Q.) How do I prepare for my appointment?

A.) Drink plenty of water, eat a decent meal, and try to get a good night’s sleep! I also heavily recommend moisturizing and exfoliating the area that will be getting tattooed daily the week prior. Try purchasing your soap and aftercare ointment prior to the appointment so it’s ready to go for when you arrive back home.

Q.) What should I bring?

A.) Photo ID, water bottle, headphones/book (if you’d like), a face mask (optional), snack, and wear clothing that will be conducive to where you’re getting tattooed.

Q.) Can I bring someone?

A.) I have a small studio with little extra space, so please only bring an additional person if absolutely necessary.

Q.) Do you take card?

A.) Yes! I take all forms of card, but prefer cash, Venmo, or Zelle if possible.

Q.) How do you charge?

A.) I charge per piece, and pricing is dependent on size, design needs, location, and in particular, how many hours it will take to complete the tattoo. I figure this around a rate of $180/hour. My minimum is $250.

Q.) Do you provide the drawing beforehand?

A.) Not typically. Unless it’s a very large piece such as a sleeve or leg project, I will present the drawing at the beginning of the tattoo session. I leave extra time at the beginning of the session to make adjustments or changes as needed (which I’m totally open to, just communicate with me!).

Q.) What lotions or products should I use for my fresh tattoo?

A.) Cocoa Butter, Hustle Butter, Mad Rabbit products, or a majority of tattoo balms are great (but try to make sure that the product you buy has positive online reviews and check for allergens.) Aquaphor is fine when used in very small amounts. Over-use of Aquaphor can cause the tattoo ink to spread under the skin and acne on the tattooed area, so please only use a VERY small amount, infrequently, when using this option. After the first 5-7 days of initial tattoo care, you can switch to an unscented lotion for prolonged use.

IF YOUR TATTOO IS SARAN WRAPPED:

1.) 1-2 hours after tattoo, wash hands well and remove wrap.

2.) Gently wash the tattooed area with warm water and antibacterial soap.

3.) After washing, pat dry with a clean paper towel or air dry.

4.) Once dry, moisturize the tattoo with a very small amount of Cocoa Butter/Hustle Butter, or other tattoo specific aftercare cream (note: refrain from using Vaseline, A&D, Aloe Vera, etc.). Aquaphor is ok in very small amounts.

5.) Moisturize and clean as needed throughout the healing. Avoid over-moisturizing (it’s better to let the tattoo be a little dry rather than being heavily coated with moisturizer).

Avoid: Bodies of water and baths (showers are preferred), touching or allowing others to touch the tattoo, picking at tattoo scabs, pet contact to tattoo, using excessive moisturizer.

IF YOUR TATTOO HAS SANIDERM/RECOVERY SHIELD ON:

1.) Leave on for at minimum 24 hours and maximum 3-5 days. Remove wrap in shower and gently roll off wrap. Wash area well and lightly moisturize. If irritation occurs or the wrap peels up to expose the tattoo, remove wrap immediately.

Note: Do not attempt to rip the Saniderm off with force, this can damage your skin and fresh tattoo (and hurt!).

If you are allergic to latex or adhesive, Saniderm is not recommended.

Avoid: Bodies of water and baths (showers are preferred). Do not pierce or force out fluid accumulation in bandage, as this will compromise the wrap.

Touchup Policy: 1 free touchup session can occur if needed within 6 months of receiving the tattoo. Please contact Sam for touchups, questions, or concerns to samchasetattoos@gmail.com