the ear or face, try to avoid putting pressure on the piercing while sleeping, as this can lead to irritation or prolonged healing.

Signs of Normal Healing

• Minor redness and swelling: This is normal in the first few days and should gradually subside.

• Clear or white discharge: Some discharge is a natural part of the healing process. Clean gently if this occurs.

When to Contact Us

If you experience any of the following, reach out to Golden Graces Tattoo Co. or consult a healthcare professional:

• Prolonged redness, swelling, or pain after the initial healing period

• Yellow or green discharge with an unpleasant odor

• Persistent itching or a rash around the piercing

Long-Term Care Tips

• Regular cleaning: Even after the piercing has healed, clean it periodically to keep it free of buildup.

• Use hypoallergenic jewelry: If you’re prone to sensitivities, choose jewelry made from high-quality materials like titanium, surgical steel, or 14k gold to avoid irritation.