These pre and post care instructions are specific to my style of tattooing. Other artists may give other advice to fit their specific style. If you have any questions or concerns, ask your artist!

Pre-Care:

Prepping before your tattoo:

Medications:

If you are on any blood thinners, please stop taking 48 hours before your tattoo appointment and do not resume until 24 hours after your tattoo appointment. If you are required to stay on the medication, please provide a doctor’s note upon your appointment time.

Allergies:

Allergies are common, and majority of allergies you may have do not interfere with getting tattooed by Desiray. However there is one allergy that is VERY important to note before getting a tattoo. If you do not note your allergies before your appointment, Desiray and those affiliated with Ethereal Skin Atelier are not responsible for any damages or financial obligations related to or in result of your tattoo.

SULFA: If you have not been tattooed before and want color in your piece, but have a sulfa allergy, you are REQUIRED to provide a doctor’s note before your appointment. I will not tattoo you if you have that allergy and want any kind of color. Black and grey tattoos do not affect those with a sulfa allergy as they do not contain the ingredient that can cause a reaction.

Checklist before your appointment:

• Exfoliate and moisturize the tattoo area 24 hours before your appointment. You may moisturize again up to 2 hours before your appointment. This helps your skin to be prepped and ready before you get your new piece!

• Make sure any medications that may alter the healing of your tattoo either be stopped temporarily or provide a doctors note that approves the medications and tattoos.

• Please eat a rich meal high in protein at least 1 hour or less before your appointment and drink plenty of water/electrolytes. Tattooing triggers an adrenaline response in your body. This can possibly lead to: blood pressure and/or blood sugar fluctuation, dizziness, fainting, or vomiting. Desiray does have snacks and drinks available in case you forget or do not bring any to your appointment.

• Things to bring:

  • Your favorite snacks or beverages, especially if you have dietary restrictions

  • Comfortable clothes to change into/clothes necessary to wear depending on where your tattoo may be (shorts for leg pieces, button up shirt for a back piece, sweater or sweats if you easily get cold)

  • A book, kindle, or whatever your choice of entertainment may be

  • Blanket; in case you get cold or just want to be comfortable

  • A positive attitude! Even though getting a tattoo may be painful, this is a fun process and we love good vibes here! Negative attitudes are subject to rescheduling or cancellation of your appointment. Let’s be nice!

Post-Care:

Saniderm/Second Skin/Derm Shield:

Please leave your protective barrier film on for at least 3-5 days unless instructed by your artist

When you are ready to remove the barrier film, it is best to remove in water or with coconut oil to break up the adhesive. Please do not rip off the film, this can cause damage to the skin

Once removed, wash with an antibacterial, unscented soap and moisturize with Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm or Cry Baby Tattoo Balm. For soap, I recommend Dial

If you notice your barrier film lifting around the edge, please cut off the excess and continue to keep it on. However, if the film lifts past the tattoo or you notice anything seeping in or out of it, take it off immediately. This can harbor bacteria and can lead to infection. You may contact me immediately to get a reapplication, purchase your own barrier film and reapply if it is sooner than 5 days after your tattoo, or continue with the instructions below for Standard Healing.

Please remember:

• Do not pick at the barrier film

• Do not play with the plasma sacks (ink bubbles)

• Do not poke holes in the barrier film

• Do not submerge in water

You may notice fluid underneath the barrier film, this is 100% normal! It is called Plasma and plays a major role in your healing journey. Your skin will use plasma to help heal and minimize excessive scabbing. Some may not even experience scabbing after removing the barrier film. However, if there is a Plasma sack, please come in for a reapplication.

After removal, please follow the Standard Healing instructions below:

Standard Healing:

If you are not given a barrier film to wear or you have to remove prematurely, please follow these instructions:

Remove your wrap no sooner than 2 hours after your tattoo session

Wash with warm water and an antibacterial, unscented liquid soap (no bar soap)

Pat dry, DO NOT WIPE, and let air dry for 5-10 minutes

Apply a thin layer of Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm or Cry Baby Tattoo Balm

Repeat these steps 2-3 times a day until scabbing has stopped or at minimum 5 days if no scabbing has occurred

Apply SPF (100% zinc oxide based only!) once scabbing has completed

Avoid for the first 2-4 weeks:

Scented skin care products (lotions, soaps, etc.) and bar products (bar soaps)

Direct sunlight. Apply SPF daily while outside, even after healing has completed to keep your tattoo protected and to prevent fading.

Hot water, soaking, swimming, etc.

Avoid pet dander, or dirty environments. If your job requires you to be in this environment, please invest in barrier films during the healing process and sun sleeves!

Do not use any form of lotion or creams that is not listed above! Until your tattoo is fully healed, please only use what your artist recommends.

DO NOT pick at your tattoo, scratch your tattoo, or slap your tattoo. This can cause ink loss.

Disclaimer

Ethereal Skin Atelier is not responsible for any damages to your tattoo once you leave the premises. Every client is given proper aftercare instructions prior to leaving the tattoo shop. It is the clients responsibility to take care of their tattoo in order for them to have the best outcome upon healing. What you may have done 10 years ago for healing may not be in the best interest of your tattoo now, and you are given aftercare instructions that reflects that.

Artists are able to tell when a tattoo does not heal correctly due to the negligence of the client. In those results, any touch up may be charged at least the shop minimum to fix the tattoo to look representable again. That will be discussed upon your appointment. For any questions or concerns about your pre or post care, please contact your artist directly.