Tattoo Aftercare NYC | Custom Tattoos NYC

AFTERCARE & FAQS

AFTERCARE FOR TATTOOS

If you have any questions about your tattoo or the healing process, please call (917)-675-7608 or e-mail info@rbitattoo.com.

THINGS TO DO:

Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo!

If your artist applied Saniderm bandage, please click on the link and watch the video and follow the instructions. Do not leave for more than 48 hours.

Link to Guide: https://saniderm.com/how-to-use/

When you get home: Remove bandage within 2-3 hours after getting your tattoo. Do not re-bandage ever again!!!

Wash your tattoo with an anti-bacterial liquid dial gold soap. Wash generously with sterile clean hands and cool water. Do not use a washcloth or anything that will exfoliate your tattoo, however, don't be shy or afraid to lather, foam, and clean your tattoo... The key is to wash it to the point that you are removing any pre-existing ointment, blood, and build up of natural bodily fluids. You want to clean it and imagine starting each day and night with a clean sterile tattoo. Only wash TWO TIMES A DAY. Do not excessively wash your tattoo.

Gently pat your tattoo dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not rub, or use a fabric with a rough surface.

For the first 3-5 days: Rub a small amount of Aquaphor or Redemption ointment 4 times a day, in thin light coats. It shouldn't be greasy or thick, LIGHT!!! Do not use any other product but Aquaphor or Redemption.

Wear clean, soft clothing over your tattoo for the first 2 weeks– nothing abrasive or irritating.

After the first 4-5 days switch to using a water-based nonscented lotion. At this point you want your tattoo to be on the dryer side so it can heal and not be over saturated and over hydrated. Oxygen heals keep that in mind.

Once your tattoo begins to peel, continue using lotion as directed, do NOT PICK OR MASSAGE PEELS AND SORE AREAS, LET THEM TAKE THIER COURSE AND FALL OFF NATURALLY. This is normal! Do not pick at the skin.

If your tattoo is fully peeled and areas look like dried glued aka milky white, this is an indication that your tattoo has been overly hydrated. Moving forward cut back off the ointment and only hydrate once a day. Allow your skin to dry up and fully mature.

Most tattoos take 2 weeks to heal sometimes 3-4 weeks to fully settle in and subdermal scaring to subside, at the end of the day it is a scar! . A tattoo is truly healed, protected, and sun-ready after two months. We don't suggest any other methods of healing!

After a full month of healing we suggest 50 SPF sunscreen daily... or when you go on vacation 5 times a day and use a non alcohol based sunscreen, Do NOT use spray-on sunscreens as this will dull your tattoo over time.

It's simple, don't fuck it up!

THINGS TO AVOID:

Do not pick, scratch, peel, slap, rub or irritate your tattoo.

You can shower, but you may not soak your tattoo for 2 weeks. No swimming, soaking or hot tub.

You may not expose your tattoo to the sun for at least 3 weeks, after that you must use sun block.

Do not wear abrasive materials, jewelry, or shoes that rub against your tattoo.

Do not let anyone touch your tattoo unless they wash their hands.

Beware of gym equipment, wash it well before using it.

Don't be an idiot take care of your tattoo.

AFTERCARE FOR PIERCINGS

If you have any questions about your piercing or the healing process, please call (West Side) (917)-675-7608 or e-mail redbaroninknyc@gmail.com

PIERCING AFTERCARE

Cleaning Solutions: Use one or both of the following solutions for healing piercings:

Packaged sterile saline (with no additives, read the label) is a gentle choice for piercing aftercare. If sterile saline is not available in your region a sea salt solution mixture can be a viable alternative. Dissolve 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon (.75 to 1.42 grams) of non-iodized (iodine-free) sea salt into one cup (8 oz / 250 ml) of warm distilled or bottled water. A stronger mixture is not better; a saline solution that is too strong can irritate the piercing.

Cleaning Instructions for Body Piercings

WASH your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning or touching your piercing for any reason.
SALINE soak for five to ten minutes once or more per day. Invert a cup of warm saline solution over the area to form a vacuum. For certain piercings it may be easier to apply using clean gauze or paper towels saturated with saline solution.
If your piercer suggests using soap, gently lather around the piercing and rinse as needed. Avoid using harsh soaps, or soaps with dyes, fragrances, or triclosan.
RINSE thoroughly to remove all traces of the soap from the piercing. It is not necessary to rotate the jewelry through the piercing.
DRY by gently patting with clean, disposable paper products. Cloth towels can harbor bacteria and snag on jewelry, causing injury.

What is Normal?

Initially: some bleeding, localized swelling, tenderness, or bruising.
During healing: some discoloration, itching, secretion of a whitish-yellow fluid (not pus) that will form some crust on the jewelry. The tissue may tighten around the jewelry as it heals.
Once healed: the jewelry may not move freely in the piercing; do not force it. If you fail to include cleaning your piercing as part of your daily hygiene routine, normal but smelly bodily secretions may accumulate.
A piercing may seem healed before the healing process is complete. This is because tissue heals from the outside in, and although it feels fine, the interior remains fragile. Be patient, and keep cleaning throughout the entire healing period.
Even healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years! This varies from person to person; if you like your piercing, keep jewelry in—do not leave it empty.

What To Do

Wash your hands prior to touching the piercing; leave it alone except when cleaning. During healing, it is not necessary to rotate your jewelry.
Stay healthy; the healthier your lifestyle, the easier it will be for your piercing to heal. Get enough sleep and eat a nutritious diet. Exercise during healing is fine; listen to your body.
Make sure your bedding is washed and changed regularly. Wear clean, comfortable, breathable clothing that protects your piercing while you are sleeping.
Showers tend to be safer than taking baths, as bathtubs can harbor bacteria. If you bathe in a tub, clean it well before each use and rinse off your piercing when you get out.

What To Avoid

Avoid moving jewelry in an unhealed piercing, or picking away dried discharge with your fingers.
Avoid cleaning with Betadine®, Hibiciens®, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Dial® or other soaps containing triclosan, as these can damage cells. Also avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation.
Avoid Bactine®, pierced ear care solutions and other products containing Benzalkonium Chloride (BZK). These can be irritating and are not intended for long term wound care.
Avoid over-cleaning. This can delay your healing and irritate your piercing.
Avoid undue trauma such as friction from clothing, excessive motion of the area, playing with the jewelry, and vigorous cleaning. These activities can cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue, migration, prolonged healing, and other complications.
Avoid all oral contact, rough play, and contact with others' bodily fluids on or near your piercing during healing.
Avoid stress and recreational drug use, including excessive caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.
Avoid submerging the piercing in unhygienic bodies of water such as lakes, pools, hot tubs, etc. Or, protect your piercing using a waterproof wound-sealant bandage (such as 3M™ Nexcare™ Clean Seals). These are available at most drugstores.
Avoid all beauty and personal care products on or around the piercing including cosmetics, lotions, and sprays, etc.
Don't hang charms or any object from your jewelry until the piercing is fully healed.

HINTS AND TIPS - Jewelry

Unless there is a problem with the size, style, or material of the initial jewelry, leave it in the place for the entire healing period. See a qualified piercer to perform any jewelry change that becomes necessary during healing. See the APP website to locate an APP member, or to request a copy of our Picking Your Piercer brochure.)
Contact your piercer if your jewelry must be removed (such as for a medical procedure). There are non-metallic jewelry alternatives available.
Leave jewelry in at all times. Even old or well-healed piercing can shrink or close in minutes even after having been there for years. If removed, re-insertion can be difficult or impossible.
With clean hands or paper product, be sure to regularly check threaded ends on your jewelry for tightness. ("Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey.")
Should you decide you no longer want the piercing, simply remove the jewelry (or have a professional piercer remove it) and continue cleaning the piercing until the hole closes. In most cases, only a small mark will remain.
In the event an infection is suspected, quality jewelry or an inert alternative should be left in place to allow for drainage of the infection. If the jewelry is removed, the surface cells can close up, which can seal the infection inside the piercing channel and result in an abscess. Do not remove jewelry unless instructed to by a medical professional.

For Particular Areas

Navel:

A hard, vented eye patch (sold at pharmacies) can be applied under tight clothing (such as nylon stockings) or secured using a length of Ace® bandage around the body (to avoid irritation from adhesive). This can protect the area from restrictive clothing, excess irritation, and impact during physical activities such as contact sports.

Ear/Ear Cartilage and Facial:

Use the t-shirt trick: Dress your pillow in a large, clean t-shirt and turn it nightly; one clean t-shirt provides four clean surfaces for sleeping.
Maintain cleanliness of telephones, headphones, eyeglasses, helmets, hats, and anything that contacts the pierced area.
Use caution when styling your hair and advise your stylist of a new or healing piercing.

Nipples:

The support of a tight cotton shirt or sports bra may provide protection and feel comfortable, especially for sleeping.

Genital:

Genital Piercings—especially Prince Alberts, Ampallangs, and Apadravyas—can bleed freely for the first few days. Be prepared.
Urinate after using soap to clean any piercing that is near the urethra.
Wash your hands before touching on (or near) a healing piercing.
In most cases, you can engage in sexual activity as soon as you feel ready, but maintaining hygiene and avoiding trauma are vital; all sexual activities should be gentle during the healing period.
Use barriers such as condoms, dental dams, and waterproof bandages, etc. to avoid contact with your partners' body fluids, even in monogamous relationships.
Use clean, disposable barriers on sex toys.
Use a new container of water-based lubricant; do not use saliva.
After sex, an additional saline soak or clean water rinse is suggested.

Each body is unique and healing times vary considerably. If you have any questions, please contact your piercer.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I set up an appointment?

To set up an appointment we require a deposit of $300 and for any appointment that is two or more sessions we will ask for a deposit of $500. The deposit goes towards the final cost of the tattoo and it's what secures the appointment. Please fill out our contact sheet or come in person. When filling the contact sheet please make sure to fill all of the questions, we will get back to you, answer all of your questions and sent the appointment. If you decide to come in person, ensure to bring references of what you wish to get, and provide us with an approximate size and location, for your tattoo. Please note that the appointment date and time is subject to change, we will do our best to provide you with ample notice, but it may even happen the day of your appointment. We understand that your time is valuable but we don't rush our art and sometimes sessions may run longer than anticipated or life may happen. If we need to cancel your appointment we will reschedule your appointment as soon as we can, but it's likely that there might a bit of a wait. If you need to reschedule your appointment, we will re-book you to our next available time slot. Please note that all deposits are non-refundable - if a client is a no show to their scheduled appointment, deposit will be forfeited and a new deposit will be required.

When will you draw/create my design and show it to me?

The design is created the day of your tattoo and at times the art will be drawn directly on you. We like to receive your input as we create your design and ensure it flows well with your body. Nothing get's tattooed on you until you are absolutely content with the design. Please keep in mind that this is permanent art going on your body, we do not rush tattooing and the design takes time at times hours. We want to make certain the design is perfect before it goes on you.

Can I come into the shop and talk with you about my tattoo ideas?

Currently we work by appointment only, so it's very likely that we will be tattooing when you stop by. To answer your question: Yes, you're more than welcome to come by the shop during our regular business hours and we will do our best to answer all of your inquiries. You can also email all of your inquiries and include reference images to info@rbitattoo.com Business hours: 7 days a week from 11pm-7pm. Please keep in mind that we will only tattoo what we feel comfortable with and know we will execute to the best of our abilities. We will only tattoo what represents us as artist and our art. We will no longer tattoo generic tattoos, and are solely dedicated to creating one of a kind pieces. We offer anime tattoos, realism tattoos, blackwork tattoos, black and gray tattoos, fine-line tattoos, neo-traditional tattoos, and watercolor tattoos.

Can I bring a friend(s)?

Please don't, we have very limited seating and your friend will get bored. If you feel that you must, please ask before you do.

Are tattoos safe?

Yes! Our artists take the upmost care to not only provide you with the highest quality of work, but also to do so in a clean, safe, and comfortable environment. In addition Red Baron Ink Tattoo is a fully disposable shop, all ink, needles, and materials used for a customer are thrown out after each session. Brand new supplies are used on every new customer.

How old do you have to be?

New York State law requires you to be at least 18 years of age, to be tattooed! Please bring a government issued photo ID. No exceptions! For piercing if you are under the age of 18 years old you must be accompanied by legal guardian ADULT and you must have a birth certificate on hand along with matching valid ID's both for the minor and adult.

How much will it cost?

At RBI Tattoo, we have a shop minimum of $100.00 to open needles. This would get you a tattoo such as one word phrase or a quarter sized piece. If you have already worked with us and have been given a rate your rate will be as quoted for your session. All ARTIST have different rates, so please call or email to inquire. The actual price of a tattoo depends on the size of the tattoo, the detail involved, and the amount of time it takes to be completed. Remember - a tattoo is a piece of artwork that will be with you forever. Great quality in a tattoo is priceless! Want to buy now and pay later? We are now accepting Afterpay! Get everything you need NOW, then make payments over the next six weeks, with no fees or interest as long as you make your payments on time.

Refund/Cancellation Policy

To Cancel or change your appointment date and time you are REQUIRED to give us a 48 hour notice. This means you are required to CALL/EMAIL the shop to let us know you're unable to make your appointment. Please make that you get a hold of our shop Manager or Artist to inform them of your change in booking. This means make verbal contact or email contact and confirmation, not just send an email and expect that everything is golden. Once you have done both forms of contact you can then rebook your appointment.

If you are unable to reach us and touch base, we ask that you make the effort to reach out to your artist via Instagram and or direct email to inform them as well. We take the time to book you accordingly so we expect that you inform us accordingly of your change in plans. If these terms are not met you will forfeit your deposit fully.(No questions asked) Our artist work hard to make sure they take the time to book you and set aside time for your tattoo, if you don't give them ample time to reschedule and fill that time slot, it makes it very difficult for them and they potentially loose a day's of work.

We take pride in customer service, quality of service, clean and sterile tattooing, exemplary tattooing and quality of arts, positive vibes, good times, and lastly RESPECT.

Further more and to recap! We do not refund tattoo(s) all sales are final. The $300.00 deposit, is not refundable either. If you need to reschedule your appointment please give us ample notice, and we will hold the deposit as store credit, it will not expire. We are entitled to cancel your appointment if we need to with ample notice and reschedule you to a mutually agreed time. In case of an emergency we might cancel your appointment on the day of, but will do our best to avoid extreme circumstances and will rebook you ASAP... Please be warned: If you pull a no call no show, and don't give a 48 hour notice to change your appointment you will loose your deposit. If you ask to reschedule your appointment on the day of your appointment after you have confirmed, you will loose your deposit. We will not reschedule you, if you have cancelled on us three times. We work by appointments only, when we are not allotted enough time fill a time slot we are not getting paid, so you will loose your deposit.

Does it hurt?

It's usually not as bad as you may think. We're not saying it feels good, but if it did, the experience of getting a tattoo wouldn't be so unique!

Do I need an appointment?

Yes, you do! We only take walk-ins when we have a special promotion or happen to have a cancellation. Otherwise an appointment for the actual tattoo is always required. In order to book an appointment at our shop we do require a non-refundable $300.00 deposit, this goes towards the final cost of your tattoo, and it secures your appointment. As mentioned the deposit is non-refundable however, it can be used as store credit if you need to reschedule your appointment (please see refund/cancellation policy for further details). All deposits taken for multiple session tattoos will be deducted on the final session/completion of the tattoo.

Should I tip my tattoo artist? Is it required?

Do you tip your stylist? How about a waiter or waitress? Tattooing is a service like any other — all of the artists at Red Baron Ink Tattoo take pride in their work and love what they do. Tipping, though not required, is a nice gesture and is certainly appreciated. If you love your tattoo and think your artist deserves something extra, hook 'em up!

How long should I wait before I expose my tattoo to sun?

Two-four weeks is a good general rule. However, UV rays not only harm your skin and cause cancer, they fade your tattoos! Always, use proper sun protection when exposing yourself to the sun, tattoos or not.

Can I cover up a tattoo with another one?

Yes, but covering up a tattoo and not making it look like a huge mess is not always an easy task. Consult your tattoo artist for his or her profession opinion before shopping for tattoos.

Will I ever have to get my tattoo touched up?

If you take good care of your tattoos and only follow the instructions provided by us; you shouldn't ever have to get them touched up. We use only the highest quality tattoo inks to ensure your tattoo lasts longer than you will! If you feel like you would like your tattoo touched up or added to, you know who to call.

Can I shave over a new tattoo?

You can shave over a tattoo once it's healed — just shave like you normally would. But the key is knowing when the tattoo is healed enough to be shaved over!

Can I get tattooed over a scar?

In most cases yes, the scar needs to be fully healed and at least 3 years old.

How can I tell if my tattoo is infected?

If you think your tattoo might be infected, don't sit around waiting for it to get worse! Signs of infection are severe pain, hot redness, swelling, a pus discharge (with or without the presence of blood), and/or a foul odor emanating from the area. Infection that is not properly tended to can result in serious health consequences, so it is not something to be taken lightly. Please see your doctor and artist immediately. We are all susceptible to staph infections — the bacteria that causes it resides on our bodies and just waits for an opportunity to take hold, like in a fresh new tattoo or piercing wound. Most tattoo/piercing infections are caused by not taking proper care during the healing process. All of our artists will be happy to go over the tattoo care process with you.

Can I donate blood if I have a tattoo?

You may not donate blood for one full year after getting a tattoo/piercing. After the one year mark has passed, donate away!