top of page
TATTOO AFTERCARE
Traditional Healing FAQs
Appointments are strongly recommended, especially for custom, large-scale, or cover-up tattoos.
Walk-ins may be accepted when availability allows and are typically limited to smaller tattoos that can be completed in 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on complexity.
I focus on creating original, custom work. If a design can be created on the spot, I’m happy to do so with some artistic flexibility. If a design requires a full redesign or more detailed planning, an appointment is recommended.
Cover-up tattoos usually require an appointment and in-person consultation to properly assess the existing tattoo and skin condition.
Walk-in availability varies day to day. A quick text or email during business hours is the best way to check availability.
All tattoos are booked by appointment only to ensure each piece receives proper planning and attention.
To get started, please fill out the consultation form linked on this website. Include details such as your idea, placement, size, reference images, and availability.
Once your form is reviewed, you’ll receive a response with next steps, availability, and an estimate range if applicable.
Book a consultation here:
https://www.lotattoosftw.com/tattoo-request(https://www.lotattoosftw.com/tattoo-request)
Yes, consultations are recommended and required for most appointments, especially for custom, large-scale, or cover-up tattoos.
During a consultation, we’ll discuss your idea, placement, size, style, and overall vision. Pricing, scheduling, and the overall process are also explained so expectations are clear before moving forward. I take detailed notes to reference throughout the design and tattooing process.
Smaller tattoos, generally 1–10 inches, can often be completed in a single session and you’ll see immediate results. Larger or more detailed projects. such as sleeves, leg panels, full back pieces, or full torso tattoos. usually take multiple sessions to complete. With larger work, progress may not be fully visible until the second or third session. This is normal and part of the process.
Completion time depends on the size, design, and also client consistency. Trusting the process and showing up consistently leads to the best final result.
Photo references are encouraged for consultations. They help communicate the look and feel you’re aiming for. I may use one, several, or none of the references provided, and artistic freedom is appreciated, as it allows me to create something unique and tailored to you.
All details are reviewed during your consultation so there are no surprises on the day of your appointment.
I specialize in custom tattooing by appointment, including black and grey, color realism, cover-ups, and large-scale projects. Each tattoo is designed specifically for the client based on a consultation and proper planning.
Walk-ins may be accepted when availability allows, but they are typically limited to smaller tattoos that can be completed the same day. Walk-in availability varies from day to day, so it’s best to contact me directly before stopping by.
I also offer commissioned artwork upon request, including drawings and paintings on canvas or paper. Pricing varies depending on the size, complexity, and scope of the project.
All tattoo pricing and project details are discussed during the consultation to ensure clear expectations before booking.
I primarily work by appointment, and my schedule may vary depending on booked sessions, consultations, and project planning.
Because availability can change from day to day, I recommend contacting me directly before stopping by the shop. This ensures I’m available and able to give you the time and attention your project deserves.
Consultations are required for all appointments and are preferably done in person. This allows us to go over ideas, sizing, placement, and expectations in detail. Deposits are collected after the consultation to secure your appointment.
If an in-person consultation isn’t possible, a FaceTime or Zoom consultation can be arranged as an alternative.
Availability is by appointment and varies daily.
Yes. A deposit is required to secure all tattoo appointments.
• Deposits go toward the total cost of your tattoo. They are not an extra charge.
• For multi-session tattoos, the deposit is applied to the final session.
• Deposits secure your date and time and show commitment to the appointment.
• Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Rescheduling requires at least 48 hours’ notice. No-shows or late cancellations result in forfeiture of the deposit.
Deposits are typically collected after your consultation, either in person or remotely.
You’re welcome to bring one guest with you if needed. Please be mindful that space may be limited and the tattoo process requires focus.
Children are welcome during consultations, but are not permitted on the day of your tattoo appointment. Tattoo sessions involve equipment and procedures that require a calm, controlled environment for everyone’s safety and comfort.
If you have any questions or special circumstances, feel free to reach out ahead of time.
• Leave the bandage on for 3–12 hours as instructed.
• Wash your tattoo gently with lukewarm water and fragrance-free antibacterial soap.
• Pat dry with a clean paper towel and allow the tattoo to air-dry.
• Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion. Do not over-apply.
• Clean and moisturize 2 times daily for the first 3–5 days.
• Peeling, dryness, and itching are normal during healing.
• Once peeling begins, continue using a light, fragrance-free lotion as needed.
• Do not pick, scratch, or peel the tattoo.
• Avoid soaking the tattoo. No pools, hot tubs, or baths until fully healed.
• Avoid direct sun exposure during healing.
• If the tattoo feels slimy or overly moist, clean it gently, allow it to fully dry, and reduce product use.
• If you have any concerns during the healing process, contact me directly.
• Once all flaking and peeling has finished, normal activities in water may be resumed.
• Sunscreen may be used after the tattoo has fully healed. When outdoors or swimming, apply a minimum of SPF 60 and reapply every two hours. Sun exposure will fade tattoos over time.
• Avoid intentional tanning. If exposed to sun, always protect the tattoo with high SPF.
• Light to moderate cardio may be resumed after peeling is complete. Heavier training involving the tattooed area should wait approximately 3–4 weeks.
• Keep the skin moisturized and stay well hydrated to maintain the appearance of your tattoo. Healthy skin helps tattoos heal and age better.
• Do not submerge or soak your tattoo. Avoid pools, hot tubs, baths, lakes, and oceans until all flaking and peeling has fully stopped.
• Do not expose your tattoo to direct sunlight or tanning beds while healing.
• Do not pick, scratch, or peel the tattoo. Let it heal naturally.
• Do not over-moisturize. Too much lotion can slow healing and cause irritation.
• Do not wear tight, abrasive clothing over the tattooed area.
• Do not resume heavy workouts or activities that cause excessive sweating, especially if the tattoo is in a high-friction or sweat-prone area.
• Do not use fragranced products, petroleum-based products, or harsh chemicals on the tattoo.
A slimy feeling usually means there is too much moisture on the tattoo.
• Gently clean the tattoo with lukewarm water and fragrance-free antibacterial soap.
• Pat dry with a clean paper towel and allow it to fully air-dry.
• Reduce the amount of lotion you are using. Apply a very light layer only as needed.
• Avoid over-washing or over-moisturizing.
If you notice excessive redness, swelling, unusual pain, pus, or signs of infection, stop applying products and contact me directly as soon as possible so we can assess it.
Saniderm Aftercare FAQs
General Questions
Designed with tattoos in mind, Saniderm is a vegan polyurethane acrylic adhesive medical bandage. Saniderm tattoo bandages are breathable and flexible, yet durable enough to protect your tattoos from outside irritants. Saniderm also plays an important role in tattoo aftercare by sealing in the fluids that your body secretes during the healing process, further promoting regeneration. The medical community commonly uses products similar to Saniderm for aiding in the healing of cuts, burns and road rash.
When you get a tattoo, you are essentially giving yourself a wound. Our bodies naturally produce healing elements to break down dead tissue and rebuild new tissue when it experiences injury — and under normal circumstances, these healing elements will dry up and evaporate quickly. When this happens, it hinders the healing process and can cause scabbing, scarring and discoloration. Saniderm’s tattoo bandage seals in the body’s natural moisture and healing enzymes, allowing the body to regenerate more efficiently. Additionally, airborne bacteria can penetrate through your broken skin after you get tattooed. For this reason, it’s important to cover the tattoo with a bandage or dressing. We advise against using saran wrap, as it can suffocate your tattoo. By design, Saniderm’s tattoo bandage is permeable enough for oxygen and water vapor to pass through. This is important, as it allows the wounded area to maintain optimal levels of breathability. Additionally, Saniderm protects against dirt and germs, while offering protection from friction and other irritants that may further interfere with the healing process.
Remove the Saniderm in a warm shower. The warmth will loosen the adhesive and make it easier to remove. Find an edge of the Saniderm and slowly pull it back over itself in the direction of hair growth. Pulling upward on the Saniderm can be painful, so we don’t recommend it. If you’re having trouble removing the Saniderm, use Opti-Scrub Antimicrobial Soap to loosen the bandage.
Clean your tattoo with Antimicrobial Soap and warm water. Do not use bar soap, loofahs, rags or sponges as they harbor bacteria. Lather with soap first, then wash using your palm, gently removing any slimy residue. Rinse with cold water and pat dry with a clean paper towel, then allow it to air-dry for 10 minutes.
Sparingly, but thoroughly, massage a very small amount of Tattoo Aftercare into the skin to keep the tattoo slightly moist, but not smothered. Do this every four to six hours (washing before each application). Use just enough to give the tattoo a slightly satin shine, and blot with a clean paper towel. Your skin will take in all it needs, so do not leave excessive ointment on the skin. Ensure that extra moisture doesn’t get trapped under the aftercare products by blotting and air-drying after every washing. Do not use petroleum jelly or products containing petroleum (e.g. Vaseline, Aquaphor, etc.).
Your tattoo will start to peel, similar to a sunburn. Do not pick or scratch at the cracked and flaking skin.
At this point, do not apply any more ointment. The area will become dry and itchy. Aftercare lotion can now be used three to four times daily, for at least two weeks, instead of the ointment. Repeat each day until the skin returns to its normal texture and elasticity.
If you feel a heavier lotion is required to prevent over-drying in-between application (physically dry to the touch and not just skin that feels tight), you may either apply additional Avocado Oil to the driest areas or switch up to a heavier lotion like Lubriderm for Normal to Dry, or Dry Skin.
Contact me as soon as possible.
Scabs are the body’s natural way of protecting wounds while they are healing. However, it is important to maintain the appropriate aftercare to prevent scabs from forming as they can prolong and complicate the healing process, which can lead to uneven healing and even scarring. If scabs do form, once the tattoo is in the full peeling phase, sparingly apply lotion to the entire area making sure to thoroughly massage and not over apply or soak scabs with lotion. Any developed scabs should not be picked at or prematurely removed. If you get any pimples in the area tattooed during this phase, you need to decrease lotion application times or switch down to a lighter lotion.
Contact me as soon as possible.
You may have heat rash, a skin condition caused by blocked sweat ducts and trapped sweat beneath the skin. Heat rash usually clears on its own but you can help relieve symptoms by cooling your skin and preventing sweating. If your symptoms last longer than a few days, the rash seems to be getting worse, or you notice signs of infection, contact a trained physician.
Saniderm is both latex free and hypoallergenic, so allergic reactions are very rare. However, some people may have sensitive skin or allergies to adhesives. If you do experience a rash, abnormal skin irritation, or other symptoms of an allergic reaction, discontinue use and wash with mild soap. Similarly, consult a physician if necessary, and never use Saniderm on infected skin!
• After all flaking and peeling is gone, normal activities in water can be resumed.
• The use of sunblock on the tattooed area may be resumed after all the flaking and peeling is gone. When in the sun or swimming, it is vital to apply and allow to dry, a sunblock of at least 60 SPF every two (2) hours as listed by FDA regulations. Please be aware that sunblock of 100 SPF and higher is available. Sun burning will permanently damage and fade your healed tattoo
• Intentionally tanning your skin will make tattoos look dingy. If you must tan, use a minimum of 60 SPF on your tattoos even if you choose to use other methods for the rest of your non-tattooed skin.
• After all flaking and peeling is gone, light to moderate cardio may be resumed. However, muscle specific training involving the tattooed area may be resumed when the collagen returns to the area. This takes roughly three (3) to four (4) weeks to allow for complete return of elasticity to the skin.
• Daily moisturizing and staying hydrated (8 glasses of water a day – 64 fl. oz. or 2 liters) keeps the skin healthy which inevitably keeps the tattoo looking good. The healthier the skin, the better the tattoo will look. Exfoliating and/or shaving/trimming the hair on the tattoo can also keep the tattoo looking better.
• The healing tattoo should never be submerged or soaked in water. You should also avoid saunas or other steamy and sweaty environments until the tattoo has finished flaking and peeling. Therefore, limit yourself to only short showers that DO NOT allow steam to build up on bathroom mirrors.
• Do not swim until the flaking and peeling are all gone naturally by itself. Usually, this takes around two (2) to three (3) weeks. The Texas health department lists that there should be at least a two (2) week waiting period.
• While your tattoo is healing, do not allow it to be exposed to sun or other forms of UVA/UVB radiation including tanning beds. This significantly increases your risk of scaring as the tattooed area is still an open wound. Also be aware that there is an increased risk to skin cancer as the skin is highly vulnerable in any healing condition.
• Refrain from any workout or physical activity heavier than walking, especially in cases where the new tattoo is in a direct sweat zone of the body. It is also important that a fresh tattoo be kept out of the sun and dirty environments, as it is still an open wound.
bottom of page