I’ve been tattooed by Kyle at Shedding Skin several times, and twice so far by Brian Meier. Some other recommended artists include:

- Scott and John at Flaming Dragon

- Don and Jerry at Tacoma Tattoo Company

- Jayme at Tsunami

[This is, of course, not to say that the other artists at these shops aren’t good!]

Who tattoos you?

my lovely friend mel’s video on tattoos, featuring local artist Brian Meier.

After the buzzing of the machine stops, the world of tattoos becomes more science than art. Artists and clients each have their own preferences for tattoo aftercare, but the general steps remain the same.

BMEZine.com’s encyclopedia, the client is responsible for proper aftercare, but oxygen and the client’s body itself will do much of the work. Healing periods vary from person to person, along with the work done and the type of skin tattooed upon.

Generally, tattoos heal similarly to sunburns. Initially, the tattoo is sore, inflamed and even swollen. After around two to four days, the tattoo will begin to flake off the top layer of dried skin. The skin underneath will appear very glossy and shiny. After that, healing can take anywhere from one and a half to three weeks, but the time frame varies from client to client and artist to artist.

“You shouldn’t be scabbing,” Tacoma artist Brian Meier said. “If you do, it should be very very light.”

BMEZine.com lists common things to do, or not to do, on their encyclopedia page.

Immediately after a tattoo session has concluded, the tattoo should be covered in plastic wrap for up to 12 hours, BMEZine.com advises. After carefully removing the wrap, the tattoo needs to be washed with a plan, unscented soap. Pat the tattoo dry and apply an unscented lotion or cream.

The problem with products with fragrance is that clients essentially shove perfume into what is basically an open wound. Always check the ingredient list on any product before applying it to a tattoo.

Meier uses his own mantra for aftercare: “Wash, air dry, apply, pat dry.” He advises against using a washcloth or a loofah when washing a new tattoo, because the rough textures can tear up the sensitive skin.

Another important factor is to apply the correct amount of product after washing.

“Normally, when people freak out, it’s directly related to their application. They don’t know if they’re applying too much or too little,” Meier said. “You’re giving your skin a drink. Don’t leave it on all shiny and goopy.”

After applying the moisturizing product, such as Aquaphor, let it absorb into the skin for a couple of minutes, and pat off the excess product. Meier also tells his clients to never reapply any product on a tattoo without first washing it. Reapplying without making sure a tattoo is clean runs the risk of trapping bacteria.

Every artist has a different mantra when it comes to tattoo aftercare.

“I always stress to people ‘listen to your artist as long as it makes sense,’” Meier said. “If your artist says to rub cow sh-t on it, don’t do it.”

What products do you use? What is your healing process usually like? Does it fit this?