TATTOO PREPARATION
Here's everything I can say to help you get through that tattoo session. Expecting pain is somewhat mentally preparing, then hopefully it wont be as bad as you were imagining and you wont be in for a shock. Try to come in well fuelled and hydrated, a substantial meal will make all the difference, don't skip breakfast. bring snacks including sugary treats as sometimes your blood sugar levels drop whilst getting tattooed. make sure to get a good nights sleep the night before as it will feel worse if your body is already fatigued. maybe use moisturiser daily a week prior for those longer sessions if you don't already as it may assist with your skin accepting the ink easier which also helps with the pain. If its easier for you, then its easier for me.
AFTERCARE
At the end of our session I will wrap your tattoo with cling film or cover it with second skin. I suggest leaving it wrapped for a couple hours, then when taking it off make sure you're somewhere you're able to wash it with hot soapy water. Dab dry with a clean towel or let it air out. Repeat twice Daily. Then on the Third night or when it gets to the tight dry stage, I recommend using a thin layer of a natural moisturiser such as 'palmers cocoa butter body lotion' whenever dry.
SECOND SKIN METHOD
With the second skin method you want to leave it on for 3-5 days (5 days ideally). It wont require any additional attention as mentioned in the previous method until you take it off. Dont worry if it weeps inky plasma, this is just the body trying to protect the wound, unless it gets to the point of coming off by itself prior to the 5 days. When taking it off the best way will be in the shower letting the water run into it as you slowly peel away. Then wash with hot soapy water and proceed to moisturise when dry.
AVOID
To ensure the session and healing goes the best way it possibly could, there is a few things to avoid. Avoid boozing the night before as a little too much alcohol will thin the blood and cause you to bleed more than necessary. Avoid anything that will fatigue your body prior to the session like big gym sessions or staying up late as a tired body means more pain and makes it more difficult for both of us. Avoid exercise or getting sweaty at least a week after as intense movement or toxins in your sweat may compromise the healing. Avoid at all costs submerging the tattoo In water so no bathing or swimming for at least 2 weeks as this will allow any bacteria in the water to seep into the tattoo and risk infection. Showers are fine and vital for keeping the tattoo clean.