FAQs

TATTOO PREP

 

  • I don't recommend using numbing cream for two main reasons.

    First - in my experience, numbing creams tend to change the texture of the skin, making it much more difficult to tattoo. Second, all numbing creams tend to lose their potency after about 30-40 minutes.

    As most sessions last several hours, pain is abruptly amplified when the cream wears off. As a result, use of numbing cream will ultimately make the session more uncomfortable, leading to shorter sessions.

  • Yes, pain comes with getting a tattoo.

    It's helpful to go into your session with the intention of focusing on your excitement, not your fear. Imagine how you’ll feel when your new tattoo is healed.

    Remind yourself that the pain you'll experience is only temporary. Know that this pain is purposeful… the result is a completed piece of art created just for you that you'll wear for the rest of your life.

  • Treat your body with lots of care leading up to your session.

    I recommend arriving to your appointment well rested, with lots of sleep and weeks of good nutrition leading up to your session.

    You may also want to take a Tylenol and/or Advil before each session or anti-anxiety medication with your doctor’s recommendation.

  • A good stack of snacks and fluids are key to helping you endure longer tattoo sessions. My clients’ favourites include high sugar and high protein snacks and hydrating liquids like coconut water or Powerade.

    My studio also offers free wi-fi to our clients, so feel free to bring an audiobook, podcast or movie for your device.

 

FAQs

AFTERCARE

 

  • You bet! Peeling and flaking are natural parts of the tattoo healing process.

    It happens usually a few days after getting the tattoo as skin begins to heal and regenerate itself. The regeneration process involves the skin removing dead and damaged cells.

    Even if flaking is a natural part of healing, one should never pick or scratch at their new tattoos.

  • I suggest not to do so.

    Applying cream can irritate the skin further and slow your overall healing process.

    Learn all about my aftercare tips in my Ebook.

  • While products like Second Skin and Saniderm stickers are widely used in the tattoo world, they are not a good fit for my particular tattooing technique.

    These products work best on tattoos that do not fully saturate the skin, and I do not recommend using them when you are getting a tattoo from me.

  • After each session, I wrap up your tattoo with an absorbent bandage which will catch any plasma build up after you leave the studio. Once you get home, I suggest taking the bandage off and washing the area with a mild soap and easing from warm to hot water. Wash the area gently, wiping away the plasma build up. After washing, place the area under cold water for 10 seconds to close the pores.

    I suggest washing your tattoo 2-3 times a day if possible and keeping it clean and dry the rest of the time.

    Read my Ebook for a full guide on preparation and aftercare.

 

Give your tattoo the best shot with the right prep and aftercare.

Over the years I have collected tips and tricks from medical experts, clients and my own experience that lead to the optimal tattoo experience. These tips include lifestyle shifts that improve pain management during sessions, nutrition ideas to support rapid healing, and my tried and true aftercare to keep your colour popping for decades to come.

I compiled it all into an e-book that discusses everything about my tattoo process - from clarifying your idea, creating the sketch, tattoo prep pre-session, tattooing your skin, and of course - the ideal aftercare for my technique.