Tattoo Prep & Aftercare

The time has almost come for your design review/new tattoo!

Please focus on getting quality sleep the night before, avoid heavy drugs and alcohol for at least 24 hours (if you partake) and anything else that may contribute to more “weeping” of the skin during the tattoo, such as blood-thinning medication like Aspirin, Fish Oil, or Vitamin E leading up to your appointment.

It would be helpful if, during your pre-appointment shower/bath, you used some gentle exfoliant on the area. Baking soda, sea salt, cane sugar, etc., are great due to the lack of harsh chemicals. Trimming/Shaving the general area is also appreciated and typically goes smoother with warm water involved, but is not required. Please then use a small amount of a chemical-fragrance free, gentle moisturizer like Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil or Shea Butter. Exfoliating and moisturizing for at least a few days prior will help ensure the best results. Please note that sunburned and freshly injured/healing areas cannot be tattooed. DO NOT use numbing agents unless previously discussed with your artist.

If you have experienced any COVID-19/similar symptoms since booking, just let us know and we’ll reschedule ASAP. Masks are currently optional in the studio. Lantern Arts is allowing one additional guest at this time, but please leave your kiddo's at home/arrange care!

Please enjoy a hearty meal and hydrate before your session (you may bring some snacks/drinks too), dress comfortably and/or bring a change of clothes, please wear loose-fitting and easily adjustable options, and feel free to bring some "creature comfort's," like headphones, a book, your favorite DVD (no Blu-ray at the moment), handheld device/tablet, a cuddle buddy/pillow/blanket, etc. if you would like. Additional amenities available to help along the way. Guests' will be able to choose between music, movies, meditation, podcasts, etc. Charging blocks and outlets available—you can charge from the chair!

Our studio is in downtown Driggs, ID and is conveniently located near many wonderful restaurants and locally owned stores. World-class Thai, sushi, Mexican, Italian, and American Classic's just to name a few! Breweries, coffee, bagels, frozen yogurt & candy, a gluten-free bakery, pizza, ice cream, smoothies and sandwich shop's await! We are walking-distance from a gas station and City Park as well. (Oh, and yes, you CAN see the Grand from the shop!)

Please feel welcome to send all additional questions directly to: [email protected]

We can't wait to collaborate and bring your ideas to life—together!

Studio Address:

Lantern Arts
81 N Main St. Suite B
Driggs, ID
83422

• ✖︎ Please remove the bandage three to four hours post-procedure, unless otherwise instructed w/ a breathable bandage. All wounds need to breathe if they are to heal properly.
• ✖︎ Wash the tattoo using a mild antibacterial soap (such as Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap or Unscented Dial) and warm water. Take care to remove all traces of blood and plasma as this will cause heavier scabbing. Do not scrub the tattoo with a washcloth (or otherwise) during the two week+ healing period. Pat it dry with a clean, soft cloth or paper towel and let it rest for about 20 minutes, until the skin is a little tight and dry. This allows for excess moisture within the skin and tattoo to evaporate out. It's very important to let your tattoo "breathe" like this any time you get it wet before entering the peeling stage.
• ✖︎ Once dry, apply a thin layer of ointment to your tattoo and the surrounding area. We recommend 100% Pure Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Recovery Aftercare, H2Ocean, INKEEZE, or any such other tattoo-specific aftercare product. Many options are available at our studio. Be careful not to drown your tattoo; bacteria love wet!
• ✖︎ Do not re-bandage your tattoo unless otherwise instructed. Repeat the cycle of lightly washing, drying, and applying ointment to the tattoo about 2-4 times per day for the first 3 days (while the tattoo feels tender).
• ✖︎ Ointment can be applied whenever the tattoo is feeling very stiff or dry, but again, please beware of over-saturating. Your body will absorb what it needs where it needs it! Drink plenty of water and apply ointment as directed, then switch to a regular unscented moisturizer like Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Tattoo Goo Lotion's, or something over the counter such as Eucerin, Lubriderm, Curel, or Jergens. Apply moisturizer twice a day for the remainder of two weeks. Do not use lotions that contain pigments or chemical fragrances until the healing is complete. (Usually anywhere from ten days to two weeks; possibly longer for more gradual healers).  
• ✖︎ You must keep your tattoo lightly moisturized! When the tattoo is kept hydrated it doesn't have a chance to form a scab, but does form a thin membrane to protect the tattoo while it heals. This layer peels off very similar to a sunburn (do not peel your tattoo, you will pull some of the ink out!) and it is perfectly normal to see flakes of pigmented skin shedding during this stage of healing.
• ✖︎ You must keep your tattoo clean! However, long showers or baths must be avoided for 2 weeks. Prolonged soaking can and will loosen scabs if any have formed, or will soak through the soft tissue, turning your piece into a soggy mess and could cause some of your ink to flow down the drain; or worse! This includes any swimming, hot tubs/springs, heavy snow-exposure, steam rooms, and saunas. Short showers are best, under ten minutes if possible. This also includes sweating so please refrain from anything more than stretching and basic maneuvers while healing. Please avoid heavy pet-exposure and/or dirt as well.
• ✖︎ Please refrain from scratching, scrubbing, or picking at the tattoo. You never know what's under those nails! Scrubbing with a washcloth is also very harsh on a new tattoo and will cause your work to be disrupted. Disrupting the tattoo while its healing can also cause scar tissue. It is normal for the tattoo to become very itchy during the healing process. Just remember not to pick or scratch no matter what!
• ✖︎ Remember, the sun can be damaging to your tattoo! Whether the tattoo is new or old, keep it out of the sun for an extended period without some form of protection. A sunburn on a new tattoo can cause a lot of problems! It will dry out your tattoo and could cause scabbing; resulting in fading or worse. It will also take longer to heal and promotes scarring in a new tattoo, if not infection. Never put sunblock on a tattoo that is still healing. Wait until it is fully healed to go back in the sun or a tanning bed, and make sure you put on a high quality SPF at that point.
• ✖︎ Following all of these simple steps will ensure that you end up with the best result, minimal-to-no complications, and with your tattoo looking bold and bright for many years to come!

Thanks again for the support and trust! For any questions please feel free to email directly to: [email protected]

"Tattooing has wildly progressed in terms of hygiene and aftercare—especially in the last few years. I’m always looking for ways to further simplify my process, but following these guidelines will highly increase your chances for a happy and healthy heal.

In addition to being BBP-certified, licensed, etc., everything except my machines are single-use. All inks/pigments are vegan. Gloves are nitrile. Down to the ingredients used in my set-up, 'emergency' calming and pain-management techniques, and even throughout the breaks and chair/bed-side, I have to stay aware and intentional. I always explain and/or provide multiple aftercare solutions from the modern 'second-skin' Sani/Tegaderm-style bandages to more traditional, open-air healing methods."

— Resident Artist & Shop Owner; CRADHX

The aftercare process is as custom as the tattoo, please respect the individual artist’s instructions.