FAQs

DRAGON TRAX TATTOO & PIERCING STUDIO

FAQs

TATTOO AFTERCARE

Some of our most frequently asked questions concern aftercare. There are as many different aftercare procedures as there are shops. Here are our suggestions. Always remember to wash your hands before touching or cleaning your new tattoo.

1. Remember that your tattoo is a wound. It needs to be kept clean. We recommend washing with cool water and antibacterial soap three times a day for the first two weeks.

2. Moisturize tattoo sparingly four to five times a day with the lotion provided by your artist. (When this runs out, any low fragrance lotion will do.) Remember to rub it in well.

3. Don't soak your new tattoo! No pool, no hot tub, no beach for two weeks.

4. Keep out of the sun.

5. Do not pick or scratch.

A small amount of pain and redness are normal; however, if your tattoo becomes inflamed, feverish or oozes (these can be signs of infection), check with your artist and they will be able to tell you whether you need to see a physician or change your aftercare. We can't stress enough that if you trusted your artist enough to put on your tattoo, you should also trust them enough to follow their aftercare advice. Good aftercare is your responsibility and the results show. Many great tattoos have been compromised by poor aftercare. Your art has been applied by a trained professional, your aftercare has been compiled by years of experience and follows the latest scientific technology. Use it. how your friend did it is not nessecariliy the most effective or the safest way to care for your ink..if you wouldn't let your pal tattoo on you then you shouldn't let them give you aftercare advice either!..it's not their job, or their skin!

BASIC PIERCING AFTERCARE

Remember that your piercing is a wound and needs to be kept clean and dry. Always remember to wash your hands before touching and cleaning your piercing.

1. Wash your new piercing three times daily with antibacterial soap. When you shower, make sure that you wash your piercing last, after using shampoo and conditioner.

2. Sea salt soaks three to four times daily.

3. If it's a facial piercing, keep makeup and hairspray away from piercing site.

4. Keep in mind that different piercings have different healing times. They can range anywhere from three weeks to almost a year. Your artist will be able to tell you the healing time for your particular piercing.

5. If you can't wear cheap jewelry in your ears, chances are you won't be able to wear them in your body piercings, except for short periods of time, either.

6. Each piercing requires slightly different aftercare. Your artist will give you an aftercare sheet tailored to your particular piercing. Follow the instructions.

Absolutely no alcohol or peroxide is to be used on a new piercing! They are extremely drying and can cause your piercing to split.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Here are a few suggestions to make your tattoo or piercing experience as enjoyable as possible.

1. Make an appointment for both your consultation and your tattoo.

2. Always get a good night's sleep the night before.

3. Eat something before you go.

4. Keep in mind that tattoo shops are boring and can be dangerous for small children. If you're planning on getting a tattoo, get a sitter.

5. Have at least some idea of what you want and where you want it. Your artist has to have something to work with.

6. Wear comfortable clothing that won't get in the way of where you want your tattoo, i.e., don't wear a long-sleeved, tight shirt if you want a tattoo on your upper arm.

7. You can't rush a good tattoo, so be prepared to stay a while if you're getting a large piece.

8. Remember that most artists will gratefully accept tips.

9. Keep in mind that tattoo artists are not printers or copiers and that natural variations will occur according to your skin tone, choice of placement, colors used and design, hence the need for a consultation.

10. Be prepared for a little pain, but understand that you MUST be still! It's impossible to have beautiful, solid lines on a client who is flopping like a fish.

11. Understand that if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you will NOT be tattooed!

A tattoo shop is a business. You don't go to the grocery store and try to get them to take $3 for a $10 ham, so don't try to bargain down the price your artist has given you. It's insulting.

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