Before & After: Tattoo Prep and Aftercare

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How to Prepare for your Tattoo Appointment

Getting ready for your tattoo is crucial to ensure a smooth process and the best possible outcome. Here's how to prepare while following both best practices and Stanislaus County regulations:

1. Stay Hydrated & Eat Well

  • Drink plenty of water in the 24 hours leading up to your appointment to help keep your skin hydrated and in its best condition.
  • Eat a full meal before your appointment. A balanced meal helps maintain your energy levels and prevent lightheadedness during the process.

2. Avoid Alcohol & Caffeine

  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine for at least 24 hours before your appointment. Both can thin your blood, which may increase bleeding during the tattoo process, and can also dehydrate your skin.

3. Wear Comfortable, Accessible Clothing

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed. Choose darker fabrics to prevent ink stains, especially for larger pieces.
  • Stanislaus County regulations require that the tattooed area is easily accessible and that the procedure is performed in a sanitary manner, so ensure you can comfortably adjust your clothing without exposing unnecessary skin.

4. Shaving & Skin Preparation

  • Shave the area to be tattooed if you feel comfortable doing so. Use a clean, new razor, and avoid shaving over irritated or broken skin. Your artist can also assist with this at the studio if needed.

Proper skin preparation before tattooing is essential for hygiene and compliance with Stanislaus County's infection control requirements

5. Avoid Tanning or Sunburn

  • Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for several days before your appointment. Sunburned or damaged skin can interfere with the tattoo process and healing. If the skin is severely damaged, the appointment may need to be rescheduled for your safety.

6. Moisturize in the Days Leading Up

  • Keep your skin moisturized in the days before the appointment. Healthy, hydrated skin will take the ink more effectively and heal faster. However, avoid applying lotion on the day of your appointment, as your skin should be clean and free of products.

7. Bring Snacks & Water for Long Sessions

  • If you have a longer appointment scheduled, bring snacks and water to help keep your energy levels up during the session. This helps ensure you stay comfortable throughout the process.

8. Be Mentally Prepared

  • Larger tattoos can take time, and some clients may experience fatigue or discomfort. Bring something to entertain yourself, such as music, a podcast, or a book.
  • If you're nervous or have questions about the process, feel free to ask your artist. Clear communication is important.

9. Bring Your ID & Payment

  • Bring a valid ID and your method of payment. If you've placed a deposit, ensure you are aware of the remaining amount due and any additional consultation fees.

10. Medical Conditions & Allergies

  • Inform your tattoo artist if you have any medical conditions such as diabetes, allergies, or blood disorders, or if you're taking medications that could affect your procedure. Certain conditions may require extra precautions during the tattoo process to comply with local health regulations

11. Follow Hygiene Guidelines

Stanislaus County regulations require that all clients adhere to basic hygiene principles before and during the tattoo process. Make sure to shower and clean the area to be tattooed. Avoid applying any heavy creams, perfumes, or lotions prior to your appointment

12. Plan for Aftercare

  • Your artist will provide specific aftercare instructions. Before your appointment, stock up on aftercare supplies, including unscented antibacterial soap, Aquaphor or A&D ointment, and loose, comfortable clothing that won’t irritate the fresh tattoo.
  • Plan ahead for aftercare by ensuring you have access to clean, sanitary supplies and a place to store used bandages, as required by Stanislaus County health regulations

Aftercare Instructions

What You’ll Need

  • Anti-bacterial soap (unscented is best). Dial is a great option.
  • Aquaphor or A&D ointment
  • Plastic wrap (optional)

Keeping your new tattoo clean is top priority, it will prevent scabbing and infection.

Day One

Wash every few hours the day of your appointment with antibacterial soap and water. Pat dry with a paper towel or let it air dry. Before bed, apply a very small amount of ointment to the tattoo and rub all the way in like lotion. You don’t want a thick film of ointment, we still want the tattoo to breath.

  • You can wrap the area with plastic wrap to sleep if you want. It helps prevent ink soiling sheets and contamination from pet hair/ dander.

Day Two

Wash once in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Apply Ointment between washes, but not more than 3x in a day.

Day 3, 4, and 5+

You will experience some flaking, that is normal. Let the skin flake off in its own time, do not pick or peel off. It will be tempting to scrub off while in the shower, resist that urge. You will most likely experience the “itchy phase” during the first 5 days. Don’t scratch it…however, slapping is acceptable 🙂 p

Apply ointment as needed if feeling dry or tight. Switch to regular lotion after the peeling phase.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

  • Don’t submerge your fresh tattoo in bodies of water.

i.e. Pools/lake/river/hot tubs/bathtubs etc. (showering is fine).

Why? Bacteria loves to hang out in all of these environments and may put you at risk of potentially serious infection. Harsh chemicals in pools/ hot tubs can also irritate the tattoo and effect the healing process.

  • Keep your fresh tattoos OUT of the sun. It’s not wise to apply sunscreen to a fresh tattoo (it can potentially affect the way the tattoo heals), so stay out of the sun all together or cover with clothing.
  • If you frequent the gym, DO NOT let your fresh tattoo touch any equipment or shared surfaces. There is high risk of infection otherwise. Wash immediately after working out. Preferably, skip your workouts for the first 2-3 days if possible.
  • ALWAYS apply sunscreen to your healed tattoos! This keeps them looking great for you and honors your artist by protecting the integrity of their work.