Info

Appointment Instructions:

Congratulations on deciding to reward yourself with a new tattoo, and thank you for considering me! Now what? I provide free consultations (in fact, they’re preferred) for every tattoo. This will almost always be done in person, at Golden Spiral Studios. For long-distance out-of-towners, this can also be done over Skype or telephone when it is absolutely impossible for you to visit the shop. Once we figure out the style of the tattoo, size, and body placement, we will make an appointment to begin the tattoo!

For smaller tattoos, a $50 non-refundable deposit will need to be made upon setting an appointment. For full-day sessions, a $150 non-refundable deposit will need to be made. This deposit will come off the price of the tattoo. We do accept Visa/MC, but cash is always preferred!! A 48 hour notice is appreciated if you need to reschedule your appointment.

Pre-tattoo:

Getting a tattoo can often result in a lot of stress on your body. Be prepared. Eat a good meal before you come in, and be hydrated. Also, alcohol and certain drugs can thin your blood, so it’s best to avoid them for a couple days before the tattoo, if possible. Also, feel free to bring snacks and/or something to drink. For longer sessions, food breaks are perfectly acceptable. Your artist needs to eat too.

Aftercare:

Your tattoo will be bandaged upon completion. You only need to wear it for an hour or two but PLEASE wait until you get home to remove it, or make sure you’re at a place where you can wash it properly with the right soap. Do not go to the bar and peel it off there so you can show your buddies. You’ll be asking for an infected tattoo. Take aftercare seriously, please.

Aftercare may seem complicated at first, but it’s really quite simple. You have an open wound, treat it as such. WASH IT OFTEN with a mild, fragrance-free anti-bacterial soap. At least 3-5 times per day, depending on your activities. Bacteria is everywhere, including staph, especially with pets. It is even on other people at all times. Keep your tattoo clean!!

To clean, you first need to wash your hands. Then, under running water, wash the tattoo area with your hand. Do not use wash cloths or bath towels, as they are full of bacteria. Let the tattoo air dry (dab with a clean paper towel if you need), and apply a thin layer of Aquaphor. This is a mild ointment made by Eucerin. It has less petroleum than A&D ointment and Vaseline. Please do not use those! Spread the Aquaphor as thin as you can. You don’t want it on too thick.

After 4 or 5 days of this, your tattoo will begin to dry up. At this point you can stop using aquaphor and switch to a mild fragrance-free hand lotion. NOTHING MEDICATED and no cocoa butter. Just a plain, white hand lotion is all you want to use. Your tattoo will now begin to peel like a sunburn. This is perfectly normal. Please do not pick at it! Let the skin fall off on its own. This will take a couple days. Your tattoo will likely also begin to itch. This is normal as well. Please do not scratch at it. Just give it a little smack.

Most importantly, if you have more questions that are not covered here, please contact me. I’d much rather you do this than ask your friends. Friends give terrible tattoo advice. You wouldn’t believe some of the things I’ve heard.
Good luck with your new tattoo!!