Bare Knuckle Tattoo

Helpful Information For First Timers!

When do we draw for the tattoo?

We usually draw up your tattoo a day or so before the start date of the project. We cannot draw sooner. Each day is dedicated to the clients scheduled for those days. You get your day as well. Any reference pictures you have to help us understand what you'd like are appreciated and can be linked in email direct to your artist. We will have a rough draft ready the day of the appointment and you will see it in person. Changes can be made on the spot and are not an issue.

How does a cover up work?

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Cover ups can be difficult and require trust between artist and client. What you want vs what's possible are often 2 different things and if in the process of design we feel it's not going to work, I will let you know. Cover ups are dictated by what will work well as a cover, so be flexible!

Why do I have to make a $40 deposit when I book?

A small deposit is required to book each appointment to hold the spot for you, and it comes off your total once your session is done. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance through the booking website. It's very easy to use. Cancels will be automatically refunded through PayPal if the cancel is before 24 hrs. PayPal can take a few days please be patient if so. We prefer cash as payment. There is an ATM at the shop if needed. Here is the link for booking:

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https://bookedin.com/book/bare-knuckle-tattoo

What if I need to change the design?

Changes can be made during the appointment. If I think something won't tattoo well, or won't age well, I will let you know. Its not hard to make small changes.

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How do I take care of my tattoo?

Aftercare is easy! We will apply a bandage (saniderm) and that bandage will stay on for 3-5 days. After the bandage removal, you will need to wash your tattoo 2xs a day with unscented soap, then apply unscented lotion 3-5 times a day. Rub the lotion in with clean hands. The tattoo will start to peel after about a week, this is natural. Once the peeling is done, the tattoo is healed. Some clients heal within 7 days, other can take up to 3 weeks. 

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If Saniderm is not used, plastic wrap will be applied. The plastic needs to come off before the 24-hour mark and regular after care should start immediately. Wash 2 times a day and apply lotion 3-5 times a day for up to 3 weeks. 

Scabbing can happen and is likely to happen in sensitive areas and areas that have friction from clothes, movement etc. Please do not pick. The scabs will come off naturally and the tattoo underneath will be fine. Picking can cause too much of the scab root to come out, taking ink with it. 

Bruising is also a common and minor complication that will go away on its own. We stretch and pull the skin as we tattoo. Theres also trauma from the tattooing itself. Most complications like bruising and scabbing are very minor and just need to be left alone aside from regular aftercare. 

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Extra tips for the beginner tattooee: 

Get Hydrated

Stay hydrated leading up to your tattoo session. While it’s generally advisable to stay hydrated at all times to maintain proper bodily function and good health, it’s especially important when you are getting a tattoo.

Staying well hydrated makes your skin more resilient, which will allow it to endure longer tattoo sessions, and help you heal faster following your tattoo session.

Moisturize

Just as you should hydrate your skin from the inside by drinking water, so too should you hydrate your skin from the outside with moisturizer.

Lotion your skin once or twice a day for the week leading up to your tattoo session. Keeping your skin hydrated is one of the most critical measures to take because it makes it easier on you and the tattoo artist. Please don’t moisturize right before your session, however, as this could affect the tattoo machines function.

Shave

Shave the area where you will be tattooed to create the smoothest possible surface to work on. If you aren’t used to shaving, ask someone you know who shaves regularly for assistance or your tattoo artist will do it for you. A cut or perforation of the skin, no matter how minor, could make it impossible for you to get tattooed on schedule, so pay careful attention not to break the skin during a shave.

A small amount of light body hair or peach fuzz is acceptable, but for ideal results it’s best to have no trace of hair. If you opt for waxing, make sure you do it well in advance of the date you will get your tattoo, but not so far away that your hair will have time to grow back. Your skin needs time to heal after a wax before you can get a tattoo.

Remember, after you shave it’s important to moisturize the skin to keep it healthy and ready for a tattoo session. Avoid using alcohol-based aftershave to moisturize because it dries out your skin.

Exfoliate

Removing impurities from the pores in your skin is another way of making the procedure more comfortable for you and easier for your tattoo artist. Exfoliate gently without irritating the skin by using a loofah or an over-the-counter exfoliant. Exfoliating will help the moisturizer do it’s work.

Rest

Get a good night’s sleep before your tattoo session. Head to bed early and don’t imbibe any alcohol or drugs the night before. You’ll want to be well rested before getting a piece of permanent body art.

Eat

Make sure to eat a healthy, balanced meal before heading to your tattoo session. It’s not uncommon for people to lose their appetite from nerves then pass out from fatigue in the tattoo chair. Although it may seem as though your body just lays idle while you’re getting a tattoo, it actually exerts a great deal of energy during the tattoo process. Besides, when you are hungry, pain management becomes more difficult, making the tattoo process more unpleasant for everyone. Be especially mindful to eat before a long tattoo session.

Bring Snacks (For Longer Sessions)

If you are getting a larger piece done and have scheduled in a longer session, be sure to bring a light snack at the very least. A snack comes in handy if you get hungry or want a way to distract yourself from an especially uncomfortable portion of the tattooing process. Choose a snack that isn’t messy and can be eaten with one hand.

Depending on where you’re get your tattoo done, you may get a short break during longer tattoo sessions. These breaks typically aren’t long enough to afford you the time to go out to eat. Regardless, you shouldn’t leave the parlour during a tattoo session to avoid contamination.

Please inform your artist if you’re injured or sick. 

If you sustain any injury or illness leading up to your scheduled tattoo session, call your tattoo artist immediately to reschedule your appointment .

What Not to Do Before a Tattoo Session

Tattoos won’t heal well on freshly damaged skin, so anything which causes damage to the skin must be avoided. That includes getting a tan, a fake tan, a sunburn, a chemical peel, or any cuts or scrapes. Numbing cream can be damaging to the skin. Please do not apply prior to the appointment. 

Dress Appropriately

Dress comfortably and appropriately. Prepare for a long session and dress accordingly. Avoid tight and constricting clothing. Pay some mind to where you will be getting tattooed and make sure the clothing you wear leaves the area easily accessible. 

Bring Entertainment

Getting a tattoo is exciting, but getting tattooed can get boring. Bringing some non-intrusive entertainment which won’t disrupt your tattoo artist is a great way to pass the time and distract yourself from the pain. You’re more than welcome to bring portable entertainment like a tablet or laptop for some passive entertainment. Movies, music but anything which requires motion – like playing video games – is not permitted, so leave the portable games at home.

Don’t Rush

When you come in to get a tattoo done, relax and let the artist take their time. Don’t schedule commitments immediately after your tattoo session. If you are in a rush you will create an air of urgency, and your tattoo artist’s work may be affected.

Be Sober

While it is acceptable to take over-the-counter pain relievers during your tattoo session, never use drugs or alcohol to numb the pain as they can lead to various complications and jeopardize your safety and the quality of your tattoo.

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Hope it was helpful and see you in your session!