Question 1

Booking Fees

Accepted Answer

I take a booking fee to confirm your appointment. Appointments are not secure without a paid booking fee!

Details will be sent to you when you book an appointment.

All my booking fee T&C’s can be found in my ‘important links’ section on your client page when you book, which includes things from cancellations to rescheduling. It will also be included in a message when I ask for a booking fee over Get Ink chat.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!

Question 2

How do I prepare for my new tattoo?

Accepted Answer

It is important that you give your new tattoo the best chance to heal, so here are a few tips to make sure you get the best result!

* Do not get sunburnt/UV exposure the week of your appointment. I cannot tattoo damaged skin.
* Avoid alcohol 24 hours before your appointment. Alcohol thins the blood (and getting a tattoo whilst you’re hungover feels awful!)
* 1-2 weeks before your appointment, gently exfoliate the area every couple of days to remove any dead skin buildup. This helps with the healing process. 
* Be sure to moisturise a couple of weeks before your appointment. This ensures your skin will stay smooth and heal correctly. 
* Get a good nights sleep! 
* Make sure your well hydrated before the appointment
* Have something to eat, even if you’re a regular!

Please get in touch if you’re unsure about anything at all, I’m more than happy to help!

Question 3

How do I look after my new tattoo?

Accepted Answer

✨ AFTERCARE ✨

ONCE YOU LEAVE THE STUDIO IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR NEW TATTOO. SO PLEASE FOLLOW OUR ADVICE :).

GETTING A TATTOO INVOLVES BREAKING THE SKINS SURFACE SO THERE ARE POTENTIAL RISKS OF INFECTION TO OCCUR AFTERWARDS. THIS IS WHY A NEW TATTOO SHOULD BE TREATED AS A WOUND INITIALLY.

HEALING WITH SECOND SKIN:

* Your tattoo artist will have cleaned the area and applied the second skin  dressing. Depending on the size of the tattoo, this film can be left on for around 3 days.

* You don’t have to do anything with it until the dressing is removed.

* Do not rewrap tattoo with clingfilm after 3 days of wearing the dressing .

* Your tattoo will leak under the dressing and you will see ink and plasma liquid build up underneath. Don’t Panic! This is normal and nothing to worry about. If your tattoo leaks a large amount or the dressing is coming away. Remove the dressing after the first 12/24 hours and follow the ‘how to clean’ steps below.

HEALING WITH CLING FILM AND HOW TO CLEAN:
Your tattoo artist will disinfect the tattoo area and cover the skin with cling film after the session is finished. (if we did not use the second skin method above)

1. After 4 hours (or the recommended amount of time form your artist) take off the cling film wrap.

2. Wash: Cleanse the tattoo with antibacterial, unscented soap and lukewarm water to remove the shiny coat that might have formed on top of your tattoo. Be sure to remove as much dried blood and plasma as possible, while still being gentle.

3. Dry: Allow your tattoo to air dry for 15 minutes. Pat gently with a clean paper towel. Avoid any harsh loofahs, towels or washcloths as they can irritate the skin and transfer bacteria to the area. Ensure that the area is completely dry before applying cream.

4. Apply a thin layer of aftercare cream once the tattoo feels dried out. Non irritating lotion such as Butterluxe Tattoo care. We recommend the cream being applied as a thin layer at least 2 / 3 times a day. Every time you reapply the cream you should fully clean off the old cream before reapplying. Using too much cream can harvest bacteria and cause infections. So remember a very thin layer is all thats needed to protect the tattoo.

GENERAL TIPS/DO’s and DON’TS:

Wearing loose cotton clothing is best. Don’t wear anything tight or that would rub on the tattoo. Allow to breathe free of clothing when possible.

Don’t soak the tattoo in water (bathing, swimming), do not expose the tattoo to sunlight, sun beds, saunas, steam rooms, tanning lotion or spray tans for at least 4 weeks.

Avoid picking any scabbing areas.

Avoid going to the gym and heavy sweating for the first 3 days after your new tattoo.

Troubleshoot: If your tattoo is hot, swollen, red, irritated, weeping for a long period of time, clean with antibacterial soap and STOP using aftercare balm. Let it full dry heal. Do NOT wrap with clingfilm, let the area breathe. Wear loose clothing. Keep it clean and dry! With all tattoos there is always a risk of infection, therefore looking after the tattoo is very important to avoid any issues.

IF YOU ARE UNSURE:
Send me a message and I will tailor aftercare advice to your specific issues.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS  CONTACT MYSELF OR THE SHOP FOR ADVICE.

Question 4

Is it a safe space?

Accepted Answer

I want ALL my clients to feel comfortable with me. I understand that tattoo appointments have a great level of trust. I am more than welcoming for LGBTQIAO+, any race and any religion. I am not fussed about body hair, shapes and sizes. My chair is a time for a tattoo and a friendly chat. All clients are treated with the most respect and inclusivity. It is my job to give the client the best experience (and tattoo!) as possible. EVERYONE is welcome. Sword and Sparrow is a safe place. I will not post any tattoos at your discretion if you would like to keep them personal (i.e hidden). Please let me know if this is the case. If you have any concerns, please send me a message. You’re also more than welcome to bring headphones to listen to your own music.

Catherine Burleigh

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