The tattooing process doesn't end after you've left the shop -
proper aftercare will keep your new piece healthy and beautiful in the years to come.

DURING ACTIVE HEALING

- Keep bandages on for 4-7 days (maximum: 7). If the bandage starts to peel off in less than 24 hours, DO NOT attempt to re-bandage - instead, remove the bandage and follow normal aftercare with slight adjustments for risk reduction. Generally speaking, the sooner a tattoo is exposed, the more careful you need to be.- Showering with the bandage is safe, but refrain from soaking the tattoo under bath water or participating in water-based activities until the piece is fully healed.- Blood and plasma will collect underneath your bandage and may start to feel "stiff" as it hardens - there's no need to fret, this means the bandage is doing its job!- When removing the bandage, wash your hands and then gently pull at the edges, following the length of the adhesive. Do not forcefully yank or rip the bandage off.- Once removed, gently wash with unscented soap. If the bandage has been on for at least 4 days, you can now moisturize twice a day with a scent-free moisturizer. If the bandage has come off in LESS THAN 4 days, simply wash and leave to dry and scab; once a layer of scabs have formed, then you can proceed to moisturize.- Recommended moisturizers are Lubriderm, Aveeno, and Vitamin E creams/oil. Do NOT use any Vaseline or petroleum-based products; do NOT use Polysporin unless advised by a doctor. Do NOT over-moisturize or excessively wash - excessive moisture can create a breeding ground for bacteria, and the scabs can become "soggy" and fall off prematurely.- Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight - you don't want a sunburn on top of a healing tattoo! If you have to be out in the sun, wear lightweight clothing on top of the tattooed area to reduce UV exposure.- Keep your fingers to yourself! Until your tattoo has healed past its scabbing stage, it's still an open wound. Don't touch your tattoo unless it's to clean/moisturize it, don't pick at the scabs, don't let pets or children interact with it, and most importantly - don't scratch! Instead, gently pat it with your palm, or apply another light round of moisturizer for those really insistent itches.

OTHER HELPFUL TIPS

- You may notice some sticky residue following the removal of your bandage; this will not hurt the tattoo, but forcefully scrubbing it and soaking it in an attempt to remove it will. Please bear with it and follow your normal aftercare routine of daily washing and moisturizing - the residue will eventually disappear after 1-3 days.- Even after the scabbing has subsided, your tattoo may take on a 'shiny' appearance. This is simply your newly healed skin! Your tattoo will eventually resemble your normal complexion as your tattoo continues to heal and age. This process can take anywhere from 4-8 weeks (active healing time included) but it may very depending on your skin.- It's not uncommon to feel "icky" in the hours after you've completed a tattoo session. We call this the "tattoo flu", which is often a symptom of crashing adrenaline levels and low blood sugars (especially if you've just sat through a big session!) To mitigate this, we highly recommend relaxing as much as necessary after your session; take a nap, drink water, and eat some carb-heavy comfort foods - some of my personal favorite post-tattoo meals are mac & cheese, chicken noodle soup, and poutine!

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:Q: Where are you currently located?A: I'm currently working out of Crystalhead Tattoo, located on Dundonald Street above the Happy Baker in Fredericton, New Brunswick.Q: What's the best way to book with you? Do I have to use the booking form?A: The form is the most concise way of booking with me as it goes over all the guidelines and procedures that I would go over with you anyways in direct messaging. That said, if you don't want to use the form or if you happen to message me without realizing the form is even there, no harm no foul. With or without a form the booking process is still handled largely through DM's / email :)Q: Will you be at [insert expo/market here]?A: I will list all my upcoming shows on the front page and on my socials. If you don't see a show listed yet, it's probably because my attendance hasn't been announced yet, or I am simply not attending it.

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