Time for tattoo class, boys and girls. Here are a few lessons everyone getting a tattoo should keep in mind:

1. A tattoo is permanent, so think carefully about the design and the placement of the design on your body. Consider the statement you want to make with your tattoo and how you’ll feel about the tattoo 10 or 20 years from now.
2. Again, a tattoo is permanent, so look for a tattoo artist with the artistic ability and professional standards to safely give you the tattoo you want. Always look at samples of an artist’s work. And be sure that the tattooist is someone you’ll feel comfortable having in close proximity to your body for hours.
3. Choose the tattoo studio with the same eye you’d use choosing a doctor. Safety and cleanliness should be your top priorities in choosing a tattoo studio, regardless of the size or price of tattoo you’re getting. Your health is at stake!
4. You are responsible for after care of your tattoo. Be sure you have clear instructions for caring for your new body art.
5. Price should not be a determining factor in choosing your tattoo artist and studio. Repeat after me: a tattoo is permanent! You want the best.

Here’s the kind of cleanliness you can expect at 12 Monkeys, and we suggest that anything less is unacceptable:

• A clean room, out of reach of clients, with regularly tested autoclave (clients may request records), foot-controlled water source, ultrasonic cleaners, germicidal spray, and glove dispenser
• Non-porous surfaces
• Plastic-covered clip cords, power supply, tattoo machine, lamps, and alcohol/soap bottles
• Single use ink caps, tongue depressors, and rinse cups
• Closed ink storage
• Glove dispenser and sharps container within reach
• Use of germicidal wipes and sprays.

12 Monkeys artists are members of the Alliance of Professional Tattooists and attend elective continuing education courses on blood born pathogens, cleanliness, and other topics. At 12 Monkeys, cleanliness is a passion.

After Care for Your Tattoo

1. Keep bandaged for 1-2 hours, after which you should not re-bandage the tattoo.
2. Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Lightly pat dry.
3. Apply a thin layer of Bactricin or ointment, rub in and remove excess.
4. Repeat a minimum of 2 times a day.
5. Do not use Vaseline or petroleum jelly. Do not apply alcohol or peroxide.
6. Do not let your tattoo dry out. Do not rub, scratch, or pick at the tattoo.
7. Do not expose tattoo to direct sunlight for 2 weeks.
8. Do not swim for 1 week. Do not soak in sauna, steam or bath for 1 week.
9. After the dry skin has fallen off the tattoo, there will be a period of adjustment for the new skin, and it is advisable to apply hand lotion to the tattoo during this time.
10. The tattoo is your responsibility after you leave the studio. Please use common sense!