FAQs / AFTERCARE

Are tattoos safe?

Breaking Ink and its artists are licensed by the Oregon Health Authority. Each artist had to attend tattoo school or undergo an extensive apprenticeship, and also obtain First Aid & Blood Borne Pathogens Certification. All needles and tubes are single-use and disposable. All surfaces are non-porous and disinfected before and after each use. Nitrile gloves are used to cater to those with latex allergies. We take extra steps to ensure the safety of our clients and artists. However, we do not guarantee that you will not get addicted.

How much does it cost?

BODY ART TATTOOS are by the hour, and have a $60 minimal. The initial consultation is free. At this time, a deposit may be taken, which is a percentage of the cost. The total cost depends on the size, detail, and complexity of the tattoo. Keep in the mind, the artist puts time into setting up & drawing your tattoo. Please see our Artist page for each artist's hourly rate.

COSMETIC TATTOOS are by the piece:
Powder Brows = $350
Hairstroke Brows = $450
Combo Brows = $400
Lips = $450
Freckles & Beauty Marks = $75+
Scar Camouflage = $150 per hour

How can i make an appointment?

See our Appointments section.

how can i pay?

Nick = Cash / Card
Brian = Cash
Matt = Cash
Jiyun = Cash / Card

Can i bring a friend?

If you would like a guest to accompany you, this must be approved by your artist prior to the appointment. Please keep in mind additional people in the room can be distracting for both you and the artist, and hinder the overall tattoo process. If you and a friend(s) would like to get tattooed together, we can either schedule you back to back with the same artist OR see if multiple artists have same day/time availability. Feel free to contact us for this possibility.

When should i plan to get a tattoo?

Tattoos heal best when they are properly taken care of, especially the first couple days. You should get your tattoo when you can relax, and allow your skin to heal. Read the sections below on what you should do before and after a tattoo, so you can plan wisely.

what should i do before i get a tattoo?

Refrain from alcoholic beverages 24 hours prior.
Refrain from pain relievers, such as aspirin (Advil), ibuprofen (Tylenol) or any other muscle relaxers.
Refrain from spray tan on tattooing area.
Eat a good meal.
Drink plenty of water.
Shower and Shave. (This always makes an artist happy.)
Bring a positive attitude.
See our Appointments Page for more info.

What should i do after i get a tattoo?

GENERAL aftercare:

*Please note: Each artist may have preferences to their Aftercare. You will receive specific instructions from your artist, as well as an email prior to your appointment.

Day 1 (Day of Tattoo)
Remove bandage 2 hours after getting your tattoo.
Lightly wash area with warm water to remove any residual plasma or ink.
We recommend Dial antibacterial pump soap. Rinse with cold water.
Do not use lufa, scrubber, etc.
After wash, pat dry with a clean towel, and let area air dry for 30 minutes.
Day 2
Repeat warm water wash and cold water rinse 3x a day.
Day 3
Continue warm water washes and cold water rinses.
Expect itchy, dry flakes to appear. Do not pick at or scratch.
Apply a LIGHT layer of non-scented lotion, such as Aquaphor, Lubriderm, Curel or A&D as directed by artist.
Day 4 - 7
Continue wash/rinse process and lightly moisturize as needed.

DO NOT use vaseline, neosporin, triple antibiotic ointment, or bag balm.
DO NOT sleep on it or pick at it.
DO NOT submerge, such as in a bath/hot tub or swimming pool, until fully healed.
DO NOT put in direct sunlight or tanning devices for 30 days.
DO NOT spray tan until fully healed.

A tattoo takes 4 to 6 weeks to fully heal.
Let your tattoo "breathe" as much as possible.
Your work, exercise activities, and lifestyle may affect your tattoo.
Be sure to inform your artist and take their recommendations in properly protecting it.

Follow these aftercare instructions, or your tattoo may not heal properly.
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

SECONDSKIN AFTERCARE

Please use these instructions if your artist uses SecondSkin Barrier Film.

Secondskin barrier film should be left on for a period of 3-7 days. Some redness is normal, but if raised welts appear discontinue use and remove the film. Antihistamine will help if a reaction does occur.

For the first day or two, dark fluid may accumulate under the wrap. This is totally normal and will not stain the lighter parts of the tattoo. If the fluid builds up to the point of leaking out from under the wrap, it can be blotted away with a paper towel, or the wrap may be replaced by your tattoo artist within the first day after the tattoo. Also, the fluid can be gently “massaged” to one edge and drained, but do not perforate or puncture the wrap. The fluid will eventually reabsorb into the skin or dry up and peel off with the wrap, so if it is tolerable it is best to just leave the wrap alone.
If the wrap peels up a bit around the edges, it’s okay as long as the peeling does not reach the boundary of the tattoo. If the peeling occurs the day after, you can return to your tattoo artist to reapply. If it is beyond the day after the tattoo, remove the film and use normal aftercare procedure until the the tattoo is fully healed. Medical tape can be used to secure the edges should they come up.

To remove the wrap, peel up an edge and stretch the film as you are removing it, as this will loosen the adhesive bond. You can also remove the wrap under gently running, lukewarm soapy water.

Once the wrap is off, a small amount of peeling and/or itching may occur which can be alleviated with a scent free lotion such as Lubriderm. DO NOT pick at any scabbing or flaking, allow the flakes or scabs to come off on their own. If at any time during the process the tattoo becomes itchy a gentle slap will alleviate the itchiness.

While the tattoo is healing, do not submerge in water and stay out of the sun as much as possible. After it has completely healed, use sunblock when going in the sun to make the color last as long as possible.

If swelling occurs, you can put some ice in a ziplock bag, wrap the bag in a clean paper towel, and gently apply to the affected areas.
Please contact us if you have any questions.

COSMETIC TATTOO AFTERCARE

Day 1

Within 20 minutes of leaving your appointment, wipe the Vaseline applied by your artist from the treated area with a fresh tissue. Wash your hands thoroughly and rinse well. With clean fingers, gently wash the tattooed area with cool water. Take care to dissolve any "weeping" or blood that may have surfaced or started to dry.
Pat dry with a tissue and re-apply a thin film of Vaseline with a Q-tip and work it into the tattooed area like a moisturizer.
Repeat the above process several times in the first few hours following your procedure.
You may ice eyes with the gel packs provided in your aftercare kit. Ice lips with a zip-lock filled with crushed ice or something similar. Make sure the gel/ice packs are clean.

Day 2-5

Apply Vaseline 3-5 times a day for approximately 5 days. Vaseline is recommended for lips and eyes, as it is non-reactive for most clients.
You will find Q-tips and a Vaseline packet in your aftercare kit. Please keep it with you while out and about, so that you are able to keep the areas treated and well moisturized.

DONT'S:

DO NOT rub the tattooed area while it is healing, or pick at any scabs that may occur. This may cause loss of color and make the area more prone to infection.
DO NOT use makeup or soap on or anywhere near the tattooed area for at least 5 days.
DO NOT soak in the sun or go swimming (chlorine/salt water) for at least 5 days after.
DO NOT tint lashes/brows, use Latisse or any last stimulator for at least 2 weeks.
DO NOT use products that contain AHA's, Vitamin A, Retinol, Retin-A or any other products that bleach or lighten the skin AND peeling products such as glycolic acid and lactic acid on the tattoed area. If you usually use them for your skin, keep them away from the tattooed area as much as possible. They can fade the tattoo ink color prematurely.
(Lip Procedures Only) DO NOT lick your lips or have salty/spicy/acidic foods, as much as possible, while your lips are healing.

DO'S:

Use a facial sunscreen on your tattoo, once your tattoo is healed. This will help protect and lengthen the lifetime of your cosmetic ink.
(Lip Procedures Only) Drink through a straw for at least the first few days.

Remember, your color will look much darker for the first 5-10 days following the procedure. The area must heal and peel, before revealing the softer color beneath.

If you experience any itching, swelling, blistering or any other complications following the tattoo appointment, stop using the Vaseline and/or any other ointments and contact your artist immediately.

Are touch-ups FREE?

For Body Art Tattoos, most of our artists include a free touch-up. The touch-up should be scheduled within a month after healing.
For Cosmetic Tattoos, touch-ups are free within the first 6 months. Thereafter is $75.
There is a difference between touching-up and re-working a tattoo. Do proper aftercare and contact us immediately if you have any concerns.

230 NE 2nd Ave, Suite C, Hillsboro OR 97124 503-747-0170