Arrival and Preparation: When you arrive at Concrete Blonde Ink, we’ll go over your design, placement, and any final details. The area will be cleaned and prepped to ensure a smooth and safe tattooing process. Tattooing Process: Your artist will carefully stencil the design onto your skin for approval before starting. Using sterile, single-use needles and high-quality ink, they’ll begin the tattooing process with precision and care. You may feel a scratching or vibrating sensation, depending on the placement and your pain tolerance. Session Duration: The length of your session will depend on the size and complexity of your tattoo. Small designs may take just a few minutes, while larger or more detailed pieces can require multiple sittings. Aftercare & Healing: Once your tattoo is complete, it will be cleaned and covered with a protective bandage. Your artist will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help ensure proper healing, including how to keep it clean, when to moisturize, and what to avoid. Pain Management: Everyone’s pain tolerance is different, but most clients describe the feeling as manageable. If needed, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers beforehand (avoid blood thinners like aspirin).

Age Requirement: You must be 18 or older to get a tattoo at Concrete Blonde Ink. If you are under 18, parental consent is required. Consultation: If needed, message Kim directly 780-266-3634 or schedule a consultation to discuss your design, placement, and any questions you may have before your appointment. Stay Hydrated & Eat Well: Drink plenty of water and eat a full meal before your session. A well-hydrated body and stable blood sugar levels help with endurance and minimize dizziness or lightheadedness. Avoid Alcohol & Blood Thinners: Do not drink alcohol or take blood-thinning medications (such as aspirin or ibuprofen) for at least 24 hours before your appointment, as they can increase bleeding. Wear Comfortable Clothing: Dress in loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed. Shave the Area (If Needed): If your tattoo is in a hairy area, shave the skin before your appointment. Avoid waxing or plucking, as this can cause irritation. Moisturize Leading Up to Your Appointment: Keep your skin healthy and moisturized in the days before your session, but do not apply lotion or oils on the day of your tattoo. Avoid Sun Exposure: Keep the area out of direct sunlight and avoid tanning for at least two weeks before your appointment, as sunburned skin cannot be tattooed. Get Plenty of Rest: A good night’s sleep before your appointment helps with pain tolerance and overall comfort.

First 24-72 Hours: Keep your bandage on for at least 24 hours, but ideally 2-3 days to protect your tattoo from bacteria. When removing the bandage, wash your hands first, then gently cleanse your tattoo with unscented, mild soap and lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean paper towel—do not rub or scrub the area. Let your tattoo air out for about 1 hour before applying a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion or uncontaminated coconut oil. Ongoing Care (First 2 Weeks): Wash your tattoo 1-2 times daily with gentle, non-perfumed soap. Apply unscented lotion 3-4 times a day to keep it hydrated but not overly greasy. Do not pick at scabs or scratch your tattoo—this can cause ink loss and scarring. Avoid fragranced body wash, lotions, and shampoos that could irritate the healing skin. No swimming, hot tubs, or soaking in water for at least 2 weeks (showers are fine). Avoid direct sun exposure on the fresh tattoo. Long-Term Care: Once fully healed, use sunscreen when exposing your tattoo to direct sunlight to keep it looking vibrant. Never apply sunscreen to a tattoo that hasn’t fully healed. Wear loose clothing over the tattoo while it heals to prevent rubbing that could remove scabs prematurely.