Aftercare
Prep & aftercare
A bit of prep beforehand and proper care afterward makes a real difference, both to how comfortable your session is and how well the fineline work heals.
Before your appointment
Moisturise in the days before
Well-hydrated skin takes a tattoo more comfortably and heals a bit easier. Start moisturising the area a few days ahead if you can.
Avoid alcohol, sunbeds, and hair removal for 3 days prior
Alcohol thins the blood and tends to make sessions bleed more than they need to. Sunburnt or freshly waxed or shaved skin is more sensitive and harder to work on cleanly.
Skip stimulants on the day
Go easy on the caffeine and energy drinks before your session. They raise your heart rate and sensitivity, and that makes a longer sitting rougher than it needs to be.
Rest well and eat properly beforehand
A decent night's sleep and a proper meal before you arrive genuinely change how you handle a longer session.
Dress for the placement
Loose clothing that gives easy access to the area makes the session more comfortable for both of us.
Shave the area the day of, if needed
A close shave on the day, not days in advance, gives me the cleanest surface to work on.
Bring snacks for longer sessions
If it's going to take a few hours, bring something to eat and drink (nothing alcoholic). Keeps your energy steady and makes the sitting easier on you.
Know what to expect, pain-wise
Fineline work feels different depending on placement, some spots are genuinely fine, others like bone or joints or the inner arm are more noticeable. I'll walk you through what to expect for your specific piece.
While it heals
Keep it clean
Wash gently with clean hands and a fragrance-free soap, then pat dry. Don't rub.
Moisturise lightly, little and often
A thin layer of a recommended aftercare product a few times a day keeps healing skin comfortable without drowning it.
Leave it uncovered where possible
Tattoos heal better with some air on them. Only cover it when you need to, dirty environments, clothing friction, that sort of thing.
No soaking, swimming, or sunbeds until fully healed
Baths, pools, and direct sun all slow healing down and can affect how the linework settles. Give it the full healing window first.
Don't pick or scratch
Peeling and light itching are normal. Picking at it risks pulling ink out unevenly and can scar.
Once healed, keep it protected from the sun
SPF over a healed tattoo keeps fine lines crisp for longer. Sun exposure is one of the biggest reasons lines soften over time.
Questions about your specific piece? See the FAQ or get in touch.