Find out all you need to know about our tiny tattoo services and how to prep for your appointment! Whether you've already booked an appointment with us at Un-Stripped, or are interested in a new tiny tattoo!
WHAT ARE FINE LINE TATTOOS?
Fine line tattoos have gained popularity in recent years, making it possible to achieve a more dainty, feminine look. Allowing for more details with words, script, and the ability to achieve more elegant-looking tattoo designs due to the smaller size of the needle used.
At Un-Stripped we're dedicated to providing a more comfortable experience in getting your dream tattoo. One that is clean, welcoming, and that holds space for your wants and needs, unlike traditional tattoo shops that can sometimes feel intimidating and awkward.
ARE YOU CERTIFIED, PERMITTED AND LICENSED?
Yes! All of our artists have multiple certifications and are permitted through the Contra Costa County Health Department. We are required to complete a Bloodboorne Pathogens certification yearly! Our artists are additionally either licensed cosmetologists or estheticians, and trained in Permanent Makeup, but it is not required to perform tattoos in California. Additionally, all of the products we use during the service are disposable, and will not be reused.
DOES IT HURT?
While there is, of course, some discomfort, it is minimal. This is because the lines made are thinner and smaller needles are used to do fine kine tattooing. It is also because the designs we are tattooing are relatively small in size and so even if there is some discomfort, it doesn't last long and is tolerable. We like to relate it to a light scratching and vibration!
WHAT AREAS OF THE BODY ARE MOST PAINFUL?
Ribs, spine, forehead, neck, ankles, hands, fingers and feet are known to be the most painful areas. The fleshier the area, the less it hurts.
WILL I NEED A TOUCH UP, AND HOW OFTEN?
Although tattoos are permanent, that doesn't mean they won't need some upkeep. Both traditional and fine line tattoos will fade and slightly blur over time. Proper aftercare will help minimize the need for a touch up early on. Most tattoo designs, including both traditional and fine line, will require a touch up at some point. This is partly because the immune system in the body will, in time, slowly and minimally remove the ink placed in the skin.
Sun exposure/tanning will also cause the fading of the tattoo. Regular sun screen use will extend the life of your tattoo. If you do require an initial touch up, you will need to wait minimum 6-8 weeks from your initial session to avoid the risk of potential scarring of the skin, or poorly healed results.
You may notice feet, knees, fingers and elbows are all areas where tattoos fade faster. This is because of the movement in these areas and also because the skin in these areas regenerate faster.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO BE ALLERGIC TO THE INK?
Yes it is. Black ink is the least likely to cause an allergic reaction. When it comes to ink allergies, Yellow and Red ink tend to be more problematic. Un-Stripped cannot be held liable for a allergic reaction related to the ink used.
HOW WILL I CHOOSE MY DESIGN?
We drop monthly flash sheet design to choose from between 1-5 inches. Or we have an artist available for custom designs even going larger than 4 inches. Book a complimentary consult with us if you're interested in a custom design to go over your wants!
WHAT CAN I EXPECT THE DAY OF?
We will thoroughly prep and sanitize your skin first then select the size of your tattoo from our pre-printed stencil sizes. You will be given the opportunity to look at the tattoo placement in the mirror prior and after stencil application, or a replacement if necessary. After approval of the placement we will get started with the tattooing typically taking under an hour for anything under 4 inches and lightly detailed. Once the tattoo is complete will cleanse the skin, take after photos if permitted, and dress the tattoo with a clear tape bandage.
WHAT CAN AND CAN'T I DO AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
DO:
Keep the skin clean and dry, apply sun block often, and follow your after care instructions.
DON'T:
Swim, heavily sweat or otherwise get the area too wet; no tanning or prolonged sun exposure; no picking, peeling, scratching or rubbing the tattoo, this may result in a loss of color and scarring.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO JUST NOT RETAIN PIGMENT EVEN AFTER A FEW VISITS. COULD THIS HAPPEN?
Yes, it does happen and yes it's true!
A third appointment can be set up for some clients if their skin tends to reject the color. During this appointment it gives us another opportunity to review the work and make any adjustments on color or technique (if any) that might need to be done. Some clients skin may react to the trauma of the tattooing, and the skin may try to push out the foreign body of pigment by producing an extreme scab, so they eventually fall off taking all the pigment with it. There is a condition called Pigment Allergy (PPD Allergy, a condition known by dermatologists) or Auto Immune disease symptoms (the client may not even be aware of it). The skin would have over reacted and become super sensitive to the pigment and reject it at any cost.
CAN YOU GUARANTEE YOUR WORK?
Unfortunately, we can't. How the skin will react is different with everyone and many factors should be taken into consideration. Skin type, age, underlying medical issues, use of some medications, scarring, previous brow tattoo, diet, stress levels, products used, etc. all play a key role in your results, which is why it is important to know that more than one touch up may sometimes be required. We always make sure that your skin is being taken care of as our own and we will act in accordance with our experience and expertise to give you our absolute best. But there are no guarantees in this industry.
WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE IT?
Although tattoos are permanent, the procedure does allow some flexibility for altering the design in the future. However, we will work closely with you to be sure that you are satisfied with the proposed technique and design.
PREP RULES FOR YOUR UPCOMING APPOINTMENT
All the rules to follow to make sure you get the best outcome possible! Be prepared for the color intensity to be significantly sharper and darker immediately after the procedure. This will subside and become softer as the skin heals. This process can take up to 14 days. Please drink plenty of water and eat a good meal before your appointment to avoid getting lightheaded.
DO NOT
Consume any alcohol or caffinated beverages 24 HOURS before the scheduled appointment. Avoid Aspirin, Fish Oil, Niacin, Vitamin E and/or
Ibuprofen unless medically necessary, 72 hrs prior to your procedure. Tylenol is fine. This will prevent any excess bleeding, oozing, and minimizes swelling or pigment blowouts during the procedure.
AVOID
Sun and tanning one week prior to your procedure. Stop use of Glycolics, Lactic, AHA, Retin-A or Retinol skin care products 4 weeks before the scheduled appointment if tattooing anywhere near the face.
If you are currently sunburned, wait for the skin to fully heal before receiving a tattoo.
AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT
For the first couple of days, the tattoo may appear dark and very defined before the scabbing phase. The thickness will subside gradually as the days go by.
You will go through three healing phases: 1-heal, 2-peel and 3-fade. Once the tattoo area starts to peel, it will appear flaky. The area may feel a bit dry or itchy. Do not pick or pull at the treated area as it will result in pigment loss and the creation of scar tissue. Please refrain from sweating, suntanning, saunas, swimming and brow makeup for a week. Once all scabs have fully fallen off completely and naturally, you will see the final healed results.
DAY OF THE PROCEDURE
We will apply a Tegaderm film to the tattoo to remain in place for 1-3 DAYS. Remove slowly, peeling away at the edges and peel pack on the skin, not up. After removal, GENTLY cleanse the tattoo with mild unscented soap and water, pat dry with a clean, disposable towel, and apply a rice grain amount of aquaphor or A&D ointment to the tattoo.
DAYS 2-15
Continue to gently wash the tattoo once a day and use the aftercare balm 5-7 times a day until day 15.
IMPORTANT RULES
Limit your shower time during the first week of healing, especially steamy showers. Your tattoo should only get wet as instructed per the aftercare instructions. Avoid excessive rinsing and hot water on the treated area during the first week of healing.
Avoid excessive sweating 7 days. Any excessive sweating or water exposure can cause the pigment to exit the skin and recieve unretained results.
If you notice fluid underneath the tape bandage it is completely NORMAL. That is the plasma in your blood excreting from the opened skin. It actually can help aid in the tattoo healing faster! If you notice the fluid is excessive, or seeping out from the edges of the bandage, remove the bandage and begin your cleansing and balming process.
If you are allergic to adhesives, or notice a redness/itchiness around the bandage, remove it immediately and proceed with the cleansing and balming process.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Everyone heals and accepts pigment differently. We provide the same service for every client but retention is dependent on your skin and lifestyle. When you leave our salon your tattoos is intact. That is the job of the technician. There ARE NO GUARANTEES made as to how your body will heal them. If they fade, blur or not take as well as expected, that is the result of YOUR skin or lifestyle...not a result of the technique or the technician. NO one knows how the clients skin will heal. This is a potential risk all clients take when consenting to this procedure.
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Scabbing can be part of a normal healing process after getting a tattoo. Lymph fluid creates scabs; therefore, it is critical to follow post care instructions especially on Days 1-2 to prevent heavy scabbing. Some scabbing is ok as long as the scabs fall off NATURALLY and on their own. DO NOT pick your scabs!
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If you are out in the sun a lot, have oily skin, use anti-aging creams, retinA/retinol products, acidic cleansers, natural elements, regular chemical peels, or exercise frequently, your tattoo WILL fade prematurely. The better you take care of the treated area and follow the provided aftercare, the longer it will last.
For all additional questions or concerns before booking your appointment please contact us at (925) 269-9266. Prior to booking an appointment, please read all Information & Policies to maintain the best possible experience here at Un-Stripped. We look forward to giving you an amazing new tattoo!
