There are a variety of factors that can affect the actual tattoo process. The placement of the tattoo can affect the pain/discomfort level, and some spots can be slower to tattoo than others. Additionally, everyone has different pain tolerance and different skin overall - some people can bleed or swell more than others. It is important to let your artist know if you have particularly sensitive skin or take any blood-thinning medications. If you have scars or stretch marks in the tattoo area, they can become very raised/swollen during the tattoo process. This will typically calm down within a day.

Communication is key! If you want to make a minor change to the design or placement of your stencil, don’t be afraid to let your artist know. After all, it’s going on your body forever. Breaks are important as well - if you need to stretch, get water or a snack, use the restroom, or even stop the procedure to finish another time, don’t hesitate to communicate!

Your tattoo will generally take 10-14 days to heal. It will be tender for the first few days, then it will develop a light crust of dry skin over the surface. This crust will gradually flake off like a sunburn. During this period, it is normal for the tattoo to look uneven and/or pale in color, and for some ink to flake off as well.

In the last stage of healing the skin will have a tight, shiny surface. This waxy look will slowly leave and the skin will return to its normal appearance and texture. This stage can take a couple of months.

Immediately following your tattoo there may be some seeping of blood or plasma. This is why we bandage your tattoo. Also, some people experience minor swelling or bruising depending on the location of the tattoo. In addition, the tattoo may be itchy as it heals. Don’t scratch--pat or slap with a clean hand instead!

Eat a good meal and be well-rested. Wear comfortable clothes that can be easily moved out of the way of your tattoo (i.e. don’t wear tight jeans to get a leg tattoo). Avoid excessive caffeine before your appointment. Don’t come to your tattoo appointment sick - it will affect your healing process. Don’t drink alcohol or use drugs before your tattoo - not only is it illegal to tattoo someone who is intoxicated, alcohol thins your blood and will result in a patchy healed tattoo. And please practice good hygiene!

To claim flash or discuss a custom project, please fill out the booking form at the bottom of the page.

I will contact you by email to schedule your appointment and collect the deposit.

To schedule a touch-up, work on an unfinished tattoo, or if you have a specific question, you can email me directly:
odana.tattoo@gmail.com

Due to the time involved in healing a tattoo, there is always the risk of infection. Excellent hygiene can prevent most infections! Do not use Neosporin or Bacitracin UNLESS there is infection as these products can cause reactions or pull ink from your tattoo.

Although extremely rare, allergic reaction and/or sensitivity to a particular pigment/ink can be a problem, sometimes intensified by exposure to heat or sun during the healing process. If you have a history of allergies/sensitivities to pigments or dyes, I recommend a swatch test (small dots/lines tattooed in a hidden area to see how different inks heal on your skin) prior to your appointment.