-
If any of the following apply to you, you are not eligible for tattoo services:
Pregnant or nursing (this is not due to ink in your blood stream or milk supply, but due to your body’s immune system response and increased risks while pregnant or nursing such as fainting and dizziness).
Chemotherapy or Cancer patients.
Severe autoimmune disorders, those taking blood thinners, those will conditions that impact your body’s ability to heal (require Doctor approval with written notice).
Those with conditions that cause an inability to sit still, involuntary movement, or other behaviors which are likely to impact the quality of the tattoo and require extra time.
Tattooing
-
In Ohio, tattoo artists are not permitted to tattoo even lightly sun burned skin.
72-hours prior: Avoid sun exposure for at least 48-hours prior to your appointment.
48-hour prior: Check the area where you will be tattooed for sun burn (to include even slightly pink tones or peeling skin), acne, psoriasis, eczema, or other signs of skin damage.
Reschedule with at least 24-hour notice: If you see signs of skin damage, reschedule your appointment with at least 24-hours notice via the link in your email or text messages from your Appointment Confirmation.
Clients who reschedule with less than 24-hour notice or who arrive day of with sun burn will be charged the Reschedule Fee (25%) which is due immediately via the card on file or Venmo if requested by the client at the time of rescheduling.
-
48-hours prior: Skin check! Is the area flat, free of sun burn, acne, psoriasis, eczema, etc?
24-hours prior: Moisturize the area using a sensitive skin friendly lotion or moisturizer that you have spot tested on your skin to ensure you have no negative reactions. Moisturize in the morning and at night the day prior to your appointment.
Avoid excessive alcohol the night prior. Lish reserves the right to deny tattoo services to clients who are visibly drunk/hungover or under the influence of alcohol, weed, etc.
Tattoo Precare
-
Moisturize once more the morning of your appointment.
Avoid blood thinners (unless otherwise directed by your Doctor), alcohol, excessive caffeine, and marijuana.
Purchase or plan to purchase necessary Aftercare products (listed in Aftercare FAQ section).
-
A lot of people have a fear of needles. Lish will have the TV on to help distract you, but also recommends bringing a small fidget or comfort item if that helps.
-
Tattooists require a still canvas (as still as possible). Even subtle movements can cause permanent error that may or may not be disguisable. For this reason, if you are generally shaky or have trouble sitting still for the duration of your appointment time, Lish recommends you consult your Doctor prior to your appointment and take Doctor approved medicine to help you sit still.
Excessive shaking may result in rescheduling or longer appointment times. If your appointment requires longer time, your appointment cost will be adjusted accordingly (Lish’s rate is $100 per extra hour).
-
If you would like to use numbing for a tattoo session you may purchase Mad Rabbit Numbing Cream (Discount Code: LISH) or a numbing cream specifically made for tattooing.
Numbing creams DO change skin texture, may cause a need for extra passes, and though they numb the area during the procedure you will likely experience a higher level of pain and swelling once it has worn off.
Be sure to test the area you will have tattooed (different parts of the body may respond differently to numbing creams so apply it where you’ll be receiving the tattoo) the week prior to your appointment in case you experience an adverse reaction and follow all instructions on the product.
Be sure to communicate that you have used numbing so I am aware and can be on the look out for potential reactions as well.
Day Of
-
Non-fragranced antimicrobial soap (Dial or Dove unscented antibacterial soap is totally fine.
Aquaphor OR Soothing Gel from MadRabbit (Discount Code: LISH).
Lish receives commissions as a MadRabbit Affiliate.
-
Gently remove your bandage after 2-3 hours. Use an antimicrobial soap in soft circular motions and dab dry once a day for the next 5 days. Apply a thin* coat of Soothing Gel or Aquaphor after washing & as needed to protect against friction & dryness -- Nothing should be used on your tattoo other than Aquaphor/Soothing Gel and unscented soap.
Avoid soaking, the sun or tanning, sweat and steam, and be careful of friction from clothes, blankets, etc. Refrain from itching or picking your tattoo as this will increase the likelihood of a touch up need ($50/hr).
Scabbing typically starts on day 2-3. Balanced moisture is key -- If your scab becomes too dry it will flake off in small pieces, and if it has been overly moisturized it will become soggy and peel off.
On average, your tattoo will heal within 2 weeks, however this may vary based on immunity, aftercare, skin type, and placement. If aftercare instructions are not followed and complete relining of your tattoo is needed, your touch up will cost shop minimum ($100).
-
Wait at least 48-hours before working out, as you want to avoid sweat and friction in the first couple days of healing.
Feel free to go on a light walk with your tattoo covered from the sun (stop when you begin sweating).
-
After 24-hours you can shower, but please avoid placing the tattoo directly into the stream of the shower.
Bathing, swimming, and soaking is not permitted until your tattoo is fully healed and flat to the touch (2 weeks).
-
Use a thin* coat (as you would for a paper cut) in the morning and at night. You can use a refresher layer as needed, when the tattoo is feeling dry.
If your scab is flaking: It’s just a little too dry - Apply a thin* coat of Aquaphor throughout the day to keep it moisturized.
If your scab is peeling/soggy: It’s over moisturized and needs a little more air time. You can apply a thinner coat of Aquaphor and try applying it only as needed.
-
Some redness and swelling around the tattoo (not exceeding 1 inch away from the tattoo) for up to 24-hours following your Tattoo “Procedure."
A light sun burny sensation for up to a couple hours.
Some itchiness as scabs form Day 2-3.
Mild tenderness in the area for up to Day 5.
-
If scabs have not formed by Day 3 or have not closed by Day 5.
If the tattoo is not completely healed (scabs have fell off on their own, tattoo is flat to the touch, no additional loss of ink) within 2 weeks.
If the area has red streaky lines radiating outwards from the tattoo.
Black scabs leaking puss.
Severe pain coupled with excessive heat from the tattoo area.
Fever or other signs of sickness/illness.
If you experience ANY of these signs, please consult your Doctor. If symptoms are painful, feverish, or worsening, please seek immediate Medical Attention to ensure your tattoo is not infected.
Aftercare
