How To Prepare
For Your Tattoo
Prior to Your Appointment
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•Getting a good night’s sleep before your tattoo can ensure that your mind and body will be tip-top for your tattoo day! Getting a tattoo takes a lot of energy, and being well rested will make the process easier for your mind and body.
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•Make sure to moisturize and exfoliate the tattoo area at least a week before your appointment.
Healthy skin will tattoo a lot easier than dry, flakey skin.
•On the day of your appointment do not wear any skin care products (lotions, creams, butters, spray tan, etc). Clean and clear skin baabbbyy!
•If you get a lot of sun exposure, make sure to protect your skin by wearing protective clothing, and/or use sun screen before your tattoo appointment. We cannot tattoo sun burnt or damaged skin.
•We ask that you do not shave prior to your appointment, unless otherwise directed by your artist.
We prefer to shave in-house to avoid razor burn and day(s) old stubble.
•Please do not wear or use numbing products.
This can have negative effects on your tattoo, as well as your health. These can be, but are not limited too; increased risk of infection, change in skin texture, loss of ink saturation, ink discoloration, increased scabbing, increased risk of scarring, increased sensitivity, and more.If you have a medical or skin condition that causes rashes, irritations, sores, or anything else of the sort, we will not be able to tattoo you during the flare-up. It can cause the flare-up to spread, and other adverse health reactions. Please consult with your doctor before considering a tattoo appointment to make sure you are okay to proceed, and that you will be safe. A doctor's note will be required. These conditions can be, but are not, limited to; Psoriasis, Eczema, certain insect bites, shingles, acne, Contact Dermatitis, and more.
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•It is recommended to eat healthy foods leading up to your appointment. Avoid processed, greasy, sugary foods, and drinks. Try vegetables, healthy proteins, healthy carbs, and fruits.
•Make sure that you eat within 2-4 hours of your appointment. You burn a lot of energy while getting tattooed, and not eating a proper meal can lead to undesirable consequences. These are, but not limited too, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, heavy sweating, fainting, and increased sensitivity.
•Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! Water is important for our bodies to function properly, and for the health of your skin. Being properly hydrated will allow for a better tattoo process. -
•Recreational drug consumption can lead to negative effects during your session. These can be, but are not limited too; excessive bleeding, impaired judgement, increased risk of infection (overall a bad time.) Do not come to your appointment under the influence of recreational drugs.
•Alcohol consumption can thin your blood, leading to a difficult tattoo session, or a poorly healed tattoo. Do not come to your appointment intoxicated.•Caffeine can cause mild tremors, or exaggerate nervousness/anxiety disorders during your session. It is recommended to avoid caffeine on the day of your appointment.
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•Tattoos can take a long time to do, and sometimes they can be in a location that isn’t easily accessible. Make sure to wear clothing that will be comfortable for you, and allows the artist the ability to get to the tattoo area. Keep in mind that tattoos can be messy, so comfortable clothing that you wouldn't mind getting stained is recommended.
examples include ;
if you are getting a thigh tattoo -> shorts or pants that can roll up. cozy pants on one leg, off the other. dress/skirt.if you are getting an underbust tattoo -> pasties, tape, front clasping bra or swimsuit top + zip-up hoodie, flannel, cardigan, button-up.
if you are getting a hip/buttock tattoo -> side tie (swimsuit or other) bottoms, shorts that can roll up high enough. cozy pants on one leg, off the other. dress/skirt.
if you are getting a back tattoo -> zip-up hoodie, flannel, button-up worn backwards. open back top. spaghetti strap or open back tank top.
Medical Conditions, Illness, Medications,
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If you have a medical condition, and would like to get tattooed, please consult a doctor or physician prior to reaching out for a consultation. In most cases a Doctor's Note will be needed. Sometimes it is not advised to get a tattoo with certain health conditions due to increased risk of infection, or other bodily harm. We are not medical professionals, and cannot give medical advice.
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If you are sick within 7 days of your appointment you cannot be tattooed. Your immune system is considered weakened, which can lead to higher risk of infection.
If you have tested positive for COVID, RSV, or the Flu within 14 days if your appointment you cannot be tattooed.
You cannot be tattooed within 7 days - 2 months after receiving certain vaccines such as, but not limited too; Small Pox, Monkey Pox, Flu, Covid, and others. Make sure to check in with your doctor on what the recommended wait time is.
You cannot be tattooed shortly before or after receiving a surgery. Make sure to check in with your doctor on what the recommended wait time is.
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Certain medications can impact a tattoo session, as well as cause issues during the healing process. Some impacts can be increased risk of infection, skin texture changes, immune system changes, increased bleeding, and more.
These medications can be, but are not limited to; blood thinners, steroids, antibiotics, painkillers, narcotics, muscle relaxers, accurate, topical retinoids, immunosuppressants, anticoagulants, and more.
If you are taking a medication that might impact your tattoo please consult your doctor.
What To…
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•water; to stay hydrated
•snacks; (optional; lunch for long appts)
•pillow; (optional, but recommended)
•state issued identification (see ID requirements for details)
•change of clothing; (if necessary)
•entertainment (optional; headphones, book, digital reader, tablet, phone, handheld game device, notebook, etc)
•you are allowed ONE guest. -
A tattoo, as fun as they are, are a wound. There are things to expect after getting your tattoo, and they are, but not limited too;
•soreness
•tenderness
•warmness
•redness
•peeling
•scabbing
•itchiness
•swellingFor larger tattoos expect all of the above plus the possibility of;
•tiredness
•stiffness
•emotional changes. Getting a large tattoo can cause a biochemical reaction in your brain that leads to a period of hormonal based emotional changes.
Signs of Concern;
If you experience the following please contact your artist, and a doctor right away;•pus
•colored, foul smelling, discharge
•fever
•swollen lymph nodes
•chills and sweating
•nausea and vomiting
•redness that gets worse, spreads, or doesn't go away after a week -
Before Getting Tattooed;
•no tanning, spray tanning, long term sun exposure.
•no heavy training/intense exercise
•no consumption of alcohol and recreational drugs
After, Until Tattoo is Healed
•no swimming or soaking in water
•no tanning, sunbathing, spray tanning, long term sun exposure
•no intense exercising, or activities that involve heavy sweating
•no shaving, laser, or other hair removal treatments in tattoo site
•use caution around furry animals -
Possible Reactions;
•allergic reaction to inks, ointments, soaps
•possibility of infection if tattoo is not properly cared for
Medical Conditions;
•If you have a medical condition, it is recommended to speak with your health care provider before getting a tattoo. In most cases a doctors note will be required.
•If you have diabetes, thin/aging skin (60+), or an autoimmune disease please tell your artist so we can give additional pre-service and aftercare instructions.
Scarring
•If you have scarring in the area to be tattooed, please speak with your artist during your consultation.
Healing Times
•Tattoos on average can about 2-3 weeks to heal. Depending on skin type, age, and medical conditions, this timeframe can be longer or shorter. -
Your Schedule; If you are planning a vacation, surgery (you do not have to share what it is for! Just the timeline c:), sports games, and other such plans that might impact a tattoo session or healing. Your artist should be able to work around your existing plans.
Medications; If you are taking a medication that could impact the tattoo session and/or healing process. REMEMBER; you do not have to disclose what the specific medication is or what it is for. You will be advised to speak with your doctor.
Allergies; Please tell your if you have any known allergies. Primarily metals, food, & product ingredients. We want to make sure that your artist needs to order something specific to keep you safe that can be done that before your appointment date. For example; I use non-petroleum ointment during the tattoo process- some of which can contain mango, coconut, sunflower, or aloe.
Things You Need
Mild Soap - no abrasives, perfumes, or exfoliants
-Recommended; clear unscented soft-soap, dial gold, blue dawn
-Avoid Dove
Moisturizer - clean & gentle
-Recommended; Hustle Butter, Inkeeze (Black, Pink, Vegan, Hi-Definition Balm / Lotion) , gentle lotion (Cetaphil, Lubriderm, CeraVe, Unscented Aveeno)
After Your Tattoo Is Healed
-sunscreen, high SPF and reef safe
-favorite skin moisturizer, to take care of your skin!
Short To Do List; -
-If you have pets, make sure to change out your sheets! Pet hair can gather in blankets, and you don’t want it sticking to your new tattoo
-If you are getting a tattoo in a hard to reach area, make sure you have someone who can help you clean, and take care of your new ink.
Common Tattoo Questions
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Yes, you have to bring a form of identification. (See ID Requirementsfor details.) It is a Kansas State requirement that we have identification for tattoo services.
If you do not bring your ID we will be unable to preform tattoo services, and therefore will need to reschedule your appointment with a forfeiture of your deposit. (See Tattoo Deposit and Scheduling Policy for details.)
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Unfortunately, we do not preform tattoo services for minors.
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Yes!
Fingers, knuckles, behind the ear, sides of the feet, sides of the hands, elbows, and kneecaps. I would expect a touch-up to be needed.
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It really depends on what design, where it’s placed, and what size it is. Feel free to get a consultation with one of our artists, or stop in, to get a price quote!
At Hawthorn, our artists are a combination of by piece, and hourly. It just depends on what you are looking for.
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It depends. Size, location, subject matter, and style all play a factor on how long a tattoo can take. There is unfortunately no set formula. Feel free to get a consultation with one of our artists for a time quote!
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You are more than welcome to contact us! We would be happy to assist you with any questions you have. There is no such thing as a stupid question, so feel free to ask away. <3