The Steps of Your Tattoo Appointment

1. Discussing Your Ink

At Crystal Dawn Tattoos, I mostly do online consultations through direct messaging on Crystal’s Instagram, Crystal Dawn Tattoos Facebook page, email, or text. This process helps me to reference back to your ideas and images sent. It is important to let me know what style you are looking for, the area on body, an approximate size, and details that you’d like included or taken away.

If you plan on using numbing cream, please discuss with your artist ahead of time so they can best prepare for your session.

2. Design Process

With the information provided, I will have a design prepared for us to go over together on the day of your appointment. I do not create pre-designs, however small alterations can be made on the day of our appointment until it is something that you love. Please note that if there are large and significant changes to your tattoo design on the day of your appointment that differ from what we’ve previously discussed, there may be an additional charge to account for the extra time spent revising the design.

3. Preparing For Your Appointment

To ensure your skin is in the best condition for your tattoo, please apply lotion to the area to be tattooed for at least one week prior to your appointment (excluding the night before and the day of). Avoid prolonged sun exposure, and be sure to use sunscreen in the days leading up to your appointment. It's important to have a good breakfast on the day of your tattoo.

Feel free to bring a snack or drink for your comfort during the session. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed. If you'd like, you can take Ibuprofen or Tylenol before your appointment to help manage any pain or swelling.

4. Arriving At The Studio

When you arrive, you’ll be greeted and settled in. We’ll go over the final details of your design, make any last-minute adjustments if needed, and discuss placement, size, and any specific preferences you may have.

We’ll take a few minutes to ensure the design is exactly what you want before starting. If you’ve requested a custom tattoo, this is the time to ask questions or make any changes to ensure you’re 100% happy with the artwork.

5. Preparing For The Tattoo

I’ll get the area ready by cleaning and prepping your skin. You’ll be comfortable and relaxed in a clean, sanitized space. Once we’re ready, I’ll start your tattoo! Your session will vary depending on the size and complexity of your piece. If you're feeling nervous, I’ll check in with you throughout to ensure you're comfortable.

6. Aftercare & Final Touches


When your tattoo is done, I’ll give you detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing. Depending on your tattoo, we’ll schedule a follow-up session if needed. You’ll leave the studio with a fresh piece of art and a plan to keep it looking great!

7. Relax & Enjoy The Experience

Tattooing is a personal experience, and I want you to enjoy the process as much as possible. Feel free to bring some music, a book, or catch up on your favorite show and let me know if you need any breaks during the session.

8. Payment

I gladly accept payments via cash or e-transfer for your convenience.

Aftercare

At Crystal Dawn Tattoos, I typically use a liquid bandage spray or an adhesive tattoo bandage.

Bandage Spray:

I recommend leaving this product on for 18 to 24 hours. Use warm water and gently clean your tattoo with unscented soap. Avoid using exfoliants, loofahs, or any scrubbing to remove this product. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion on your tattoo. Cleanse your tattoo with unscented soap and follow up with a fragrance free lotion 2 to 3 times a day for the next two weeks to keep the skin moisturized and aid the healing process.

Adhesive Bandage Wrap:

I recommend keeping this product on for 2 to 3 days. It is normal for some ink and plasma to collect underneath the protective layer. Carefully remove your bandage while in the shower using warm water. When removing your bandage, I recommend peeling up a corner and pulling away from your tattoo, not against it. Improper removal can damage your tattoo and cause the ink to fade or lift. Gently use unscented soap to cleanse your tattoo once barrier has been removed and pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Use a thin layer of fragrance free lotion. Continue this cleansing and moisturizing routine 2 to 3 times a day for the next 2 weeks.

Helpful Tips:

Use fresh bed sheets, or lay a clean towel down when you go to sleep. Avoid having your pets lick your new tattoo and try to keep their hair away from your piece.

Wear loose, non abrasive clothing while healing your tattoo. If going out in the sun within the first couple weeks, try to cover up your ink, even with a light fabric.

Your tattoo will go through an itchy stage and it is important to not scratch at your fresh ink. This can cause ink loss and introduce harmful bacteria. Allow flakes of skin or scabs to fall off naturally without picking at it.


Avoid swimming in lakes, pools, hot tubs, saunas or tanning for the next 3 weeks. Bacteria and chemicals can damage your tattoo and cause issues in your healing process.

Within the first year of your tattoo, it can fade the most due to sun exposure. It is important to use an SPF sunblock of 30 SPF or higher when exposed to the sun.

Here’s to a smooth healing journey! If anything comes up or you have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.