Session Information
Preparation Tips
For your appointment, be sure that you are well hydrated and a full meal is eaten and are rested prior to getting your tattoo. Bringing water and snacks with you is advisable, even if its a small tattoo.
If you would like to use the numbing cream provided at the studio, please request it (via email) prior to your session as you will have to come to your session early. To use the numbing cream, it is an additional cost of $20-40 depending on the size of the tattoo. You are also able to purchase yourself and apply prior to your session. Please note that not everyone will get approval for numbing cream use. It does change the consistency of skin and makes the tattooing process take longer, so i normally only agree to it for very painful placements or for large scale projects.
If you would like to use the numbing cream provided at the studio, please request it (via email) prior to your session as you will have to come to your session early. To use the numbing cream, it is an additional cost of $20-40 depending on the size of the tattoo. You are also able to purchase yourself and apply prior to your session. Please note that not everyone will get approval for numbing cream use. It does change the consistency of skin and makes the tattooing process take longer, so i normally only agree to it for very painful placements or for large scale projects.
Touch Ups
For touch-ups there will be a $30.00 minimum fee to cover equipment expenses and secure the appointment. Touch ups can be requested up to 8 months after your final tattoo session! You will be required to forward images of the healed tattoo and indicating what you want touched up.
Aftercare
How do tattoos heal?
When your skin gets tattooed, your body springs into action to heal the wound. First, the body works to limit blood loss by reducing the amount of blood flowing to the wounded area. Proteins in blood, such as fibrin, work with the blood platelets already in place and plasma to form a protective covering called a scab. While your skin regenerates underneath the protective layer, the scab protects the wound from outside infection. The wound is gradually healed as new granular skin tissue begins to generate. Starting at the edges of the wound, the new tissue forms and works its way toward the centre until it has covered the entirety of the lesion. Once the wound underneath has sealed itself with another skin layer, the scab will slough off on its own.
What is the process for taking care of a new tattoo?
- Keep the bandage on for the length of time instructed by your artist. (the length of time can vary depending on the design, size and placement of the tattoo, between 1-7 days.)
- Remove the bandage with clean hands. For those using second-skin brands it is best to remove them in the shower or with running water.
- Once the bandage is removed, keep your tattoo dry and clean! Wash your tattoo at least twice a day with soap. For example, once in the morning and once before bed.
- Begin to apply moisturizing products when your tattoo starts to feel itchy, do so sparingly. Otherwise, try to let your tattoo dry-heal as much as possible.
Products to use during your healing period:
- Cleansing: Try using a natural bar or liquid soap with limited ingredients. I recommend natural castille soap, goats milk bar of soap, aveeno or eucerin. For melanated folks, i also recommend african black soap and tea tree oil “Soap Works” bar.
- Moisturizing: Begin to apply any balms, creams or lotions when your tattoo starts to get very itchy! (day 2-4) Please do so sparingly - no more than twice a day! More natural products such as raw shea butter, any water based lotions, or products specific to tattoo aftercare are highly recommended! Fragrance free, hypoallergenic products overall. Do not use vaseline or any petroleum-based products, sunscreen, or any oils that are not infused!
I recommend using shea butter or mango butter whipped with natural oils (tea tree, caledula or avocado). For lotion brands you can try RENPURE, aveeno or Eucerin. Ensure all products are hypo-allergnic and have no fragrance.
Things to avoid after getting tattooed:
- Excessive sweating such as working out, saunas/hot tubs etc.
- No submerging in water until your dermis is closed and healed. (1-4 weeks) Showering is okay!
- Try to avoid any sun exposure. Although faded tattoos are inevitable (all of our skin regenerates and sheds as we age) Exposing a new tattoo to the sun can greatly affect the healing process. It is recommended to apply natural forms of SPF and/or sunscreen daily or try to get your tattoos during colder seasons.
- No scratching or picking off your scabs! This can potentially cause the ink to be pulled out of the skin along with any scabbing.
Remember, your tattoo artist DOES NOT act as a medical professional. Any suggestions given by your artist or Eden Tattoo Studio Inc. are not to be construed as or substituted for advice from a medical professional. Talk to your family doctor or a physician if you would like more clarity on the healing of your tattoo.