BEFORE GET A TATTOO

​

1. Restrict Certain Substances

For 48 hours prior to getting a tattoo, ensure that you don't drink any alcohol or caffeine. Since both substances are known to thin the blood, they could lead to increased bleeding during the process and make it a lot more bloody than it needs to be.

​

2. Tank Up

A week before getting inked, make sure you stay hydrated by drinking at least 2 litres of water daily. Before you brush this off as any ordinary skin care tip, know that a hydrated body ensures that the skin is supple and resilient to take the pressure of the needle, especially if you've got a long session. On D-day, eat a full meal and drink plenty of water before the nerves kick in. Low food intake can cause dizziness and low blood sugar, making the experience more painful. Together, when coupled with nervousness, it can take away from an experience that should have been memorable. 

​

3. No Aspirin

Avoid taking any tablets like aspirin for 24 to 48 hours before you get inked. Such tablets too have the tendency to thin the blood and make bleeding easier, so unless absolutely necessary, it's best to avoid them before your tattoo appointment.

​

4. Be Comfortable

When heading to get inked, ensure that your clothing is loose and breathable and your tattoo area is easily accessible. If it's on your hands or legs, sleeveless tops or shorts will do. For trickier areas like your back or mid-riff, make sure your t-shirt can be pinned up easily. Bring with you some food.

​

Once your tattoo is completed, these tips will help you best care for it.

​

​

AFTER GET A TATTOO           

​

1. Remove the bandage after 4 hours, wash with antimicrobial soap, dry well and apply a layer of antibacterial ointment and cover with clim film again.

​

2. After 24 hours repeat the process and don’t put on another bandage.

​

3. Apply a layer of antibacterial ointment tree times a day.

​

4. You should repeat this process for 2 to 4 weeks. Or when your tattoo is fully healed. After that moisturise it daily, especially if it’s on an area of your body, such as your hands, where it can fade quickly.

​

5. Also try not to wear clothes that will stick to your tattoo, and avoid swimming and the sun for about 2 weeks. And take cool showers. Scalding hot water will not only hurt, but it can also fade the ink.

​

6. Wear a physical blocker sunscreen with at least 7% zinc oxide sunscreen during the daylight hours and/or cover it up (with clothing, a bandage). If your tattoo scabs a bit or develops hard layers, don’t worry. It’s normal. Never pick, scratch, or peel it. You could get an infection or remove the color. If you think your tattoo is infected, or isn’t healing properly, go see your doctor.

​

Important

​

When you leave the tattoo shop, your ink will look like a million bucks. It will be bright and shiny. That’s not going to last. The tattoo will fade over time. Always put sunscreen on it, especially in the summer, to keep the colors bright - SPF 45 or higher is best.