Pre-appointment Preparation
Payment for tattoos can be cash or card.
All deposits are non-refundable (see Studio Policies).
Ensure you are well rested and well fed before your appointment.
Please wear loose comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting ink on.
If you are under the age of 25 please bring photographic ID with you.
Please ensure area to be tattooed is free from injury, scab, open wound or skin complaint.
Please do not prepare the area to be tattooed prior to your session, the artist will prepare it for you. If you wax regularly please ensure a day or two before tattooing to allow skin to recover.
Avoid fake tan, sunbathing, saunas and steam rooms before your appointment.
GavInks operates a strict no under 18’s policy so please arrange appropriate childcare if necessary.
Although tattoo work is quoted per hour, please expect your visit to be longer to allow for necessary preparations, breaks, etc.
A minimum of 48hrs notice is required for all cancellations and re-bookings. Anything less than 48hrs will result in loss of deposit.
Please do not attend your appointment under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Failure to comply will result in refusal and your deposit will be forfeit.
Aftercare
Leave the dressing on for four hours / overnight
Remove the dressing and wash the tattoo with hot water (as hot as you can stand) and non-perfumed, non antibacterial soap. Use your hand only to massage the soap and water in and do this until the tattoo stops feeling slimy.
Rinse off the soapy water and PAT dry the tattoo with a clean towel or kitchen towel. When the tattoo is fully dry pat over a thin layer of recommended after care ointment if required. Excessive rubbing can cause irritation and trauma to the tattoo.
Wash, rinse, dry and apply after care to your tattoo as described above, 2-3 times a day, NO MORE, for 3-4 days.
After the fourth day start using a non perfumed moisturiser instead of your after care ointment.
Keep washing and applying moisturiser to the tattoo for at least another week or so until the tattoo is completely smooth.
DURING HEALING
Please wear loose and comfortable clothing that your body can breathe in (preferably made of cotton).
Do not pick at or scratch your tattoo and DO NOT let any other person or any animals/ pets touch the tattoo.
Do not take recreational drugs as it will slow down your healing process.
Do not soak the area that has been tattooed in a bath. It is best to take showers only until the tattoo is healed. Do not use perfumed shower / bath gels.
Don’t go swimming, in a pool or otherwise, until your tattoo is fully healed.
Keep your tattoo covered from sunlight and do not expose it to sunbeds or saunas during healing
Try not to listen to self-proclaimed ‘experts’. They are not the professionals.
AFTER YOUR TATTOO HAS HEALED
Moisturise as often as you like and preferably every day at least once to keep the colours of your tattoo vivid.
Always apply factor 50 + sun block when exposing your tattoo to the sunlight, this prevents the colours from fading.
If you are in any doubt at all about anything related to the after care of your tattoo or the healing process itself, please get in touch as we are always happy to help!