Tattoo Tips, Care, and FAQs
I emailed about my tattoo now what?
1.
Please wait up to 7 days for a response. The response will include any follow up questions I have about your tattoo, a quote range, and booking time. If you don’t get a quote immediately, that means I need a few more questions answered to before I can give you an accurate estimate.
It’s been over a week since I emailed…
2.
If you have not received a response, please email me again at grayweaver.tattoo@gmail.com. If I have not responded, your email may have been lost to the void or sent to spam. If you still are not getting a response please message me on Instagram or email info@splashtattoos.com to request me. You will always receive a response from me even if I decline the project.
How do I book my tattoo?
3.
Once I have determined your quote, you will be directed to call Splash of Color to book the session and pay the deposit. A quote from me is needed before you can schedule with Splash of Color.
Deposits must be made directly to Splash of Color, not over Venmo or any other cash app service. I will always direct you to call Splash of Color Tattoos and Piercings in East Lansing, MI at #517.333.0990
Can I book a consultation before my tattoo?
4.
I would be happy to book you a free 30 minute in person consultation for us to discuss your tattoo idea and concerns. Sometimes you just need to read my vibe, and I full support that!
For a consultation, please call Splash of Color in East Lansing at #517.333.0990 and schedule with the counter staff.
I booked my tattoo now what? How should I prepare? Should I bring anything?
5.
Please shower before your tattoo and wear clean clothes.
Hydrate with water and electrolytes. Eat well, sleep well, moisturize, and pack some snacks. Bring distractions like headphones or a buddy to help you through your tattoo appointment. My booth is a phone sound off space, and I appreciate you planning ahead with headphones. I’m happy to chat as well!
Again, please shower before your tattoo and wear clean clothes.
I rarely drink water… there’s water in coffee and energy drinks right?
6.
Coffee, energy drinks, sodas, and alcohol dehydrate you and your blood. Please avoid these at least 24hrs before and after your tattoo. Bring water, electrolytes, juices, and sugary snacks like candy or chips to also keep your blood sugar up.
Your body is working hard to heal your tattoo. Help it by hydrating and eating well before, during, and after your appointment
Why do I have to moisturize? I hate the feeling of lotion…
7.
Moisturized skin will get you the best tattoo outcome possible. Trying to tattoo through a thick layer of dead dry skin is difficult.
Set yourself up for success before your tattoo by:
Moisturizing the area once a day, for at least a full week before your appointment.
Exfoliating the area before your appointment (in the shower is easiest.)
After your tattoo is finished:
Follow the aftercare steps provided below.
Do I need to shave before my tattoo appointment?
8.
No! Everyone has hair all over their bodies. Hair is normal. Hair is cool. You can absolutely help save time at your appointment by shaving beforehand. I can also shave the area when you come in.
What does a tattoo feel like?
9.
This is a very subjective question as no two people are going to have the same experience.
The most common sensation that people describe is similar to a cat scratch or scratching a sunburn.
What should I wear to my appointment?
10.
Please wear clean clothing with easy access to your tattoo area. Please avoid wearing restrictive clothing over a fresh tattoo.
Most people get cold during their tattoo. Consider wearing layers and bringing something warm to cover up with. Zip up hoodies and buttons up are great options. Blankets are welcome if you think it’ll help you! (Please wash your blanket if you bring it into the shop.)
Please wear clean clothes and be showered for your appointment.
Where are you located and where do I park?
11.
Splash of Color is located at
515 E. Grand River Ave. F
East Lansing, MI 48823
We open the doors at 12noon directly.
Please remember to bring a valid ID to fill out paperwork when arriving.
You can find parking the closest behind the business strip by turning on Bailey St. to use the Bailey St. parking lot. We unfortunately do not validate parking. There is also the Division St. garage the next street over it is often referred to as the “hamster cage” and is bright orange and blue. You can enter the building via the alley in the back from any of these parking locations. The closest is the Bailey St. Parking Lot which faces the back of our business strip. You enter the stairwell to come up to the second floor via the stairs or elevator. When entering through the back door you will then navigate to the front of shop to find the counter staff to check in. You can also enter via the Grand River facing stairs for the front door.
I booked my tattoo but haven’t seen my artwork yet… when do I see my tattoo?
12.
You will see your tattoo design when you come in for your tattoo appointment. If adjustments are needed, I will make them with you. Our initial email communication is what I base the design on. If changes take longer than 30 minutes to revise, we may need to reschedule your tattoo appointment in order to change the design to what you desire.
If a reschedule is needed, a design fee of $100 for my time is needed. The deposit will go towards this design change time, and an additional deposit is needed for the reschedule.
If you would prefer to see the design before your appointment, a design fee is needed before I can share it with you. This fee starts at $100 and may change based on how large the piece is.
I have a tattoo now! How do I take care of it???
13.
Congratulations on your new tattoo! Thanks so much for letting me have the honor of tattooing you :)
Splash of Color currently uses a Hypafix bandage to cover your tattoo and keep any weeping (blood, ink, plasma) all inside against your tattoo and not leaking down your arm or leg. It is breathable and safe to shower in. Keep it on for anywhere between 2-5 days. Smaller tattoos don’t weep as much and can come off sooner. Bigger tattoos weep more and want to stay on longer.
If it is dry and itchy, take it off. If it leaks or peels up exposing the tattoo, take it off. If it is doing well and not leaking, keep it on. Do not leave on for more than 5 days.
To remove the bandage, do so under warm running water and gently pull and stretch the edges to release the adhesive. This can be a slow process. Be gentle with your skin and don’t just rip it off as that can irritate your skin or damage your tattoo. If there is adhesive left on your skin, gently massage your soap without water on the sticky parts to break up the adhesive. It will come off in a few days of care if not right away.
Keep your tattoo washed and moisturized twice a day with scent free and dye free soaps and lotions.
My bandage is itchy and red around the border…
14.
Take your bandage off. If it is itchy and dry or creating redness around the bandage, gently remove it under warm running water and stretch it away from your skin. Redness on the tattoo area is normal. Redness or red bumps around the bandaged skin means you have a sensitivity to the adhesive. Inform your artist and proceed with their recommendations.
The red irritated skin outside the tattoo should heal up within a few weeks.
What soap and lotion should I use to clean my new tattoo?
15.
Use any scent free dye free soaps and lotions. There are several store brands like CeraVe, Lubriderm, Aveeno, Dove, and others that have scent free dye free options for both. Please do not use anything like Bath and Body Works as they are loaded with chemicals not safe for your fresh tattoo.
Splash of Color has an aftercare pack of soap and lotion safe for your tattoo if you want what I personally use and recommend.
Do not use petroleum based products like Aquaphor or Vaseline or others. These do not add moisture they only create a barrier. Your new tattoo needs to breathe and cannot do so with those products.
Why shouldn’t I use Aquaphor?
16.
Please do not use any petroleum based products such as Aquaphor or Vaseline. These products create barriers intended to allow your skin to lock in its natural moisture. This is not good for a new tattoo that needs to breathe and heal. Use a light amount of scent free and dye free lotion to moisturize the first 6 weeks of your tattoos healing journey. After that, you may use whatever suits your skin best.
Why is my tattoo so itchy!?!
17.
Your skin is healing and this can be a dry process. Do not pick, peel, or scratch your new tattoo. Don’t scratch out or pick out any scaly flakes of ink because it can damage your tattoo leading to fall out or fading.
Moisturizing, gently caressing, or slapping your tattoo is a much safer option. If the itchiness persists, I like to place a clean paper towel over the tattoo or go over my clothing with an ice pack. The cold can help alleviate a lot of that itchy sensation. Do not ever place an ice pack directly onto any patch of skin. Or handle with bare hands. It’s dirty and can freezer burn your skin.
Why is my tattoo flaking and peeling off?
18.
After a few weeks your tattoo will dry up into some scaly shiny texture and start flaking the colored ink off. This is just the dead layer of skin flaking off as it heals underneath. Do not pick or peel them off intentionally as it may take more ink than necessary. If they flake off naturally during the washing or moisturizing stage that is okay just don’t intentionally pull at it. Keep it clean and leave it be.
My tattoo looks healed but is kinda faded…
19.
Give your new tattoo 6 weeks to settle into the skin. After that, if there is any significant fading contact your artist to ask about a touch up. I provide a free 1 hour touch up for work I’ve done within the last 6 weeks to 12 months.
I am always learning and getting better at my craft and am honored to be your chosen tattoo artist. I also hope to be allowed to remedy any fading or inconsistencies if they happen.
What if I plan to go swimming in the next 6 weeks?
20.
Do not submerge your new tattoo in any bodies of water within 6 weeks. Plan accordingly for trips involving beaches, lakes, pools, hot tubs, baths, etc. Showering is always allowed and encouraged. Just not submerging new tattoos (aka open wounds) into any body of water.
Think of all the human and fish pee and other bacterias that could be getting into your tattoo.
Can I suntan indoors or outside after my tattoo?
21.
Do not expose your new tattoo to any tanning source such as tanning beds or the sun. UV rays are the number one cause of not only skin cancer but of damaging and fading your tattoos. Avoid prolonged sun exposure for at least 6 weeks after your tattoo. Then use SPF after healed whenever possible on your tattoos and don’t forget your face as well.
Your skin is your largest organ that keeps you alive and going. Treat it well. Decorate it well.