Each new tattoo goes through a critical healing process. Lena will prepare your art and tattoo you, but then it is primarily up to you to ensure your work heals as well as possible. You can think of this whole process as an equal parts collaboration.

 

Please follow these easy steps and do not hesitate to reach out via email to bookings@sunchildtattoo.com with any questions or concerns.

 

Before your appointment:

 

Please DO: 

• Shave and moisturize the area being tattooed. Moisturizing will soften the skin and help you to feel less pain during your tattoo. We recommend using coconut oil or other natural lotions. Please start moisturizing at least 2 to 4 days before the session, because the quality of your skin determines the success of the tattooing process.

• Stay hydrated 

• Get a good night's sleep 

• Eat a hearty breakfast 

• Bring snacks or pack a lunch for full-day sessions

 

Please DON’T: 

• Come to your appointment with a sunburn. Stop sun exposure at least 2 weeks before the tattoo session. 

• Drink alcohol or consume drugs. Avoid alcohol, coffee, and aspirin 24 hours before being tattooed. They have blood-thinning properties, which can result in excessive bleeding.

 

After your appointment:

 

Your new tattoo is an open wound. Like any other open skin wound, you must protect it from harmful infectious organisms until it can regenerate its natural protective barrier. 

 

The first 72 hours are the most critical time for a new tattoo and require you to adjust your daily routine slightly to apply aftercare. Be prepared for this. 

 

During this critical window, it is important to clean your tattoo 2 to 3 times a day. 

 

You will need the following materials:

• Dial soap (or any non-fragranced antibacterial) 

• Bactine (a dry healing bacterial spray available at your local drugstore) 

• Medical pads (available on Amazon or Walmart and also known as doggy pads)

• Aquaphor (or other tattoo-specific neutral ointment)

• Pure Coconut Oil - (shea butter raw organic or other natural moisturizer)

• Paper tape 

• Paper towels 

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Aftercare Process:

Step 1: Wash your hands (always be sure to do this before touching your tattoo)

Step 2: Gently wash your tattoo with antibacterial soap and warm water

Step 2: Pat the area dry with a paper towel. Allow the area to completely dry 

Step 3: Spray Bactine (Wait 10-15 minutes) 

Step 4: Apply a Medical pad (If applicable)

 

It is normal for your tattoo to have redness and feel sore for up to one week, but if this continues please reach out to us. (If the area grows a lot of hair, you may get a rash from the hair re-growing).

 

Medical pads can be used during this first healing window to provide an extra barrier, but are not to be used all the time. (Approach it like a bandage for your wound. Wounds heal the best just by being clean and having access to air.) Maintaining a balance of airflow is necessary. If you are going out to work or traveling on a plane, for example, this cover will keep your tattoo safe. Place the pad (white absorbing side faced down) on your fresh tattoo. 

 

After 72 hours: 

• Begin applying Aquaphor instead of Bactine. Do this until the skin on the tattoo area peels (this is normal). 

• Once tattooed skin peels, switch to a small amount of coconut oil every day (for best results, use in the evening). Allow it to be absorbed and to dry after applying. Use the coconut oil for at least 4-6 weeks, while the tattoo is still settling into the skin.

 

During this time: 

 

Please DO:                                     

• Avoid sun exposure   

• Wash your tattoo in the shower with cold or lukewarm water. (your body recognizes the tattoo as a major sunburn or fever)

 

Please DON’T: 

• Scratch the scabs or peeling skin

• Go in the ocean, pools, or tubs until the tattoo is fully healed and the scabs are fully peeled