What to know before you get your tattoo

  • I am currently practicing at Black Needle, located at 342 Park View Terrace in Oakland. I do accept walk-ins when I am in the shop, otherwise, fill out the Google Form in my bio. Provide as much detail as possible for how you want your tattoo to look, and provide reference photos (either tattoos done by me in the past, flash drawings, or other tattoo artists’ work I can use for inspiration).

    Once you submit, please allow a week for a response. I will reach out to confirm and give you options for appointment times.

  • I charge a $100 minimum, and offer $120-$200/hour, sliding scale. I have a half day and full day rate that can be used for larger custom designs or multiple flash.

    Price is dependent on size, placement, and style.

  • It’s common practice to tip your tattoo artist if you are happy with your tattoo, or felt you got extra attention. If you can afford it, a good tip it 20-25%, just like a restaurant, but any token of appreciation is welcome. I especially like non-monetary tips like plants, crystals, or art.

  • On the days leading up to the tattoo, make sure to hydrate as much as possible by drinking lots of water, lightly exfoliating the skin, taking baths and using lotions. On the day you come in to be tattooed, as well as the day before, it is important that you don’t consume alcohol or take any aspirin.

    Please be clear-headed, healthy, and have a full belly! These conditions will ensure the best possible start for your tattoo, and help make the experience positive.

    How well your tattoo heals has everything to do with how well you take care of it afterwards, so be prepared to follow the aftercare instruction. I can touch up your skin art after it is healed (4 weeks minimum). I want you to be absolutely happy with your new tattoo!

Tattoo Aftercare

  • Leave the Second Skin Bandage covering your tattoo for 2-3 days. If discomfort or redness around the bandage occurs before then, please remove it in the shower. Once carefully removed, wash with a mild soap. We recommend Dr. Bronner’s or Cetaphil Cleanser: lather, rub in, rinse well, and dab dry with a clean towel. Air dry some more and then rub a thin coat of unscented lotion into the healing tissue.

    Minimize contact with clothing, hair, and jewelry. Avoid sun, soaking, scratching, and scented/antibacterial products during healing. Keep the wound clean by washing 2-3 times per day and reapplying the cream. Use sunblock after it is healed and settled into the skin (2-3 months) and let us know if you need a touch up then!

    • Oily or antibacterial products

    • Aloe Vera or scented lotions

    • Swimming, saunas, or baths

    • Excess sweating

    • Direct sunlight

    • Tight-fitting clothes

    • Scratching or picking tattoo scabs

  • Days 1 - 2:

    I recommend keeping the bandage on for 3 to 5 hours unless it begins leaking or pools enough to expose your tattoo. Wash the tattoo once you remove the bandage, and 2 to 3 more times per day for the first two days. You should use an unscented cleanser or soap.

    After you have cleansed your tattoo, apply a light coat of unscented lotion. Alternatively, you may use Bacitracin, A&D Ointment, or Herbal Savvy. I do advise against using petroleum-based products as they can potentially lead to more ink fallout.

    Avoid Aloe Vera; it dries out the skin and will make your tattoo heal poorly. Also avoid scented lotions, cleansers, etc.

    Days 2 - 4:

    Apply lotion throughout the day when your tattoo is dry. Short showers are OK!

    Days 5 - 15:

    Apply lotion as needed. Do not peel, scratch, or rub. If it feels itchy, you can slap your tattoo; this will relieve you somewhat. Remember tattoos take approximately 1 to 3 weeks to heal completely. Be kind to your tattoo, and it will be kind to you!

    • Do not use oily products such as Vaseline or Neosporin on your new tattoo

    • Do not use Aloe Vera or scented lotions

    • Do not swim, sauna, or soak (shower OK)

    • Do not expose to direct sunlight

    • Absolutely no picking!

    • The top layer of skin will peel and the tattoo can be very itchy

    • Again, do not pick or scratch!

    • Let the skin fall off naturally

    • It’s a good idea to get in the habit of sunblock, as the sun will fade a tattoo