Thank you for considering me for your first tattoo!

Here are a couple of common questions people may have going in, and some good general information to help you prepare:

Does it hurt? How much?

Everybody is different, so there’s no true universal answer to this question! Generally speaking, you can expect some pain and discomfort, but it varies based on placement as well as your individual pain tolerance. Many people liken the sensation to a cat scratch or a slightly electrified safety pin. Remembering to breathe, relaxing your muscles, and/or distracting yourself (such as by talking, reading, listening to music, playing with a stress ball or fidget toy) can all be super helpful for pain management!

Can I get tattooed over scars/stretch marks/other skin “imperfections”?

Typically, yes! I advise that scar tissue be at least 1-2 years healed before tattooing over it. Scar tissue (including stretch marks) may be more sensitive to pain and prone to swelling during the procedure. 

Moles/large freckles are something we usually want to avoid tattooing directly over (so you can continue to observe them for changes/abnormalities). If there are any in the spot you want tattooed, they can be simply skipped over, or the tattoo may be able to be placed to avoid them.

Skin irritations such as a sunburn, an eczema flare-up, or an open wound should not be tattooed over - not only will it be extra painful, the tattoo likely won’t heal well. Please reach out to reschedule if needed!

A good general tip:

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 me 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! I want your tattoo experience to feel comfortable and safe, and I promise I’m not as scary as I look ;)

Helpful Tips:

- Eat a good meal beforehand, and come well-rested & hydrated.
- 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).
- Prepare your skin ahead of time by exfoliating & moisturizing in the days before your appointment.
- Make sure you bring your government issued photo ID; I can’t tattoo you without it!

Things To Avoid:

- Excessive caffeine & over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen the day of your appointment (these can thin your blood which may affect the healed tattoo).
- Alcohol (ideally for 24 hours beforehand) - not only can it also act as a blood thinner, but a hangover can compromise your immune system and make you more sensitive to pain.
- Other substances - it is illegal in Oregon to tattoo someone under the influence!
- Coming in sick! My rescheduling policy is very leniant; please consider rescheduling if you’re feeling under-the-weather (and absolutely stay home if you’re testing positive for Covid-19). Additionally, you should reschedule if you have a sunburn, eczema flare-up, or other irritation in the tattoo area.

Dermal Bandage (Second Skin):

You can leave your second skin bandage on for up to a week - I recommend a minimum of 3-4 days. You can shower as usual with this waterproof bandage, but avoid submerging it (no baths/pools/hot tubs/etc). It is normal to see some fluid build up under the bandage, especially with tattoos involving shading or color. This may stay goopy, or may absorb back into your skin after a few days. If the bandage is leaking fluid, irritating your skin, or has peeled up to where the tattoo is exposed, it’s best to remove it early and follow the Traditional Aftercare instructions below! To remove the bandage, use lukewarm running water in the shower to help loosen the adhesive, and slowly pull the bandage away from yourself. Give the tattoo a gentle wash with clean hands & unscented liquid soap, and air dry. I recommend using an unscented water-based lotion to help manage any dryness or scabbing that may still be present.

Traditional Aftercare

Leave your bandage on for at least 1.5-2 hours. Use clean hands to remove the bandage, and gently wash the tattoo with warm water and and unscented liquid soap. Repeat this cleaning process 1-3 times a day, letting the tattoo air-dry (you can also gently pat it with a clean paper towel). Use a thin layer of unscented water-based lotion as needed. Do not re-bandage your tattoo! You should also avoid dirty bedding, tight clothing, and contact with pets in the tattoo area. Don’t scratch or pick at the healing tattoo, and avoid shaving and exfoliating the tattoo area while it’s healing. Keep your healing tattoo out of direct sunlight and bodies of water (including swimming pools, hot tubs, etc) for two weeks.

Long-Term Aftercare

Use sunscreen whenever you’ll be in the sun to keep your tattoo from fading quickly!

There are many “tattoo balm” products on the market you can use to keep your healed tattoos looking fresh - but regularly using a good moisturizing lotion will do the job just as well.

Your tattoo from me includes one free touch-up! If there are any patchy spots visible once it’s been healed at least 4-6 weeks, I’m happy to go over them for you.