Question 1

How do I prepare for my tattoo?

Accepted Answer

- Once you have a design in mind, contact Emma to discuss options and availability.
- Make sure you send any reference images through to Emma before the appointment so she can incorporate them into the design.
- Emma will draft a couple of concept ideas based on your request.
- You will then receive a estimate quote for your tattoo.
- Please bare in mind that this is an estimate, some tattoos take longer than expected and depending on your  skin, pain threshold and how many breaks you decide to have, times & pricing may vary. ​
- Try and prepare your body the best you can, by getting a good night's rest the night before, eating well and staying hydrated. Bring water and nourishment with you to keep your energy levels up. 
- Do NOT drink alcohol or intoxicate your body the night or morning before your appointment.
- Please wear suitable, breathable clothing that allows access to the area being tattooed.

Question 2

How to Care for Your New Tattoo

Accepted Answer

On Day One 
If you got your tattoo wrapped before you left, only leave the wrap on for a few hours. If it's a hot day, or you are sweating a lot, it would be better to take it off, clean it with warm soapy water and put some barrier cream on. 
I suggest using Bepanthen. Though check the ingredients before you use it to ensure it's the best suit for you and your skin. Bepanthen has a few different types, I suggest using the nappy rash or tattoo ones. If Bepanthen is not for you, you can use other products, personally I avoid petroleum-based jellies, like most Paw Paw creams and Vaseline. Though they do the job well, if that's what you choose to use. 
 
For One Week 
Wash your tattoo every day, morning and night with warm soapy water and pat it dry with a paper towel or clean towel. Then apply barrier cream, not too thick.

For the Second Week
After one week your tattoo should be healing well and as long as you are keeping your body clean by showering regularly, you can just apply the barrier cream or unscented moisturizer, morning and night.

Don't's
- Don't submerge your tattoo in water, it can get wet, but avoid swimming, baths or saunas 
- Don't use sunscreen on your tattoo for the first month. 
- Don't scratch or pick at your tattoo, patting the area can help sooth it sometimes
- Avoid wearing tight clothes, they rub against the skin causing irritation

Do's 
- Wash your hands before you wash your tattoo
- Try to use alcohol free & fragrance-free soaps and moisturizers while your tattoo is healing
- Once fully healed ensure you are using sunscreen to keep your tattoos protected
- If you believe your tattoo is infected or you are having an allergic reaction, feel free to ask me questions, though I suggest seeking medical advice if you are concerned as I am not a doctor

Question 3

The Tattoo Healing Journey

Accepted Answer

How quickly you heal depends on the size of your tattoo and how intricate it is. Bigger tattoos will stay red and potentially more swollen longer because there is more trauma to your skin.

Day 1 
You'll come home with your new tattoo 
If it has been wrapped, you'll need to unwrap it within the first few hours 
You may notice fluid oozing from your tattoo. This is blood, plasma and extra ink. Your skin will also be red and sore. It may feel slightly warm to the touch. 
When you remove your dressing, ensure you hands are clean and then wash your tattoo using warm water and fragrance free, alcohol free soap. Rinse well and then pat dry with a paper towel or clean towel. Once dry, apply your ointment of choice. 
I suggest using Bepanthen. Though check the ingredients before you use it to ensure it's the best suit for you and your skin. Bepanthen has a few different types, I suggest using the nappy rash or tattoo ones. If Bepanthen is not for you, you can use other products, personally I avoid petroleum-based jellies, like most Paw Paw creams and Vaseline. Though they do the job well, if that's what you choose to use.

Days 2-3 
By now your tattoo will have a duller and potentially cloudy look to it. This can happen as the skin heals, scabs may start to form. 
Continue to wash your tattoo twice a day. You may still notice any excess ink.

Days 4-6
Any redness should start to fade, you may notice some scabbing. The scabs should not be as thick as the scabs you get when you cut yourself. Don't pick at them, this can cause scaring and ink fall out. 
Keep washing your tattoo and applying ointment twice a day.

Days 6-14 
By now all scabs have hardened and will begin to flake off, don't pick at them. 
Your skin may start to be itchy during this time. Gently rub fragrance free and alcohol-free moisturizer into your skin to relieve any itchiness as required. Don't overdo it though. 
If your tattoo is till red and swollen at this point, you may have an infection, and it would be best to seek medical advice.

Days 15-30 
In this stage of healing, most of the big flakes will be gone and scabs should be going away. You might still see some dead skin, but it should clear up very soon. 
The tattooed area might still be dry, keep moisturizing until the skin looks hydrated again. 
By the second or third week, the other layers of skin should have healed. It may take 3-4 months for the lower layers to completely heal.

If you have any ink fall out, or any concerns about your tattoo. Have a chat to me and I am happy to have a look and see if you need a touch up session.

Question 4

Touch Ups Don't Mean Bad Tattoos

Accepted Answer

Touch Ups aren't a mistake 
- They're a normal part of the tattoo process. 
- Even when the artist knows their stuff and you follow correct aftercare.

Your Skin is Not Paper 
- It heals, sheds, regenerates and sometimes pushes ink out unevenly 
- Same designs, same artist 
- Different bodies heal differently.

Certain Areas Are Drama Queens 
- Fingers, Feet, Ribs, Inner Arms, Necks. They move more, rub more and fade faster. 
- They look confirmed but heal unpredictably

Linework and Fine Details need settling Time 
- Some lines soften, some spots heal lighter. 
- A touch up is just the artist saying "cool, now that I see how your skin healed, let's perfect it"

Aftercare Matters but its not Magic 
- Yes aftercare helps 
- No perfect aftercare doesn't guarantee zero touch-ups 
- Healing is teamwork not a test you failed

*Borrowed from #inkedbynimisha on instagram

Question 5

Infection & Allergic Reactions

Accepted Answer

Infection 
A tattoo that isn't properly cared for can get infected. Infected skin will be re, warm and painful. 
The wound may also leak pus. 
If you are concerned, see a doctor for a diagnosis.
See a healthcare professional if you experience:
Fever or chills
Abnormal scabbing or oozing
Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth
Red streaks spreading from the tattoo

Allergic Reactions 
If you're sensitive to the ink that has been used, you may develop red or itchy skin at the site of the tattoo. According to a 2019 study, red dyes are the most likely to cause an allergic reaction. 
If you are concerned, see a doctor for a diagnosis.
A doctor is necessary to distinguish between an infection and an allergy, and to provide prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medications.
Contact the tattoo artist to identify the ink brand and colors used (especially red), as this information is crucial for treatment.

MIMINK

Tattoos - Art - Murals

Pre & Post Care

How do I prepare for my tattoo?

How to Care for Your New Tattoo

The Tattoo Healing Journey

Touch Ups Don't Mean Bad Tattoos

Infection & Allergic Reactions

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