The Ultimate Guide to Your Tattoo & PMU Experience

Welcome to the Inktolerant Art family! Getting a new tattoo or permanent makeup (PMU) is an exciting journey. Whether it's your first time or you're adding to your collection, the key to a beautiful, lasting result lies in proper preparation and dedicated aftercare.

This guide covers everything you need to know for both traditional body tattoos and permanent makeup procedures like eyebrow, eyeliner, and lip blush tattoos. While the canvases are different, the core principles of skin preparation and healing are remarkably similar.

Part 1: Before Your Appointment — The Preparation Phase

Proper preparation ensures your skin is in the best possible condition to receive pigment. This leads to a smoother process, better ink retention, and a more comfortable experience for you.

One Week Before:

• Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment. Hydrated skin is healthy skin.
• Moisturize the Area: Gently moisturize the area to be tattooed daily. However, do not apply any lotion or oil on the day of your appointment.
• Avoid Sun Exposure: Do not arrive with a sunburn or freshly tanned skin. Damaged skin cannot be tattooed, and your appointment will need to be rescheduled.

24-48 Hours Before:

• AVOID Alcohol: Alcohol thins the blood, which can lead to excessive bleeding during the procedure. This can push the ink out and result in a faded, poorly healed tattoo.
• AVOID Blood Thinners: Avoid medications like Aspirin and Ibuprofen, as well as supplements like Fish Oil and Vitamin E. If you are on prescription blood thinners, please consult your doctor before booking.
• Limit Caffeine: Excessive caffeine can increase sensitivity and jitteriness. A single cup of coffee in the morning is fine, but avoid overdoing it.
• Get a Good Night's Sleep: Being well-rested will help you manage discomfort and sit more comfortably for the duration of your session.

On the Day of Your Appointment:

• Eat a Solid Meal: Eat a good meal 1-2 hours before your session to keep your blood sugar stable.
• Arrive with Clean Skin: The area should be clean and free of any makeup, lotion, or perfume.
• Dress Comfortably & Appropriately: Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed. Darker colors are recommended to avoid ink stains.

Part 2: The Process — What to Expect on the Day

We prioritize your comfort, safety, and satisfaction. Here’s a step-by-step look at what happens during your appointment.

1. Consultation & Finalization: We will review the design, size, and placement with you one last time. For tattoos, we'll apply a stencil to your skin so you can see exactly how it will look. For PMU, we will map and draw the shape for your final approval. Nothing begins until you are 100% happy.
2. Hygiene & Station Setup: Your safety is our top priority. Our station will be thoroughly disinfected. We use single-use, pre-sterilized needles and disposable equipment, which are opened in front of you.
3. The Application: A specialized machine with fine, sterile needles will be used to deposit pigment into the dermal layer of your skin. The sensation varies, but we will do everything we can to ensure you are comfortable.
4. The Reveal & Initial Wrap: Once complete, we will clean the area and show you your new art! We will then apply a protective barrier and provide you with specific aftercare instructions.

Part 3: Aftercare — Healing Your New Art

The healing phase is the most critical part of the process. How you care for your new tattoo or PMU in the following weeks will determine its final appearance and longevity.

The First 24 Hours

• The Wrap: Follow your artist's specific instructions for how long to keep the initial wrap on (typically 2-4 hours for a traditional wrap, or 3-5 days for a clear film like Saniderm).
• The First Wash: Once the wrap is removed, wash the area gently with your fingertips using lukewarm water and a fragrance-free, mild soap. Pat it dry carefully with a clean paper towel.

The First 2 Weeks (The "Peeling" Phase)

• Washing & Moisturizing: Wash the area 1-2 times daily. After washing and patting dry, apply a very thin layer of the recommended aftercare ointment. Do not over-saturate it; your skin needs to breathe.
• Itching & Peeling is NORMAL: Your skin will begin to flake and peel. DO NOT SCRATCH, PICK, OR PEEL THE FLAKES. Doing so can pull out ink and lead to scarring.

Weeks 2-6 (The "Dull" Phase)

• Your tattoo may look cloudy or dull as a final, thin layer of skin heals over the top. This is completely normal and temporary. The true, vibrant colors will settle in after about 4-6 weeks.

Part 4: What to AVOID During Healing

To ensure perfect healing, please avoid the following for at least 2-3 weeks:

• NO Soaking: Avoid baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, and oceans.
• NO Sun Exposure: Do not expose your new tattoo or PMU to direct sunlight or tanning beds.
• NO Picking or Scratching: This is the most important rule. Let the flakes fall off naturally.
• NO Friction: Avoid tight clothing that might rub against your new tattoo.
• NO Harsh Products: Do not use scented lotions or exfoliants on the healing area.

Long-Term Care — Protecting Your Investment

• Sunscreen is Your Best Friend: Once fully healed, always apply a high-SPF (30+) sunscreen to your tattoo or PMU when it will be exposed to the sun. UV rays are the #1 cause of fading.
• Moisturize Regularly: Healthy, hydrated skin displays ink beautifully.

If you have any questions or concerns during your healing process, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Ready to start your art journey? Contact Us to Book!