Before & after

Eat a full, balanced meal one to two hours before you arrive. Steady blood sugar makes it easier to sit comfortably and lowers the chance of feeling lightheaded. For longer sessions, bring a snack and a drink with sugar in it.

Drink plenty of water the day before and the day of your appointment. Well-hydrated skin is generally easier to work on, and you'll feel better during the session.

Wear comfortable clothes that give easy access to the placement and that you don't mind getting a little ink on. Loose layers work well for long sessions.

• A valid photo ID.
• Water and a snack for longer sessions.
• Something to pass the time, like headphones.
• Any reference images you haven't already sent.

Keep the area moisturized in the days before, and keep it out of the sun so it isn't burned or peeling. If you have a cut, rash or irritation on the spot, let me know before the appointment.

Yes. Before your appointment, let me know about any medical conditions, medications, allergies, or if you're pregnant. This helps keep the session safe for you.

No. Skip alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment. It thins the blood, which can mean more bleeding during the session. Being tattooed while intoxicated isn't allowed.

Avoid over-the-counter blood thinners such as aspirin or ibuprofen for about 24 hours before, unless a doctor told you to take them. Never stop a prescribed medication without talking to your doctor first.

Go easy on caffeine the day of. Too much can make you jittery and harder to sit still.

Avoid tanning and sunburn on the placement for at least a week before. Burned or peeling skin can't be tattooed safely.

Ask me before using any numbing product. Some can change how the skin takes ink.

If you're ill or have a fever, contact me as soon as you can. It's safer for both of us not to tattoo while you're unwell.

Wash your hands before touching the tattoo. Gently clean it with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap, then pat it dry with a clean paper towel. Don't rub it.

Don't soak the tattoo until it's fully healed. That means no pools, hot tubs, baths, lakes or the ocean. Short showers are fine.

Keep a healing tattoo out of direct sun and away from tanning beds. Once it's fully healed, use sunscreen on it to help prevent fading.

That's a normal part of healing. Don't scratch, pick or peel it, which can pull ink out and lead to patchy spots. A light layer of the moisturizer you were told to use can help.

• Tight clothing that rubs the area.
• Heavy ointment layers. A thin coat is enough.
• Dirty surfaces like shared gym equipment, and heavy sweating in the first days.
• Shaving over the tattoo until it's healed.
• Letting pets lick or lie on it.

Some redness and tenderness in the first days is normal. If redness, swelling, heat or pain gets worse instead of better, or you notice pus, red streaks or a fever, contact a healthcare provider promptly and let me know.

No. The form sends a request. I'll reply by email, and your appointment is only booked once we've confirmed the details there.

The more detail the better: the subject, style, size, placement and any reference photos. A budget range helps me plan a design that fits.

You need to be at least 18, and you'll need to show a valid photo ID at your appointment.