How to prepare

The week before

• Moisturize the area every day. Healthy, hydrated skin takes ink better.
• Keep the area out of the sun. No sunburn, tanning beds or self-tanner.
• Hold off on new skin treatments, peels or waxing on that spot.
• Feeling sick? Text us and we'll move your appointment. Your body heals better when you're well.

The day before

• Get a good night's sleep.
• Drink plenty of water.
• No alcohol for at least 24 hours. It thins your blood and makes tattooing and healing harder.
• Avoid aspirin and other blood thinners unless your doctor prescribed them. Never stop a prescribed medication without talking to your doctor.

The day of

• Eat a real meal an hour or two before you come in.
• Wear comfortable, dark clothing that gives easy access to the tattoo spot.
• Arrive on time. Running late? Text us at 201-354-9402 as soon as you can. Late arrivals are up to your artist's discretion.
• Don't use numbing cream unless your artist has approved it first.

Your design

• You and your artist go over the idea by phone or in person before your appointment.
• The final design is reviewed with you at the appointment. That's the time to ask for any changes.
• Once tattooing starts, the design is considered approved.

• Valid government-issued photo ID. Tattoos are 18+ only, no exceptions.
• A snack and a drink for longer sessions.
• Your phone charger and headphones if you like to zone out.

• Payment: we take cash and cards.
• Reference photos you want to show your artist.
• One guest at most. Please don't bring children.

Second-skin bandage

• Leave the bandage on for 6 days, or as long as your artist tells you.
• If it starts to come off early, soak it with lukewarm water and gently peel off the rest.
• Then wash the tattoo gently with unscented liquid soap and clean hands.

After the bandage comes off

• Days 1–7: wash with unscented soap and water 3 times a day, pat dry with a clean paper towel, then apply a very thin layer of aftercare ointment.
• Weeks 2–3: switch to a thin layer of unscented lotion 2–3 times a day.
• Don't soak your tattoo (pools, ocean, lakes, baths) for at least one month.

What's normal

• Itching and peeling after a few days. Don't scratch or pick. Let flakes fall off on their own.
• Some swelling and redness for up to a week.
• A little ink coming to the surface. Wash gently and reapply ointment.
• Looking cloudy or dull while it heals. Most tattoos fully heal in about 4 weeks, but everyone is different.

Key points

• Avoid heavy sweating around the tattoo for 2 weeks.
• Less is more with ointment and lotion. Let it breathe.
• Use sunscreen whenever the tattoo will be in the sun, even after it heals.
• Wear clean, loose clothing, change your sheets often, and keep pets away from it.