Frequently Asked Questions

On this page you will find after care instructions and answers to frequently asked questions

After Care

First 24 hours

Leave the bandage on for 2–6 hours (or as advised by your artist).
Wash your hands before touching your tattoo.
Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and soap.
Pat dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry. Do not rub.
Apply a thin layer of a healing ointment (gentle antiseptic). Avoid petroleum jelly (Vaseline).
Do not re-bandage unless your artist tells you to.

Next 2 weeks

Wash gently 1–2 times per day.
Moisturise after a few days when the tattoo starts to dry and peel. Avoid excessive moisturising.
Do not pick or scratch any scabs or peeling skin — this can cause scarring or ink loss.
Wear loose, clean clothing over the tattoo.
Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight and avoid sweating excessively.
Do not submerge in water (baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes) until fully healed. Showers are ok.

Signs of trouble

Contact your artist or a doctor if you notice:

Excessive redness or swelling
Pus or foul odor
Severe pain
Red streaks around the tattoo (could indicate infection)

Questions and Answers

Where are you located?

Spicy Ink tattoos out of Raven's Ink Studio

354 Great South Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland, New Zealand

When can I see the Design?

On the day of your booking I'll present a few options and, if needed, make any changes together until we are both happy with the design. This is why we gather all the information for the tattoo beforehand , so I can produce the best possible design on the day.

If you have any major changes/adjustments to the concept you booked for please inform me in advance. I will try to be as accommodating as possible; however, if you wait until the day of your appointment to let me know rather than in advance, we may need to rebook you, and/or additional fees may apply.

How to prepare for my tattoo?

Before your tattoo, I advise eating a substantial meal beforehand, drinking plenty of water and keeping your skin moisturised.

Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption for 48 hours before your tattoo. Avoid painkillers or any other blood-thinning medication.

What to bring to your tattoo

Water and snacks:

Easy carbs & sugar, eg Protein bars, sandwiches, and lollies --> little boost of energy.

If you are booked for a full-day session, plan to pack a substantial lunch or have a look at takeaway options nearby.

Headphones:

Listen to music or watch something. This can be a good tool to keep your mind distracted.

Numbing Cream

Yes, topical numbing creams can reduce or dull the pain during tattooing, especially for sensitive areas (like ribs, hands, feet, or sternum). However, they may not eliminate all pain — just make it more tolerable.

I recommend you do a test on your skin at least 24 hours beforehand to test how your skin reacts to the cream. If you decide to use numbing cream, follow the instructions on the box. I will not be liable for any negative effects caused by the use of the cream.

Numbing effects typically last 1–2 hours. So for smaller tattoos, it's okay

For long sessions, I do not recommend using numbing cream:

It may wear off mid-session, leading to a sharp return of pain.
You will not be able to reapply the cream.

What to wear to your tattoo

Wear comfortable clothing that makes the area where you are getting tattooed easily accessible. For example, wear a button-up shirt that can be worn backward for a back placement, loose shorts for a thigh tattoo, etc. Feel free to ask if you want advice for a specific placement!

Let's chat about your next tattoo.

spicy ink.