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How to prepare for your tattoo

  • On the morning of your appointment, shower, exfoliate and shave the area. Please do not moisturise.

  • Please don't use numbing cream - it isn't needed and can affect the tattoo.

  • Avoid drinking alcohol the night before, and get a good nights sleep.

  • Have a big meal before your appointment and ensure you're well hydrated.

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing which allows access to the placement. Do not wear anything tight or elasticated on the area beforehand (eg, sock seams can create indentations in the skin - not ideal for an ankle or lower leg tattoo.)

  • Don't attend with sunburnt skin, as I will not be able to tattoo over sunburn.

  • Try to arrive relaxed and on-time, avoid rushing if you can. If you're travelling a long distance, I recommend staying nearby the night before. 

  • Bring snacks for any sessions more than 2 hours.

  • You're welcome to bring headphones.

  • Allow plenty of time - Avoid set plans for the few hours following incase your appointment takes longer than expected.

  • Please come to your appointment alone.

How to look after your tattoo

Caring for your new tattoo is crucial for healing and to prevent infection. Your tattoo is an open wound - please ensure that you keep it as clean as possible.

 

Part One - After your Appointment

I will cover your new tattoo with a medical protective film, which you can remove after 2 - 3 days. This breathable layer will protect your tattoo from bacteria and friction. You can shower as normal, but please do not submerge the area in water.

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To Remove:

 

Always remove in the shower under warm water - the heat and moisture will help loosen the adhesive. After washing your hands with soap, loosen one side and pull away from the skin gently. There may be remnants of ink - This is normal.

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Wash gently with a mild anti-bacterial un-fragranced soap and let the tattoo air dry. Once dry, apply a thin layer of the supplied aftercare balm.

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Part Two - Follow for 2 weeks after you have removed the protective film:

 

  • Each morning and night, wash gently with a mild anti-bacterial un-fragranced soap and air dry. Once dry, apply a small amount of tattoo aftercare balm with clean hands. This will help keep your new tattoo hydrated and help it heal well. Note: Don't share any aftercare products with others and please avoid Bepanthen (this is not ideal for my tattoos).

  • Don't submerge the area in water and avoid sweating - Avoid baths, swimming, hot environments such as saunas/hot yoga, and intense exercise.

  • Do not shave or exfoliate the area.

  • Wear loose clothing - Avoid anything that may be tight on your tattoo such as waistbands, socks, bra straps etc. This may distort the healing of your tattoo.

  • Avoid your tattoo coming into direct contact with pets and environments with high levels of bacteria which could cause infection. Cover and protect your tattoo with clean cling film if needed.

  • Don't expose your new tattoo to direct sun. Keep it covered / stay out of the sun for 2 weeks.

  • Whilst healing, your new tattoo may be itchy. Don't itch, scratch or pick it. To relieve itching, you can apply pressure with a clean hand.

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Part Three - IMPORTANT

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Always apply high factor suncream (Spf 50) to look after the long-term appearance of your tattoo. This also applies when using sunbeds or solariums. This is VITAL to ensure the longterm quality of your healed tattoo.

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Part Four - Please send healed photos anytime after 1 month of healing.

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To keep learning and developing, it's helpful for me to see healed photos. Please ask someone to take some good quality in-focus shots in natural light (not direct sun) with a neutral background. Please include a close-up, one mid-distance, and one further away for placement context.

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Please email photos to cathpillingtattoo@gmail.com. Thank you and enjoy your new tattoo!

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