Before & after
First Tattoo
& Aftercare
What happens when you walk in
- You tell us the idea. Size, placement, style, references if you have them. Ten minutes at the counter, no appointment.
- We check the book. If somebody's open, you can get tattooed that day. If it's bigger, we set a date and draw it up.
- ID and paperwork. Bring a valid photo ID. Under 18 needs a parent or guardian present with their ID too. Eat something first.
- Stencil and placement. You see it on your body and approve it before a needle touches you. Move it as many times as you need.
- The tattoo. Ask for a break whenever you want one. It's your session.
- Wrapped and out the door. We wrap it, explain the healing, and answer questions any time after.
Healing it
Day 1
Leave the wrap on as long as we tell you. Take it off, wash with clean hands and unscented soap, pat dry, leave it open to the air.
Days 2–14
Wash twice a day. A thin layer of unscented lotion after — thin enough that it doesn't look shiny. Too much ointment does more damage than too little.
Don't
No picking or scratching. No soaking — no pools, tubs, lakes or hot tubs for two weeks. No direct sun on a fresh tattoo. No gym for a couple of days if it's going to sweat or rub.
Forever
Sunscreen. It's the single thing that decides whether it looks good in twenty years.
Something looks wrong?
Call the shop at (717) 224-4329 or send a photo. We'd rather look at it than have you guess.