Does Tattoo Numbing Cream Affect the Ink or Healing?

Michael Hollman
Tagged: aftercare numbing
The promise of a pain-free tattoo is incredibly appealing. For many, the only thing holding them back from their dream tattoo is the fear of the needle. Tattoo numbing cream...

How Long Does It Take for a Finger Tattoo to Heal? A Realistic Guide

Michael Hollman
Delicate, trendy, and perfectly placed for a subtle statement, finger tattoos have exploded in popularity. Whether it's a tiny symbol on the side of a finger, a delicate vine wrapping...

How Long Do You Have to Wait to Work Out After a Tattoo?

Michael Hollman
Tagged: aftercare
You’ve just added a new piece of art to your skin, and you're feeling great. For many of us here in active-lifestyle-loving Portland, the first question after leaving the tattoo...

Tattoo Aftercare Deep Dive: What's the Difference Between a Balm and a Lotion?

Michael Hollman
Tagged: aftercare
You're getting ready for your new tattoo, and you know you need a good moisturizer to get you through the healing process. You head to the store and are faced...

What Does It Mean When a Tattoo Is "Bubbling"?

Michael Hollman
Tagged: aftercare
You're a few days into healing your new tattoo, diligently following your aftercare routine. But as you go to apply your lotion, you notice something strange. Parts of your tattoo...

What's the Best Soap to Use on a New Tattoo?

Michael Hollman
Tagged: aftercare
You’ve just taken the wrap off your new tattoo, and it's time for that critical first wash. This single step is one of the most important in the entire healing...

Can You Get a Tattoo While on Antibiotics?

Michael Hollman
Tagged: aftercare
You have a tattoo appointment that you've been looking forward to for months. But a week before, a nagging sinus infection or a bout of strep throat sends you to...

How Do You Keep a New Tattoo From Fading? A Lifetime Guide

Michael Hollman
You’ve just invested time, money, and a good deal of commitment into a beautiful piece of permanent art. As you admire it in the studio, the lines are perfectly crisp,...

Can You Drink Alcohol After Getting a Tattoo?

Michael Hollman
Tagged: aftercare
You've just left the studio with an amazing new tattoo. You’re feeling the adrenaline and excitement, and you want to go out and celebrate your new art with friends. The...

How Long Does Tattoo Itching Last and How Do You Stop It?

Michael Hollman
Tagged: aftercare
You've survived the needle. You've made it through the initial soreness and swelling. You think the hardest part is over, and then it begins: the itch. It's a maddening, relentless, and...

A Stage-by-Stage Guide to the Tattoo Healing Process

Michael Hollman
Tagged: aftercare
Getting a new tattoo is like starting a small, artistic construction project on your skin. Your artist does the hard work of laying the foundation, but it's up to you...

How Long Does It Take for a Tattoo to Look Normal?

Michael Hollman
Tagged: aftercare
You’ve just left the studio, and your new tattoo is a masterpiece—the blacks are incredibly dark, the colors are shockingly vibrant, and the lines are razor-sharp. But as anyone with...