»Eat«

Regardless of if you're getting a tattoo or a piercing, you should eat a meal within the hour before your body art procedure. If you're coming in for a larger tattoo, we recommend bringing a snack, as well.

»Dress for comfort«

If you're getting a tattoo, wear something that will allow access to the place being tattooed, and that will be comfortable to sit or lie in. 

For nipple piercings, we recommend something that does not rub against the skin. More fitted clothes tend to be more comfortable post-piercing.

For navel piercings, don't wear anything high-waisted; the waist of your pants or skirt should sit below the navel.

»Bring your ID«

We are legally required to have a copy of your ID to perform any body art procedures. If you do not have this, we will be forced to reschedule your appointment.

»Allow plenty of time to arrive«

We ask that you try to arrive five minutes early for your appointment.

Our piercing appointments are scheduled back to back. If you are late at all for your appointment, we may be forced to reschedule or to do fewer piercings than planned. You are marked as a no show after 5 minutes.

For tattoos, if you are 15 minutes late without notice, it will be considered a no-show, and you will lose your deposit. Rescheduling is at the artist's discretion.

»one moral support allowed«

Due to germs, and limited space we ask that you only bring one person with you to your appointment for moral support.

»feeling sick? running late?…«

If you are feeling sick, we ask that you call to reschedule your appointment. We try to be understanding so just let us know as soon as possible if youre feeling too awful to come in!

If you know you are running late, please let us know as soon as possible. For piercings, it is likely that we will have to reschedule if you are not on time. For tattoos you are marked as a no show after 15 mins so please let us know! Again, we try to be understanding and maybe we can move things around and get you in later or reschedule you if you're running too late, but if you dont call us to let us know you'll lose your deposit. :(

Wash your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning or touching your piercing for any reason.

• Clean your piercing twice a day with STERILE SALINE. Spray the sterile saline on a cotton tip applicator (such as a Q-tip) and use a gentle twisting motion with the Q-tip to remove debris and clean the area, as well as the jewelry.

• You will need to clean your new piercing twice a day for 2 months and then once a day for 1 month with Sterile Saline Solution.

• Dry by gently patting with clean, disposable paper products. Cloth towels can harbor bacteria and snag on jewelry, causing injury.

• It is not advisable to twist, turn or otherwise touch your jewelry except what is necessary when cleaning. 

• Make sure your bedding is washed and changed regularly. Wear clean, comfortable, breathable clothing that protects your piercing while you sleep.

• Avoid submerging the piercing in unhygienic bodies of water such as lakes, pools, hot tubs, etc.

• Avoid all beauty and personal care products on or around the piercing including cosmetics, lotions, and sprays, etc.

• It is okay to wash occasionally with mild soap but it is not necessary. Sterile saline is all that is necessary to properly clean it, over cleaning can cause irritation.

• With clean hands or a paper product, be sure to regularly check threaded ends on your jewelry for tightness. (Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey)

In the event an infection is suspected, seek medical attention- 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 the jewelry unless instructed by a medical professional.

Infection symptoms include: fever, extreme swelling, oozing foul smelling puss, and puss that is anything but off white in color. You can always contact us with any questions or concerns and we can advise you on if an infection may be present.

When you remove your bandage (whatever kind you used), and 2-3 times per day afterward, wash your new tattoo with a gentle, non-scented, antibacterial soap (Castile soap, Method hand wash or Dial Gold are all good options) to keep it clean and avoid potential infection. 

• Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not use a cloth towel, especially one that has been used. Cloth towels can hold bacteria and leave fibers on your healing tattoo. 

• Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion 3-5 times a day to keep your tattoo moisturized. Use sparingly! Make sure lotion is completely absorbed into area, anything left on the surface will smother the tattoo and impede healing. Continue to do this for 2-3 weeks or until tattoo has flaked completely.

• Never touch your healing tattoo without washing your hands.

• Do not pick, peel or scratch any scabbing or hard layers. These are normal and picking them off can remove color or damage the tattoo. Avoid submerging the tattoo in unhygienic bodies of water such as lakes, pools, hot tubs, etc.

Infection symptoms include: fever, extreme swelling, hot to touch, oozing foul smelling puss, and puss that is anything but off white in color. In the event an infection is suspected, seek medical attention

Long-Term Tattoo Aftercare

Long-term aftercare is just as important as short-term. The more you care about how you treat your skin, the longer your tattoo will look it's best. 

• Your tattoos will lighten up after they have been fully healed. That's normal as the layers of skin are growing back over the ink and accepting it within your skin. To keep the tattoo from fading, always make sure to put on sun screen when going outside, especially in the summer. SPF 45 or higher and sunscreen for children are always good options, or their are tattoo aftercare brands that make sun blocks designed for tattoos. 

• Always keep your tattoos moisturized, especially in areas prone to fading like hands, feet, elbows, etc. This will help keep the tattoo intact and less prone to fading over the years. 

Public Act 375, which was enacted in December 2007 as Public Act 149 and amended in December 2010, indicates that individuals shall not tattoo, brand, or perform body piercing on another individual unless the tattooing, branding, or body piercing occurs at a body art facility licensed by the Michigan Department of Community Health. Body art facilities are required to be in compliance with the “Requirements for Body Art Facilities,” which provide guidelines for safe and sanitary body art administration.

As with any invasive procedure, body art may involve possible health risks. These risks may include, but are not limited to, transmission of bloodborne infectious diseases such as HIV and viral hepatitis, skin disorders, skin infections, and allergic reactions. 

In addition, persons with certain conditions including, but are not limited to, diabetes, hemophilia, or epilepsy, are at higher risk for complications and should consult a physician before undergoing a body art procedure.

If you wish to file a complaint against a body art facility related to compliance with PA 375 or have concerns about potential health risks, please visit www.michigan.gov/bodyart or contact:

Washtenaw County Public Health – Environmental Health Division

705 N. Zeeb Rd., P.O. Box 8645

Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645

(734) 222-3800

http://publichealth.ewwashtenaw.org