The Ritual
Ink isn’t just art — it’s a commitment. Here’s your no-nonsense guide to getting it right, from prepping your skin to keeping your new piece looking fierce for years. All the tips, all the rules, and answers to the questions every serious tattoo collector asks.
Pre-Care
This is your pre-show ritual. Get it right, and the main act — your tattoo — will be legendary.
Moisturize like you mean it
Three days before your session, start hitting your skin with coconut oil or shea butter. The softer the canvas, the smoother the art.
Lose the fuzz (the right way)
- Waxing before a tattoo can wreck your skin — don’t do it.
- We normally shave the area for you, so if it’s a small spot, we’ll take care of it.
- If the spot’s a full-on hairy field, it’s ok to trim it before you come, and we’ll take care of the rest before we start.
No numbing creams
Pain-numbing creams are dangerous, can mess with your skin, and are not advised. Trust the process — your skin will thank you later.
Feed the machine
- Eat a light meal or good breakfast before your appointment.
- Bring snacks, chocolate, and water — think of it as fueling for a marathon, not a sprint.
Dress like you own the stage
- Loose, soft clothes are better. Tight gear leaves marks, and we’re not here for that.
- If your tattoo’s going on ribs, sternum, or other sensitive spots, wear something that makes access easy and keeps you comfortable.
Ditch the booze
- No alcohol for 24 hours before.
Protect the canvas
- No sunburns. Don’t roll into your session looking like a lobster.
- Keep the skin chill and unburnt.
Keep your cool
First tattoo? Relax. Fear’s not a good look, and trust me — it’s not as bad as the hype.
After Care
The show’s over, but the art’s still in progress. Treat it right and it’ll stay sharp for years.
First hours
- Keep the wrap on for 3–4 hours.
- Wash gently with a hand wash of shower gel.
- Pat dry with a paper towel or let it air dry — no germy cloth towels.
Wash like clockwork
- Minimum wash twice per day. Optimal is 4 times daily, or more if it gets dirty.
- If it feels dry or itchy you can dampen it with a wet paper towel to take the edge off.
- Always dry with a paper towel or air dry.
Moisturize, but don’t drown it
- Thin layer of after care cream if required; the less cream you use the faster the healing.
- Skip the heavy ointments for fine lines.
- Use beeswax cream or coconut oil if you want to keep it natural.
- Use medicated creams only if instructed.
The healing gig
- Healing takes approximately 2 weeks — keep up the cleaning and lotion until it’s done.
- No swimming, baths, or soaking for 2 weeks. Showers are a must. No rubbing with rough sponges on the tattoo area.
- It’ll flake and dry — do not pick at it.
When it itches
- No scratching — that’s how you ruin the setlist.
- Cold pack wrapped in a clean towel works wonders.
Guard it from the sun
Once healed, sunscreen every time it’s out in the spotlight. Keeps colors loud and lines crisp.
If things look sketchy
- Questions? Hit me up.
- Think it’s infected? Call your doctor — not Dr. Google.
Common Questions
Everything you wanted to ask about tattoos but didn’t know who to trust.
Still have more questions?
Reach out any time — whether you’re curious about safety, style, or aftercare — and we’ll give you the straight-up answers.
Easy — hit us up through the online form or give us a call. Tell us your preferred dates and what’s on your mind for the design. We’ll get back to you to lock it in.
Life happens. Just give us at least 48 hours’ notice so we can fill your spot. No-shows or late cancellations might lose their deposit — respect our time, and we’ll respect yours.
Yep. You’ve got to be 18 or older with valid ID. No exceptions. Otherwise we’ll need formal parent consent.
If we’ve got an opening, sure. But your best bet is to book ahead — the chair fills fast.
We kick things off with a quick consult about your design and placement. Then it’s time to get comfy while the magic happens. You can relax, zone out, or chat — whatever keeps you in the zone.
Your tattoo is an open wound and a piece of art — treat it like both. We’ll give you the full aftercare rundown before you leave, but in short: keep it clean, keep it moisturized, and keep it out of trouble. Visit our Ritual page for more!
Absolutely. We work with high-quality, sterilized equipment and strict hygiene protocols. We’re as serious about cleanliness as we are about ink.
Hell yes. Bring your sketches, references, or that crumpled napkin doodle — we’ll collaborate to make it a killer, one-of-a-kind piece.
Go for a simple, skin irritation or repair balm or cream you can grab at any pharmacy. For a natural option, beeswax ointment or cold-pressed coconut oil work great. Skip medicated creams unless instructed — they can mess with healing and push out ink.