BEFORE & AFTERCARE

BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

Getting a tattoo is more than just a permanent piece of art, it’s an invasive procedure. To prepare for your tattoo and receive the best experience, here are some tips for what to do/not do before your appointment:

  1. Drink lots of fluids and stay hydrated especially 24-48 hours prior to your appointment.

  2. Abstain from any alcohol 24 - 48 hours prior to getting tattooed.

  3. Be well rested for your appointment.

  4. Eat a meal prior to your appointment, try not to get tattooed on an empty stomach.

  5. Avoid sun exposure for at least 5-7 days prior to the appointment.

  6. Moisturize the area 5-7 days before your appointment. DO NOT MOISTURIZE THE DAY OF THE TATTOO.

  7. Shower before your tattoo, make sure your skin is clean before arriving.

  8. Shave the area before arriving (be careful not to cut yourself or cause razor burn), if you forget we’ll give you a shave during the prep for your tattoo.

  9. Wear comfortable clothes, nothing too tight. *Some people get cold while getting tattooed, bring a warm sweater or thin blanket for during your tattoo.

  10. Bring snacks with you especially if you have a long session. We offer free beverages and snacks to our clients.

  11. Bring something to keep your mind occupied (a book, tablet, music, headphones, etc.)

After your appointment

Step 1

Your artist will cover your fresh tattoo with a sterile bandage. Keep bandage on for at least 4-6 hours, unless specified otherwise. When artist is using second skin bandage, leave on bandage for 3-4 days and remove in shower, by slowly pealing from corner.

Step 2

Gently remove your bandage and with clean hands, wash tattoo and area with warm water and a mild antibacterial, perfume free soap. Try to avoid soaking or placing a direct stream of water on tattoo until tattoo is completely healed.

Once you have washed your tattoo, gently pat dry the area with a clean paper towel or let it air dry.
Repeat this process 1-2 times daily.

Tattoo may be sore for a few days and you may notice your tattoo leaking liquids, this is normal. The liquid is a mix of plasma, blood and extra ink.

Step 3

Once tattoo starts flaking, scabbing and/or itching, apply a thin layer of perfume-free moisturizer of your choice. Apply moisturizer as needed.

DO NOT PICK, ITCH OR RIP OFF SCABS/ FLAKING SKIN. This will compromise the quality of the tattoo and healing process.

Step 4

Once peeling is finished, the tattoo and skin will look shiny like a fresh scratch or scrape, you may also notice white/cloudy spots. Don’t worry, within a month or so your skin should go back to its neighbour virgin skin.

Tattoos can take up to a month to fully heal, therefore it is best to wait at least 4 weeks for any touch up sessions.

If you have any further questions, please call Polarity Tattoo Studio at: (905) 525-4888

Things to avoid during the healing process:

-Avoid sun exposure (for at least a month) it’s recommended to use sun protection even after tattoo is healed for optimal results and longevity.

-Avoid submerging tattoo in water for at least 2 weeks (this means no baths, hot-tubs, pools or bodies of water).

-Avoid wearing clothing that may rub on the tattoo while healing.

-Avoid touching/itching tattooed area.

-Keep the area clean and any materials touching the area clean.

Signs of infection:

-Extreme redness or irritation
-Fever
-Pain (beyond a few hours after tattoo application and shooting types of pain)

-Swelling (swelling beyond a day or two or new/ increased swelling)
-Unusual odour
-Discharge (such as pus)
-Red streaks or sores (this could indicate a much more serious infection)

**IF YOU NOTICE ANY OF THESE SIGNS, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.**